The Canine Good Neighbour Program is a 12-step test, that when completed successfully, will ensure that one of our most favoured companions, the dog, is accepted as a valued member of our communities right across the country. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.
The test is non-competitive and allows dog and handler to demonstrate confidence and control in 12 steps. It assesses the handler and dog's relationship, together with the handler's ability to control the dog. Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic exercises as well as their ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday situations.
You and Your Dog Must Must Complete these 12 Steps
- Accepting A Friendly Stranger
- Politely Accepts Petting
- Appearance and Grooming
- Out For A Walk
- Walking Through A Crowd
- Sit/Down On Command and Stay In Place
- Come When Called
- Praise/Interaction
- Reaction To A Passing Dog
- Reaction To Distractions
- Supervised Isolation
- Walking Through A Door/Gate
The training program embraces both purebred and mixed-breed dogs and is fun, rewarding, and useful. It encourages owners to have a better and richer relationship with their dogs. The program also enhances community awareness of responsible dog ownership and the numerous benefits associated with dog ownership.
How can I become a Canine Good Neighbour?
This is the best part...you and your dog won't be the only ones to benefit from participation in a local Canadian Kennel Club approved Canine Good Neighbour Test; communities across the country will learn more and have an ever increasing respect for dog owners and their companions because of the participation of responsible dog owners.
If you are interested in participating with your dog and obtaining a CGN certification, you should first obtain a copy of the Participants Handbook from the CKC order desk at 1-800-250-8040 or review online here. You and your dog can then prepare prior to the event in your community. You should register directly with the host organization. You'll be awarded a certificate if your dog earns a "Pass", if not... simply spend more time working with your pet in the areas identified by your evaluator and then visit another testing in the future.
To find a CGN Program in your neighbourhood, please check out the list of CGN Test Events here.
If you are unable to locate a test in your area, please contact a local dog club or municipality to see if they are hosting any Canine Good Neighbour events.
If they are not, please suggest that they do so! For more information, please contact our Shows and Trials Division at 1-855-364-7252 or at information@ckc.ca.
How Do I Host a Canine Good Neighbour Program in my area?
Dog Clubs, local municipalities, SPCA associations, rescue groups, vet clinics, grooming/training facilities, service clubs and many other organizations can host a CGN test. Your organization will be responsible for setting up and executing the program in a suitable local venue. You'll also be responsible for sourcing qualified evaluators who have been accredited by The Canadian Kennel Club. Should your group wish to host a CGN test, please obtain and submit an Application To Hold A Canine Good Neighbour Test to the CKC's Shows and Trials Division. Please download an Application to Hold A Canine Good Neighbour Test from the online forms section of our website. Prior to planning your event, we suggest obtaining a copy of both the Evaluator Guide and Participant Handbook to review the elements of the test and requirements of a host organization. These materials are available from the CKC Order Desk at 1-800-250-8040 or download a Canine Good Neighbour Program Order Form.
To find a CGN Evaluator in your area, visit our Find A Judge page.
How can I become a Canine Good Neighbour Evaluator?
Evaluators must possess a strong understanding of dog behaviour, an awareness of a dog's role in society and our society's attitude towards dogs. Evaluators will ideally have a background in obedience, conformation, fieldwork or other disciplines such as grooming and therapy dog training. Experience working within humane societies and vet clinics is also an asset. To become a CGN Certified Evaluator you must:
- be a Regular Member in good standing of The Canadian Kennel Club
- have at least 5 years experience in the training and handling of dogs
- be a member/participant in a dog club or dog association.
- successfully pass a written test based on the Evaluator Guide and Participant Handbook.
If you wish to apply for CGN Evaluator status, please obtain an Application for Canine Good Neighbour Evaluator form (currently under revision) from CKC's order desk at 1-800-250-8040 or from the online forms section of our website and submit it, along with the required fees, to the Shows and Trials Division of the CKC. You will also need to review a copy of the Evaluator Guide and Participant Handbook, which are both available from the order desk at 1-800-250-8040 or online under Membership Services once you have logged on as a member. Once you have made your application and been accepted as a candidate, an open book test will be forwarded to you for completion.
For more information and to order program materials, please contact:
The Canadian Kennel Club
200 Ronson Drive, Suite 400
Etobicoke, ON M9W 5Z9
1(800) 250-8040
information@ckc.ca
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