Articles. News. Information.

Category of Information, News & Articles


Help Your Dog Become a Good Canine Citizen


Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you may be able to get an award to prove it from the American Kennel Club (AKC) through its Canine Good Citizen Program.

This certification program is for all dogs, whether purebred or mutt. Any dog who has completed his vaccinations can be tested, and there is no upper age limit.

Ten behaviors are tested:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger

2. Sitting politely for petting

3. Letting someone brush and groom him

4. Walking on a loose leash

5. Walking through a crowd

6. Staying in place (sit and down)

7. Coming when called

8. Reacting to another dog

9. Reacting to distractions

10.Being separated from owner for 3-minutes.

If your dog can't pass these, you need to initiate a training program. These are the social skills required for living with humans in urban America.

The tests are done at dog shows, community colleges and private training facilities. The AKC charges $5 for the certificate (if you pass) and some organizations charge a nominal amount for the test ($10).

To find a location, go the AKC website at

I'm really, really encouraging you to take advantage of this program.

You owe it to your dog to assure that he can survive in an urban setting and that he remains adoptable by someone else if something happen to you. Not everyone would put up with a nippy, barking, high-strung dog who thinks he's the king of household.

Your participation also encourages the AKC to continue this program. It's been around since 1989 but hasn't been publicized the way it should.

The AKC raises more than $50M a year from registration fees and does a lot of great work for purebreds.

The Canine Good Citizen is a way for them to help all dogs and dog owners no matter what they're background - something not all AKC members support.

More participation will ensure funding continues and the AKC expands the program.

We're also hopeful that insurance companies and landlords will start accepting the certificates and giving homeowners or renters a break on insurance rates or damage deposits.

With the increase in "dangerous breed" laws and rising homeowners insurance rates when you have a dog, it's important for all our dogs to be good citizens and respected members of the community.

Louise Louis is a long-time dog person and creator of http://www.ToyBreeds.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Pet insurance saves cash, but comes with caveats
The Associated Press - 7 hours ago
One way to protect yourself is to buy pet health insurance. It's still not that common. Less than 1 percent of pets are insured in the US, according Petplan ...


Tricked-out Greater Cincinnati dog park will put teeth in Pet Stop ...
Bizjournals.com, NC - 6 hours ago
Pet Stop Fence Systems CEO Bob Slattery hangs with his dogs Blue, left, and Bo. What began as a business-expansion strategy is ending up as a little slice ...


Vets Worry About Pet Health In Ailing Economy
MSNBC - 9 hours ago
But the move has pet docs concerned. Their line of work, just like health care, is typically resistant to recessions. But not this time. ...


The Oregonian - OregonLive.com

Lawmakers vote: No more pets allowed in Oregon Capitol
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - 7 hours ago
Technically, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services has a no-pets policy covering most state offices. No word yet whether that means Hershey is ...


Olathe family, pets escape fire
Kansas City Star, MO - 15 hours ago
Firefighters say working smoke alarms alerted two Olathe residents to a fire in their home early this morning. According to a release from the Olathe Fire ...


County shelter offers free clinic for pets
San Diego Union Tribune, CA - 6 hours ago
Coupons to spay or neuter pets also will be available. Dogs must be kept on leashes, and cats and rabbits must be in carriers. Rabies vaccinations for dogs ...


Most popular and unusual pet names
NECN, MA - 5 hours ago
(NECN) - Today on the Animal Connection, we're talking pet names. The most popular and the most unusual. Vicki Croke is an animal expert, author and host of ...


Hotels roll out the red carpet for traveling pets
Philadelphia Business Journal, PA - 11 hours ago
“People are willing to spend money on pets because, in these hard economic times, our pets love us no matter what our economic condition. ...


Residents fear for pets after man shoots neighbor's dog
McKinney Courier Gazette, TX - 11 hours ago
"My dog is not the only dog that gets out,'' said pet owner Kevyn Allen. "Why did he have to shoot my dog? Our whole family is beside itself. ...
Pit Bull Fatally Wounded After Shooting, Neighbors Fear for Their ... WiredPRNews.com (press release)
all 18 news articles


CBS News

Stop Your Pet From Peeving You Off
CBS News, NY - 13 hours ago
The Early Show's resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner Bell, shared tips Friday to help you correct a few pet bad behaviors or, as they could be called, ...

Pets - Google News

Home | Sitemap
© 2006 eInfoJunction.com Homepage | Web Directory | Article Directory| Bid Directory