1. Greets a friendly stranger
In order to pass the greeting portion of the canine good citizen test, dogs must approach a friendly stranger and sit politely for petting. They should also be willing to have their paws and ears handled. This task can help to ensure that your pet is comfortable being around people and will not be afraid or aggressive when meeting new people.
2. Sits politely for petting
Dogs who pass the canine good citizen test will also be able to sit politely for petting. This means that they will not jump on or bark at people who are petting them. Sitting calmly for petting can help to make interactions with strangers more pleasant for both the dog and the person interacting with them.
3. Welcomes being groomed, brushed; allows paws and ears to be handled
In order to pass the grooming portion of the canine good citizen test, dogs must allow their paws and ears to be handled without becoming agitated or trying to bite. This task can help ensure that your pet is comfortable being groomed and will not struggle or try to escape during the process.
4. Walks as directed on a loose leash
In order to pass the grooming portion of the canine good citizen test, dogs must allow their paws and ears to be handled without becoming agitated or trying to bite. This task can help ensure that your pet is comfortable being groomed and will not struggle or try to escape during the process.
5. Moves politely through a crowd
To pass the moving through a crowd portion of the canine good citizen test, dogs must walk calmly beside their owner while navigating through people who are in close proximity. This task can help ensure that your pet does not become overwhelmed or frightened in busy areas, and it can also help prevent them from accidentally bumping into strangers.
6. Sits, lies down, and stays in place on command
In order to pass the obedience section of the canine good citizen test, dogs must be able to sit, lie down, and stay in place on command. This means that they will remain in position until given further instruction by their owner. Being able to obey commands reliably can help keep your dog safe and out of trouble in potentially hazardous situations.
7. Comes when called
To pass the come when called portion of the canine good citizen test, dogs must come to their owner when called from a distance of at least 10 feet. This task can help ensure that your pet will listen to you and come when you need them, even if they are distracted or interested in something else.
8. Behaves politely around other dogs
Dogs who pass the canine good citizen test will also be able to behave politely around other dogs. This means that they will not bark, growl, or try to fight with other dogs when they are in close proximity. Being well-behaved around other dogs can help prevent conflict and make socialization opportunities more enjoyable for everyone involved.
9. Reacts with confidence to distractions
To pass the distractions portion of the canine good citizen test, dogs must remain calm and focused when confronted with potential distractions, such as other animals or loud noises. This task can help ensure that your pet will not be easily startled or frightened by unexpected things that may happen in their environment.
10. Can be left with a trusted person
In order to pass the final portion of the canine good citizen test, dogs must be able to be left with a trusted person for a short period of time. This means that they will not become agitated or try to escape when their owner is not with them. Being able to stay calm and relaxed when left alone can help prevent destructive behavior and separation anxiety.
