erformance includes, but are not limited to
Agility, Canine Good Citizen, Conformation, Earthdog, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Lure Coursing, Obedience, AKC Rally, and Tracking. In this section we shall give a brief explanation of one
performance event, which will give you a feeling that to own a dog is not a privilege, but a responsibility. For in your hands is a friend who can with a little patience and practice, provide years
of enjoyment for both the owner and the dog.
Generally any recognized breed can compete and be successful in any AKC performance event and competitions are also available for mixed breeds too. Some of the performance events have to do with instincts or traits and before pursuing those events a wise owner would seek an assessment of the dogs ability.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Out litters are kept for a minimum of 10 weeks. During this period of time the puppies are socialized with other dogs and humans, are potty trained, given small scale obstacles to explore like some found in agility and learn commands like in obedience and conformation. Exploration and discovery are a part of every day activity too, which show signs of instinct and traits. In short when an owner is then to take possession, the puppy will have CGC training and an assessment as to whether the puppy is best suited as a companion dog or a performance dog. Of course our recommendation is not bullet proof, but will give an owner some valuable considerations in their new home. A suggested daily activity of what we have done is furnished which will continue the puppy and now new owner learning and growing experience, which will last a life time.
Canine Good Citizen is a certification program of AKC and differs significantly from non AKC puppy training classes commonly given by pet stores and private individuals. The AKC program is usually administered by trained professionals associated with a local AKC dog club. It is a two part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the ten step CGC test may receive a certificate from AKC.
The AKC certification program for CGC provides the building blocks which further a dog's abilities in performance.
In a little over one decade, the Canine Good Citizen Program has begun to have an extremely positive impact in many of our communities. This is a program that can help us assure that the dogs we love will always be welcomed and well respected members of our communities.
After reading about the CGC program if you are left with the feeling that if anyone who owns a dog had gone through the AKC certification program our world of dog owners and non dog owners would be a happier place in which to live, then we have done a good job in explaining responsible dog ownership and community accepted good dog behavior.
© 2005-2009 Carolyn Lancaster