CANINE AWARDS PRESENTED

The Canine Companion Club has awarded the Canine Good Citizen certificates to a number of pet dogs in our area. Dogs with good manners could be eligible for the award from the American Kennel Club.

The kennel club's Canine Good Citizen program started in 1989. It is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. This two-part program stresses responsible pet ownership and basic good manners for dogs.

Dogs who pass the good citizen test receive a certificate and are recorded in the kennel club's Canine Good Citizen archive.

The purpose of the good citizen program is to ensure dogs can be respected members of the community.

To be certified, dogs must complete 10 items on the Canine Good Citizen test. Items on the test include accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely, neat appearance, and permissiveness of grooming, walking on a loose lead, walking through a crowd, staying in place, coming when called, polite behavior around other dogs, confidence when faced with common distractions and good manners when left with a trusted person.

Dogs are not required to complete an obedience class beforehand. All dogs can be tested. Certificate of immunization is required to attend.

Dogs can be evaluated and receive this award through testing at the Canine Companion Club, which conducts testing on a regular basis.

Locally, the canine club can be reached by calling 243-7187.

Classes are also available to owners and pets who need to learn a few more skills before taking the test.