Service Dog Prospects

Puppies 14 - weeks and older will begin their basic training to cultivate their demeanor and behavior to become reliable family members and good citizens of Society with the potential of consideration as Service Dog Prospects.

Youngsters will have their training geared toward obtaining their Canadian Good Neighbor Certification (CGN).

Canine Good Dog Citizen Test (CGC), conducted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Canadian Good Neighbor (CGN)  conducted by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) assesses temperament and trained behavior.  

CGC & CGN is a requirement for most therapy-dog programs.

These are certification programs that test dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable family members as well as good-standing community members. The testing takes place in a busy public area, such as a shopping mall. Testing includes the following:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger — The owner of the dog shakes hands with a friendly stranger.
2. Patiently sitting for petting — A test for shyness and resentment.
3. Appearance & grooming — The owner’s care and sense of responsibility is seen in how his dog is kept.
4. Out for a walk — Illustrating handler’s control of the dog.
5. Walking through a crowd — Demonstrating how the dog moves in a crowd without unduly distress and under his owner’s control.
6. Commands — Sit, Down, Stay, Come. Illustrating that the dog has been trained and responds well.
7. Praise/interactions — Illustrating the relationship between dog and owner.
8. Reaction to passing dogs — Demonstrates if the dog behaves politely around other dogs.
9. Distractions — Demonstrates the dog’s confidence when faced with common distractions.
10. Supervised isolation — Demonstrates whether the dog can be left with someone other than his usual handler and still maintain training and good manners.