Tucson, AZ | Sharing what we've learned about training to become a certified therapy dog team, managing atypical Addison’s Disease, and raising happier and healthier dogs.
The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test consists of ten practical tasks to test how well a dog behaves in his community and around other dogs. Learn more about the program, and specific training tips for each of the ten CGC tests.
Read MoreWhen you’re taking the Canine Good Citizen Test, your dog must wear an approved collar or harness, and leash. Using other supplies that you’re familiar with will help make you and your dog more comfortable on test day. Other helpful supplies make practicing for test day out in the real world much easier for you, and more motivating for your dog.
Read MoreThe supervised separation task on the Canine Good Citizen Test prepares you and your dog for leaving your dog with a friend for a few minutes while you grab a coffee or run to the restroom. You want your dog to calmly wait for you, but achieving this goal may prove difficult for some dogs. Remember to start with small steps to help your dog understand that you will be right back. Keep reading for more ideas on how to help your dog with the final CGC Test item.
Read MoreDogs preparing for the Canine Good Citizen Test must be accustomed to a variety of distractions in their community. Whether it be bicyclists passing by or plates dropping in a restaurant, if you want a polite pup in public, then finding those visual and auditory stimuli is a must for practice. Keep reading for several suggestions for finding these every day distractions in your community.
Read MorePracticing neutral dog behavior may take time for some dogs. If you’re planning on taking the Canine Good Citizen Test, be sure to start reinforcing calm reactions to other dogs early on. Need ideas for where to practice this skill and how to ace meeting another person with their dog, read on…
Read MoreTraining for a reliable recall is vital to the safety of your dog. Feeling confident that your dog will race back to you when you called is a priority for many pet parents. Plus, to pass the Canine Good Citizen Test, your dog must demonstrate his ability to come when called. Read on for fun exercises you can use to teach your dog this important command.
Read MoreWhile sit, down, and stay are basic commands that every dog should know for the Canine Good Citizen Test, practicing these commands can start feeling quite repetitive. If you need ideas for adding some variety to your training sessions while gradually increasing the difficulty level for your dog, then read on.
Read MoreSometimes finding crowds of people to practice walking around may seem elusive. If you’re preparing for the Canine Good Citizen Test though, you need to find the right size crowd for your dog. Not too big. Not too small. Just right. Keep reading for ideas on where to find different sized crowds, but also how to manage your dog safely through those crowds.
Read MoreTeaching your dog how to walk politely on a loose leash takes concentrated effort and patience. Once you’ve got the basics down, though, finding ways to challenge yourself and your dog as you practice this core craft can be difficult. Read on for our best tips for honing your loose leash walking skill or the Canine Good Citizen Test.
Read MoreDuring the Canine Good Citizen Test, a friendly stranger touches your dog only twice. After meeting your dog and petting him, the friendly stranger then must pick up his front paws, touch his ears, and brush him. For some dogs that brief contact is still too much. If you need some ideas for helping your dog grow more accustomed to being handled, keep reading for specific CGC training tips.
Read MoreMcSquare Doodles chronicles how we're training to become a certified therapy dog team with both our Labradoodles in Tucson, Arizona. We share what we've learned about dog-friendly places to visit, and tips for raising happier and healthier dogs. Join us on our journey.
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