How to Prepare Your Stokeshire Puppy for the Canine Good Citizen Test

Preparing your Stokeshire Designer Doodle puppy for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test involves building a foundation of good behavior, socialization, and responsiveness. The CGC test, which is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), assesses a dog’s ability to demonstrate manners and interact politely with people and other animals. Here's how to get your puppy ready:

1. Start Socialization Early

Socializing your puppy with various environments, people, and other dogs is essential for the CGC test. This helps your puppy become comfortable in different situations and ensures they behave calmly.

• Introduce them to different settings: parks, pet stores, and busy streets.

• Expose your puppy to various people: men, women, children, and elderly.

• Meet other dogs: ensure your puppy is friendly and non-reactive to other dogs.

2. Master Basic Obedience Commands

The CGC test requires your puppy to demonstrate a basic understanding of obedience commands. Practice these daily:

• Sit

• Down

• Stay

• Come

• Heel

Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to reward your puppy for good behavior. Consistency is key!

3. Work on Loose-Leash Walking

The CGC test requires your puppy to walk on a leash without pulling. Practice walking your puppy on a leash with proper positioning, ensuring that they stay by your side and don’t pull or lag behind.

• Start in a quiet area and gradually introduce distractions.

• Reward them when they walk calmly on the leash.

4. Get Comfortable with Handling

The CGC test will assess your puppy’s tolerance for being handled by strangers, which can be challenging for some dogs. Practice the following:

• Touch their ears, paws, tail, and teeth gently to get them used to being examined.

• Ensure they are comfortable with grooming, nail trimming, and brushing.

• Use treats and calm praise to reinforce positive experiences.

5. Desensitize to Noise and Distractions

The CGC test will expose your puppy to various noises, like a doorbell or other dogs barking. Help your puppy feel comfortable with such distractions.

• Play sounds like doorbells or vacuum noises at a low level and gradually increase the volume.

• Expose your puppy to other dogs and people in calm, controlled environments.

6. Improve Your Puppy’s Focus

Your puppy should be able to focus on you during the test, even with distractions present. Practice “watch me” exercises, where your puppy makes eye contact with you on command. This can help redirect their attention back to you when needed.

7. Prepare for the Test Components

The CGC test consists of 10 specific exercises that evaluate your puppy's behavior and social manners:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger – Your puppy must stay calm when approached by a stranger.

2. Sitting politely for petting – Your puppy must remain calm and accept petting from a stranger.

3. Appearance and grooming – Your puppy must allow handling, including being brushed and having their ears and teeth checked.

4. Out for a walk (loose leash walking) – Your puppy must walk on a loose leash next to you without pulling.

5. Walking through a crowd – Your puppy must remain calm when walking through a crowd of people.

6. Sit and down on command – Your puppy must sit and lie down on command.

7. Stay in place – Your puppy must remain in a sit, down, or standing position for 1-3 minutes.

8. Come when called – Your puppy must come to you when called.

9. Reaction to another dog – Your puppy must remain calm and non-reactive when meeting another dog.

10. Reaction to distractions – Your puppy must stay calm when exposed to distracting noises or objects.

8. Take a CGC Preparation Class

Consider enrolling in a CGC preparation class to familiarize your puppy with the test requirements and allow you both to practice in a controlled environment. A professional trainer can help you address any specific concerns and provide feedback on your puppy’s progress.

9. Stay Calm and Confident

Your puppy will pick up on your energy. Stay calm and confident during training and on the test day. Use a positive and encouraging tone to motivate your puppy, and avoid being overly harsh or impatient.

10. Test Day: Be Prepared

Ensure your puppy is well-rested and has had plenty of potty breaks before the test. Bring their favorite treats, a leash, and any necessary paperwork. Arrive early, stay relaxed, and trust in your training.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, your Stokeshire puppy will be well on their way to passing the Canine Good Citizen test and becoming a well-mannered, social dog!