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The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program: All of my Cocker Spaniels are enrolled in school. Their classes began in January 2004. We may progress to fancy tricks later, but our first objective is for each of our guys to earn his or her AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate. The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen Certificate is to ensure that my favorite companions (my Cocker Spaniels) are respected and welcome members of my community because they have been trained and conditioned to act mannerly in my home, in public places, in the presence of other people, and in the presence of other animals. The test of our dog's manners and training is not a competition and does not require that me or my Cocker Spaniels perform with precision. However, they must be able to complete these 10 steps:
Step 1: Accepting a friendly stranger who greets the owner (and not the dog). Step 2: Sitting politely for petting. Step 3: Appearance and grooming: Dog welcomes being brushed and examined. Step 4: Walking on a loose leash. Step 5: Walking politely through a crowd on a loose leash. Step 6: Sit or down on command/staying in place: Owner at a distance. Step 7: Coming when called. Step 8: Reaction to another dog. Step 9: Reaction to distractions. Step 10: Supervised separation from the owner (for three minutes).
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The American Kennel Club urges all dog owners to participate in this program, thereby assuring that our beloved dogs will always be welcomed and respected members of the community. The bonus is that we all reap the benefits of well-behaved Cocker Spaniels . . . and believe me, and I am sure that those of you who know about Cocker Spaniels will agree that they can be a terror if they have not been taught to behave! |
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It is up to us to teach our dogs to be good boys and good girls instead of bad dogs!
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