Objective Training 1: Accepting a Friendly Stranger

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The Evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The test begins with the dog seated at the handler's side. The Evaluator and handler do a pretend handshake (with hands about 12 inches apart) and exchange pleasantries (e.g., "Hello, it's good to see you again," as they pretend to shake hands). In this test, the Evaluator does not interact with the dog.

• The dog must show no resentment, aggression, or shyness.
• The dog may not jump on or rush to the Evaluator to initiate contact. The dog may not lunge forward to greet the Evaluator
• The dog should be under control throughout the exercise. If the handler must use excessive corrections (e.g., trying to hold the dog to prevent jumping) to control the dog, the dog should not pass the exercise.
• *** Reviewed from last week… we will practice this every class

Objective Training 2: Sitting Politely for Petting

This test demonstrates that a dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side (either side is permissible) to begin the test, the Evaluator approaches and asks, "May I pet your dog?" The Evaluator then pets the dog on the body. The handler may talk to their dog throughout the exercise. After petting the dog, the Evaluator may circle the dog or simply back away to begin the next test.

• The dog must show no signs of shyness or resentment.
• As the Evaluator begins to pet the dog, the dog may stand to receive petting
• The dog may not struggle and pull away to avoid petting.
• The dog may move slightly forward to receive petting. But should not lunge at the    Evaluator or rush or jump forward.
• The dog may appear happy about the contact with the Evaluator and may have some body movements.
• The dog should appear 'to be under control throughout the exercise.
• *** Remember, loose leash on this; the more you try to keep them from jumping, the more you “pop” them up. If you sense a jump is coming, do a circle in place to reset before petting.

Objective Training 3. Appearance and Grooming

This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer, or friend of the owners, to do so. This test demonstrates the owner's care, concern, and sense of responsibility. The Evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear healthy (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy, and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the doge.

The evaluator softly combs or brushes the dog and, naturally, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. The dog doesn't need to hold a specific position during the examinations, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it, and give encouragement throughout.

The Evaluator may give the handler specific instructions for handling the dog in a manner that ensures safety. For example, when the feet are to be handled, the Evaluator may request that the handler lift each leg. The Evaluator may request that the handler steady the dog's head for checking the ears.

Another technique the Evaluator may use is to hold the dog's head away with one hand and use the other hand to lift the foot. While the handler may be asked to steady the dog's head, lift a leg, etc., any dog requiring restraining so it can be examined should not pass the test. The key question for this test is, "Could a veterinarian or groomer easily examine the dog?

Some dogs will wiggle or squirm when excited. Some squirming is acceptable. However, this should be reasonable so that the dog can be brushed. The dog should not struggle (pull away with intensity) to avoid the brushing.

***Remember, loose leash on this; the more you try to keep them jumping, the more you "pop" them up. If you sense a jump is coming, do a quick circle in place to reset before petting.

Objective Training 4: Out for a Walk

Loose leash walking with at least one left turn, one right turn, one about turn, and one stop.

Objective Training 5: Walking through a crowd

Crowd = 3 people or more. Loose leash and no jumping. Crownd will not pet, talk to, or try to distract.

Objective Training 6. Sit and Down on Cue/Staying Place

This test demonstrates that the dog has training and will respond to the handler's cues to sit and down and remain in place as directed by the handler. The dog needs to 1) sit on cue, 2) and down on cue, and 3) then, stay in a sit or down. For the Stay in Place test, the handler may choose to leave the dog in a sit or down position. Before this test, the dog's leash is removed and replaced with a 20-foot line (or a 15-ft. line attached to the dog's leash). The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one cue to make the dog sit and then down.

The Evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's cues. The handler may not use excessive force to put the dog into either position but may gently guide the dog. When instructed by the Evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay, walks to the end of the 20-ft line, turns, and returns immediately to the dog at a normal pace. At this time, the Evaluator instructs the handler to release the doge. The dog must remain where it was left (it may change position such as stand up) until the Evaluator instructs the handle: release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or side.

The 20-ft. line is used for safety. If the CGC test is indoors in a secure area, the Evaluator may choose to have the dog drag the leash or work off 1ead in this exercise.

There are no breed-specific exceptions for sitting.

Pulling the dog's front legs out from a sit position (so that the dog automatically drops into a down) is beyond gentle guidance, and the dog should not be passed. As the handler returns, the dog passes the test if the dog stands but does not leave the place it was left.

Dogs not sitting or down after a reasonable period should not be passed.

Handlers should not go to the end of the line and call the dog; they should return to the dog.

*** Remember to use your release word EVERY time. If your dog moves or changes position before the release word, put them back into the correct position (do not reward for the reset)

Objective Training 7: Come when called

• Distance of 10 feet
• Command may be repeated
• Evaluator may hold dog's leash while handler moves 10 ft away
  

Objective Training 8 

• Dog and Handler teams approach from 15 feet
• *** Line up should be to opposite shoulder to provide maximum space between dogs
• Handler first bumps and then continues forward
• Dogs must not try to greet or cross in front of their handler
  

Objective Training 9

Use one auditory and one visual from a distance of 6-10 feet

Objective Training 10

3 minutes with the handler out of sight