For formally abused, rescued Pit Bulls, the CGC has become a bit of a badge of honor - sort of an 'nah-nah told ya so' in the face of the naysayers. Dogs like Leo, rescued from Michael Vick's dog fighting operation, as well as countless others, prove to the world that abused dogs CAN learn to trust and go on to live normal lives. For many of them, the CGC is the official 'stamp' of approval proving it's more than just talk - these dogs really ARE as good as we all say they are. Guardians of all Pit Bulls, regardless of where they came from, can take that extra important step to show they are committed to being responsible and show the world that Pit Bulls are sound, stable, wonderful dogs. The CGC is that step.
The CGC test items are:
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
Test 7: Coming when called
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
Test 10: Supervised separation
Get your Pit Bull CGC certified through Pit Bull School. Or come out to Pit Bull-palooza this Sunday, June 7th, to have your dog tested.
6 comments:
You know, the CGC is a great tool for ambassapits and a way to get a fearful public on board for pits but it is not a fair test at all. The dog has to basically be a superdog to pass; there is no room for being tired or confused and it spells a death sentence for many a pit.
I don't know that my baby would have passed. He was sweet as molasses and never hurt a fly but he was also super enthusiastic with a huge verve for life and that would have spelled his doom had he been a stray. So sad.
Nice blog! The CGC cert is a good way to show off your dog. Passing this test is a nice all around for any dog.
GiGwriter, I'm not sure what is making you think of the CGC as a 'death sentence', but the test itself is the most basic guage of behavior that is officially available. A dog hardly has to be a 'superdog', and it is a very simple and straightforward test. The test itself does not dictate the future of the dog. If a dog doesn't pass, it just means they need more training. They can take the test again at a future time. If certain organizations are using the CGC as a 'temperament test' - which it's not, it's just about trained behavior shown during the test - and are euthanizing dogs that fail, that has nothing to do with the test itself, and everything to do with an organization's individual policies.
As Our Pack says below you, it's a test to show off what your dog has learned. And a little extra 'insurance' against anti-dog discrimination.
GiG-
Maybe you're thinking that this is some criteria used in some shelters to euth the dogs if they don't pass???
It's really basic, simple obedience and yes, many a Pit Bull like to jump up for attention and affection from humans etc so that can take some training but I don't think this means that they will die because of not passing unless some horrible shelter has this as some strange criteria for euth'ing the dogs????
Animal Farm Foundation has a wonderful CGC incentive program that's wonderful! www.animalfarmfoundation.org
GiGwriter.. some shelters/people LOOK for excuses to kill pit bulls like your sweet baby. Failing a CGC test would be one of the most despicable. A dog might fail for example, whining too much during the separation. Hardly deserves a death sentence.
Really all it takes is some basic obedience (and an essentially sound temperament). Most pit bulls have great enthusiasm.. which it's not hard to control with a little training.
I take my test in 3 months! I. Live in Colorado and most of you know is a high kill place for pit bulls. I'm so exited to show off what my baby can do and how amazing she really is! And to flip off Denver for having the bsl law. Up yours Denver! Muhahahahaha!!!!
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