get your k9 a akc community canine title

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While Canine Good Citizen tests simulate real-world scenarios, such as a dog and handler navigating through a "crowd" of evaluators in a ring, the aim of AKC Community Canine is to assess the dog's abilities in authentic environments. For instance, instead of being evaluated in a ring, in AKC Community Canine, the "walks through a crowd" test entails the dog maneuvering through an actual crowd at venues like a dog show, a bustling sidewalk, a therapy dog session, or a training club.

 The CGC test and the AKC Community Canine test may be taken on the same day. 

Begin by training your dog the following 10 steps: 

Dogs must pass all 10 items of the test to receive the CGCA title.

1. Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control while the owner:
   • sits at the registration table and fills out paperwork, or,
   • if the test is done in the community, dog waits while the owner sits and has a snack or visits with another person (e.g., at a park)

1. Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring) — does not pull.
   • left turn
   • right turn
   • stop
   • fast and slow pace

1. Walks on loose leash through a crowd:
   • at a show or in class, this item is tested in a real crowd, not in a ring
   • in the community, dog walks on sidewalk, through a crowd at a community fair, park, on a trail, through a busy hallway, etc.

1. Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull.
   This item may be tested along with #3 if there are dogs in the crowd, etc.
   • at a show or class, dog walks by dogs waiting in the crowd–dogs 2 ft. apart
   • in the community, dog walks by other dogs on a trail, sidewalk, in a hallway, etc.

1. Sit-stay in small group (two other people with dogs, total of 3 people, 3 dogs in group).
2. Dog allows person who is carrying something (backpack, computer bag, etc.) to approach and pet it.
   “May I pet your dog?” (Item is placed on floor/ground before the person pets the dog)
3. “Leave it.” Dog walks by food and follows owner instructions, “Leave it.”
   This can be food placed by the evaluator on the floor or ground in a food dish with a wire cover as in Rally.
4. Down or sit stay — distance (owner’s choice).
   Dog is on 20–ft line, owner walks away with back to dog, picks up an item (e.g., backpack, training bag, clipboard, folder etc.) placed on the floor/chair/ground by the evaluator and returns to the dog.
5. Recall with distractions present (coming when called). Handler goes out 20–ft. **(off center) and calls dog.
   Dog is on the 20–ft. line from #8 above.
   
6. Dog will sit or stand stay (owner’s choice) while owner enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway. Owner calls dog through door when ready.
   Owner may also choose to:
   1. send the dog through first and have the dog wait for the owner, or
   2. the owner may choose to have the dog go through the doorway at the owner’s side.
   3. Whichever method is used, the dog must not pull the owner and must be under good control. Think of the handler having the leash in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
      Doorway or gate can be real or simulated with ring gates, two chairs, or a natural passageway (e.g., entrance to trail) in the community.

Visit the American Kennel Club website for more information.

Once your dog can perform the 10 required tricks, video them. You can either combine the  videos into one video that you upload to YouTube or you can send 10 individual videos to K9 Titles. You can also send videos via Facebook

• Please keep each trick video under 20 seconds (or a combined total video time of less than 3 min)
• You can send videos or link to videos via text or email. 

Once you have videos of your dog performing the tricks required, it is time to contact K9 Titles via text or email them. You can either combine the  videos into one video that you upload to YouTube or you can send 10 individual videos to K9 Titles. 

• Please keep each trick video under 20 seconds (or a combined total video time of less than 3 min)
• You can send videos or link to videos via text or email. 
• Include your name & contact information, dogs' registered name  & AKC registration number, and breed.
• Send a picture of your dog for record keeping (please note: these may also be used for advertising purposes)

Now that K9 Titles has your information,  we will evaluate your video.

 1. After watching the video, once the dog passes, the Evaluator will send the combined Checklist/Video Verification Form to the dog owner. The Evaluator will also send a copy of this form to AKC.

2. The dog owner will send to AKC:
a) the Checklist/Video Verification, and
b) the AKC Community  Canine  form along with a fee of $25.00*.

3. The AKC will then process your paperwork and award your title and certificate.

For more information and the required AKC forms, please go to:https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/akc-community-canine/

CONSIDER MOVING ON TO MORE TITLES AND CERTIFICATIONS WITH AKC & K9 TITLES !