I've been looking into CGC and am aware that many of you here have dogs that have passed these tests. I barely know what it is yet, but I am anxious to learn and hope that maybe someday soon I can take my huskies and see if they can pass their tests.

I was wondering if any of you who have participated in this program could give me some information on it? What is it like? Does a dog always pass the tests or are the evaluators very strict? Do you have to start a dog out as a puppy or could I take my two year old for the first time and train her to participate?

I've a lot to learn, but I am anxiously awaiting any comments, suggestions, and true stories! Please offer anything! =)

Oh yeah, do you as the dog owner have to be a certain age? I'm only 16, I'll be 17 on July 10. :D

I think you may be talking about the American system; the one most of us have been discussing is that which runs in the UK;

Yes, I know. But they are all based on the same program, right? On the AKC website, it was telling of the history of CGC and said that many over countries formed programs based of of America's program. Shouldn't they be very similar? I'd still love to hear stories or have suggestions, anyways, no matter where everyone is from. :)

Hi, I posted the thread about Bailey passing his KCGC at Bronze level. In the UK there are 4 levels, Foundation, Bronze, Silver and Gold, Each level has to be passed before moving on to the next level, and and dog must attend classes for 4-6 weeks before an assessment is undertaken. Not all dogs pass 1st time, some have 2nd and 3rd goes at it. In my class there were mostly puppies up to a year old but there was a 2 year old and a six year old 1st timer.  The classes are also excellent for socialising puppies and dogs. Find a class in your area and go along without the dog for the first week and talk to the people there, I found them very helpful and encouraging. Good luck

Kay

Good Citizen is as much about responsible owners as about dog training. It's not supposed to be anything like obedience competition, but teaching your dog good manners. In my experience, it's the stay that most dogs fail on (my bitch has just failed her silver because she can't stay 5 paces away from me for more than 1 minute 10 seconds!). 2 yrs old is nothing - my 10 yr old passed his bronze, not having done any training since he was 2!!
Don't think there is an age restriction for humans, I know we have a 10-ish yr old who has passed, only problem is in the silver you have a test where the dog has to prove its car manners when the dog is put in the car, the driver & assessor get into the car & the engine is started - obviously if you don't drive, the driver has to get in the car as well to start the engine.