To all dog people and non-dog people:

Who knows about the AKC Canine Good Citizen program? If you don't, or even if you do, then go

To all dog people and non-dog people:

Who knows about the AKC Canine Good Citizen program? If you don't, or even if you do, then go to akc.org, click on 'Events,' then on 'Canine Good Citizen' and you can read about how this very important and great program came into existence.

AKC developed this program in 1989 and it is still quite surprising to me just how many people have never heard of it before; READ, READ, READ!

Basically it is a test of 10 very simple tasks that a dog AND his owner must pass, in order to pass as a Canine Good Citizen. The 10 tasks are super simple. I have used the CGC as part of my obedience classes for several years, and have just begun testing dogs and their people over the last three years.

Owners always look at me and say, "this dog will never do that." I just smile and tell them, 'you'd be surprised."

I highly recommend to any and all dog owners to seek out a qualified obedience trainer who is an approved evaluator for this test, and have your dog tested. It is highly worthwhile. You can also find trainers and evaluators on the AKC website under 'Canine Good Citizen.'

Many cities, counties, and states are beginning to recognize the CGC, which is a fantastic thing today, with all the anti-dog legislation going on across the country; breed banning, mandatory spay/neuter, and other legislation that comes into play whenever you hear about another case of irresponsible owners treating dogs inhumanely.

Most insurance companies also recognize the CGC, so this is a good thing to have on your dog, should you have a breed that is on the Humane Society's "Dangerous Dog" list.

Hey, thanks for reading my ramblings....dogs are my passion; I can talk all day on dogs!