AN INTRODUCTION TO CANINE OBEDIENCE TRAINING AND CANINE GOOD CITIZEN

As a service to society and to its members, MKA has been conducting canine obedience training classes for the past 20 years. The experience gained over the years as well as regular retraining for its Instructors has been instrumental in making MKA an authority in this field. This, together with the certification issued by MKA for those who have successfully completed the training course, makes the MKA obedience training a very much sought after service.

Although MKA is the recognized certification body for pedigree dogs, it has opened its doors and are accepting both pedigree dogs as well as mixed breed dogs into its obedience training classes. This is done with the belief that both pedigree and mixed breed dogs can be just as successfully trained.

We believe that all dogs can be trained irrespective of their age, although it is better to catch them young before bad habits set in. As such, we have classes for Puppies (3 - 6 months of age), Beginners (which will qualify participants for the prestigious Canine Good Citizen Certificate), Pre-Novice (which will prepare participants for competition), Novice, Intermediate and Open (the last three classes will prepare participants for higher competition).

 

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN (CGC)

All dogs, be they of mixed breed or purebred, can be trained.

Just as we would want our children to grow up and be well adjusted in society, so also should we ensure that our canine members of the family are acceptable to society. Only then should we confidently and safely expose our dogs to the public.

As a service to our members, MKA conducts canine obedience classes which will help your pets become CANINE GOOD CITIZENS. This is a 10-week course of one hour duration per week. Upon successfully passing the course, your pet will be awarded the CANINE GOOD CITIZEN (CGC) Certificate and will be presented with a CGC medal. The ultimate aim of the CGC program is to promote responsible dog ownership which is easy on both the dog and the owner.

By providing certification to both mixed breed and purebred dogs, the CGC program caters to every dog which is affected by dog legislation. As a gift to yourself, your dog and your neighbors, train your dog to become a Canine Good Citizen. Canine Good Citizens are close to perfect pets. They are welcome almost anywhere because they behave around people and around other dogs. They are a pleasure to take a walk with and can go along on trips and family outings. They are a member of the family in every sense of the word.

Dogs have a life expectance of between eight to 16 years. It is your responsibility to ensure that these years are mutually rewarding. Teach your dog to be that perfect pet you have always wanted….. a CANINE GOOD CITIZEN.

What is a Canine Good Citizen?

A Canine Good Citizen is a dog which is well behaved around people and other dogs, both at home and in public. It is the dog that you would want to own, one which is safe around children and one which you will welcome as a neighbor.

The concept of a Canine Good Citizen is based on the premise that all dogs can, and should be, trained. This program can also be a stepping stone to obtaining a title for your dog through MKA organized Obedience Trials.

To become a Canine Good Citizen, dogs must demonstrate, by means of a short series of tests that they meet these requirements.

What are the CGC tests?

There are a total of 10 tests. The tests are:-

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.

2. Sitting politely for patting

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it
is out with its handler. To begin the exercise, the evaluator pats the dog on the head
and the body while the dog is sitting at the handler's side. The dog may stand in
place while it is patted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

3. Appearance and grooming

This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and
examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the
owner, to do so.

4. Out for a walk on a loose leash

This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog's disposition should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is
responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction.

5. Walking through a crowd

This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic
and is under control in public places.

6. Reaction to another dog

This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

7. Coming when called

This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The
handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn and face the dog, before calling it.

8. Staying in place

This test demonstrates that the dog will respond to the handler's command to lie
down and to remain in position for a period of one minute.

9. Reaction to everyday distractions

This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with
common distracting situations. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair,
having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping an umbrella or a cane.

10. Supervised separation

This test demonstrates that the dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary,
and it will maintain its good manners. The handler will go out of sight for three
minutes.The dog need not stay in position but should not continually bark, whine,
pace unnecessarily or show anything more than mild agitation or nervousness.

 

When can training start?

Puppies as young as three months can be enrolled for training, as long as they have received their vaccinations. We have special puppy kindergarten classes which are for puppies between three to six months of age. Dogs above six months in age will join the regular class.

How much will it cost?

The fee for the 10-week course is only RM 100.00 for MKA members. Non-members can enroll as a member to qualify.

 

What comes after the CGC programme?

The CGC programme provides your dog with the basic obedience training. Those who wish to proceed further after graduating from the CGC programme can then enroll for higher classes which will prepare them for competition, known as Obedience Trials.

There are four levels of Obedience Trials,

1. Pre-Novice
2. Novice
3. Intermediate
4. Open.

Dogs which have qualified the Intermediate level can use the title "Companion Dog" (CD) after their names.

Those which have qualified at the Open level will carry the title "Companion Dog Excellent" (CDX).

Dogs that have qualified at the Open level under three different judges will be declared an Obedience Champion.

 

How do I register?

To register, please contact the MKA at mkamalaysia@time.net.my