Becoming a Certified Good Boy or Girl: A Path to Canine Excellence at The Animal Foundation


 

Here at The Animal Foundation, we believe that every dog deserves a chance to shine. That's why we're excited to introduce you to our Certified Good Girls and Boys Program, a unique initiative that helps shelter dogs prepare for a brighter future. Modeled after the renowned American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program, our own version is tailored to the needs of our shelter dogs, setting them on the path to becoming true canine ambassadors.


 

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The Canine Good Citizen Program: An Emblem of Responsible Ownership and Manners


 

The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program is celebrated worldwide for promoting responsible dog ownership and cultivating good manners in our furry friends. It's a set of ten skills that showcase a dog's social and behavioral abilities, reflecting their readiness to be well-behaved members of a family and the community.


 

However, for shelter dogs, a roadblock often arises when it comes to taking the CGC test: the requirement for an owner's participation. This leaves many wonderful shelter dogs unable to demonstrate their potential!


 

Introducing the Certified Good Girls and Boys Program


 

This led us to develop the Certified Good Girls and Boys Program, a modified version of the CGC test tailored to the shelter environment. The program evaluates dogs based on their individual merits, enabling them to showcase their skills and qualities even without a permanent owner.


 

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Ten Steps to Certified Goodness


 

Our Certified Good Girls and Boys Program consists of ten steps, each designed to showcase a specific aspect of a dog's behavior and temperament. Here's a snapshot of what our dogs need to master to earn their Certified Good status:


   

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