Canine Good Neighbour Test

What’s a CGN Test?

The purpose of the CGN Test or Canine Good Neighbour Program test is to ensure that our vizslas are accepted as a valued member of the community. Canine good neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.

Canine good neighbour training is fun, rewarding and useful and can enable owners to achieve a better relationship with their dogs.

The objectives of the CKC Canine Good Neighbour program are three-fold:

1) To increase awareness and appreciation of our vizslas as valued, contributing members of society.
2) To assist in teaching and promoting responsible dog ownership.
3) To certify that our vizslas conduct themselves in a manner, which is reliable and trustworthy in situations encountered in every day living, be it around people, at home, in public, or in the presence of other dogs.

The test is NOT a competition calling for precision, as in an obedience trial. Rather, it assesses the handler and vizsla’s relationship together with the handler’s ability to control their vizsla.

General Test Information:

The test will be held at the Vizsla Society of Ontario’s fun day Saturday June 26th at Dog Sports Centre in Caledon.

The test will demonstrate that our vizslas can respond to such commands as “sit”, “down”, “stay”, “come” and “heel” and that they can be put to practice in everyday live.

Our evaluator, Lorraine Purnell will be assigning ratings to handlers and their dogs on a “pass” or “Not ready” basis.

Dogs must be at least 6 months of age.

The test is non-competitive. Dogs are not required to have formal obedience training in order to participate in or successfully complete this test.

In order to pass, your vizsla must satisfy the evaluator that it is:

• A vizsla whose behaviour would be acceptable in one’s home.
• A vizsla who would be welcomed as a neighbour.
• A vizsla who is well mannered in the presence of a variety of people, dogs and situations.
• A vizsla who is well groomed and allows examinations and grooming.

Interaction between handlers and their vizslas during the tests is encouraged. Handlers may talk to their dogs and quietly assist them in performing the tests. Vizslas must be attentive and respond to their handler’s movements and words. An occasional tight lead is permitted, but constant straining is unacceptable. Hugs, pats and words of encouragement are welcomed.

Food, toys and other training aids are not permitted during testing.

Successful completion of this test does not mean that the vizsla/handler team is automatically deemed suitable for pet therapy visitation or work.

Required Material



The handler is required to bring the following equipment to the test:

• Proof of vaccination certificate
• Dog license (if required by local dog control by laws)
• Test fees $10.00
• A leash between 2 & 6’
• Collars can be a well fitted slip, buckle or martingale collar made of fabric or leather.
• A grooming tool, such as zoom groom, currie comb or brush.

Immunization

At registration, owners must present their inoculation certificate as received from your veterinarian. A photocopy of the certificate will suffice.