CLEARFIELD – Some dogs have it all; they’re laid-back and unruffled. If you happen to own of that type of dog, you really should claim kudos for your companion. Bring your well behaved ambassador to the Canine Carnival on Oct. 1, and take him through a simple set of challenges that will prove he is a “Canine Good Citizen”.
AKC certified CGC evaluator, Shari Trythall, will be on site to certify dogs, using a set of 10 tests that can easily be passed by dogs who have basic good manners. The test takes only about 10 minutes and includes such things as demonstrating that your dog can remain calm in a crowd or sit nicely and accept a pet from someone he doesn’t know. Dogs should show that they are confident at all times when faced with common distractions or noise. The canine should be able to sit and lay down on command, and remain in place while is owner goes out of sight for a short time. Any breed or mixed breed of dog that successfully completes the test will be awarded the designation of CGC, and is entitled to wear the CGC disk on his collar. Mrs. Trythall notes that “it is very rewarding to pass the CGC test with your dog. We all know our dogs are exceptional and it is nice to have it acknowledged with a beautiful certificate from the American Kennel Club.”
The fee for the test is $10, which covers the cost of the test and the certificate of accomplishment. No appointment is necessary. If you intend to have your dog tested, be sure he is wearing an ordinary collar or harness (no prong collars or anti-pull devices), and is on a 4 or 6 foot fixed lead. For a complete description of the 10 CGC test elements, visit www.akc.org/events/cgc.
The Canine Carnival begins at 10:00 AM on October 1, at the VFW Picnic Grounds on Industrial Park Road near Lowe’s in Clearfield and will wrap up around 3:00 PM. Packed into the five-hour event will be games, activities and contests for dogs and their families, demonstrations by dogs highly trained in agility and Search & Rescue, a rabies and micro-chip clinic, vendors, and plenty of food.
Admission is only $2.00 per person. Dogs and children under the age of 5 get in free. Check the kennel club’s Web site to stay on top of the details.