Dog Citizenship Training - Helping Your Dog Ace His Canine Citizenship Test

Let's face it - pouncing, barking, and exuberant dogs are just plain annoying. Not only do they annoy and embarrass their owners but they annoy and scare others as well. As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to teach your dog how to become a well behaved citizen. After all, you don't want everyone passing judgment on your beloved pet simply because they haven't been taught how to behave in public. Now, before you get all frustrated, you should know that dog citizenship training is an easy and affordable way to train your pooch.

Dog citizenship training is basically when you teach your dog good manners. You teach them how to interact with others. Then, when they're ready, the American Kennel Club gives them the 10 step good citizen test to ensure that they can display great manners. If they pass, they are certified as model canine citizens.

During the 10 part exam, they must readily accept strangers, site nicely for petting, be well groomed, politely walk on a loose lead, walk nicely through crowds, understand and obey sit, stay command, come when called, maintain training when left with someone new, and react positively to distractions.

Although there are some citizenship courses around the world, you can successfully train your dog at home so that he passes his test with flying colors.

Here are some training tips for you:

Get your dog used to walking politely on a lead. Take them out for frequent walks and ensure that he doesn't tug at the leash. Walk him through busy and quiet areas. This will get him acclimated to changing environments.

Get him dog used to strangers so that they don't bark unnecessarily when they meet new people. Although some of them do this out of aggression, some do it out of fear. To do this, slowly introduce your dog to different people of various ages and nationalities. The more exposure the better. You can even take them to different places and slowly walk towards others. If your dog seems agitated, you will need to calm them down. Once they are calm, you can edge a bit closer. This will likely take a few days but your dog will eventually learn that he can safely approach strangers without fear or aggression.