Basic obedience training is the foundation upon which all canine activities are based, whether it be competition in conformation, conquering the obstacles on the agility course, sniffing out a suspect in law enforcement work or a service dog guiding a visually impaired person safely across the street.
In 1933, when AKC Obedience competition began, the intention was to further develop and facilitate the close working relationship between humans and canines, while demonstrating dogs’ devotion to and desire to please their companions. Today, our obedience regulations state “… the basic objective of obedience trials is to produce dogs that have been trained and conditioned always to behave in the home, public places and in the presence of other dogs…” Considering the increasing popularity of dogs and the many issues of irresponsible dog ownership we face, the importance of this statement cannot be overemphasized.
From the basic sport of obedience, many AKC programs concerning responsible dog ownership have evolved. One that is very prominent in the public eye is the Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program. Dr. Mary Burch, CGC Director, and the entire Companion Events department have worked to have CGC recognized as a basic level of training for many important programs. A “Neighborhood Model,” which requires dogs earn the CGC award as a prerequisite for living in specific apartments and condominiums, has been established, several police and animal control agencies use CGC for dealing with dog problems in communities, some therapy dog groups use the CGC as a screening tool for future therapy dogs, and 4-H groups around the country have been using CGC as a beginning dog training program for children.
Legislators and canine professionals have also recognized the AKC CGC program. It is in place in many veterinary hospitals, state legislatures have begun using it as a means of advocating responsible dog ownership, and 17 states now have Canine Good Citizen resolutions. CGC resolutions endorse the CGC Program as a means of increasing responsible dog ownership in communities.
In addition, many countries, including England, Australia, Japan, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and Finland, have modeled similar programs after AKC’s CGC and, of course, it has become important within the fancy. A number of specialty clubs give the CGC test at their annual national specialty show and the program is often offered to entrants at all breed shows.
We know dogs that are well trained have a far greater chance of living out their lives with the owner that purchases them as a puppy. Therefore, communicating the importance of obedience and making accessible, inexpensive training available to the public is crucial.
In 2002, the AKC Communications Department developed a public service announcement (PSA), which addresses the importance and benefits of training new puppies, and suggests to viewers that they contact their local AKC club to find out more about training their dog. As of this printing, this PSA has been seen by over 10 million people, in over 50 markets across the country. To complement this PSA and make finding information about training readily available, we have recently updated the training pages on the AKC web site to allow AKC clubs offering training classes to post their contact information by state. Not only does this initiative help our clubs interest the public in getting involved in the sport of obedience, but it provides an easy way for any dog owner to find tips on training and classes given by AKC clubs in their area. The many clubs which offer classes to the public are to be commended for the important work they do and the resources they offer their community. Their local efforts and programs reflect positively on the entire fancy.
Check out this new listing option for AKC clubs on our web site at /dic/events/obedience/trainingclubs.cfm (If your club is not listed and would like to be, email obedience@akc.org.)
Basic training provided by some of the best dog trainers in the business –AKC club members– will provide the basic skills both dog and owner need to live together successfully and productively. All dogs, whether show dogs or pets, require good manners in order to live harmoniously with their owners.
Since AKC began its obedience program 70 years ago, we have been promoting the importance of obedience both as a sport and as the basis for successful human-canine relationships. And with the recent addition of CGC, in a little over one decade the AKC has branched out beyond the fancy and begun to have an extremely positive impact in many of our communities. Promoting obedience and training helps us assure that the dogs we love will always be welcomed and respected members of our homes and communities.
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman