Recently in AKC Canine Good Citizen Program Category

New dog owner who doesn't have a clue?

Or have you had your dog for a while but have, um, challenges?

Stop by Arthur Johnson Park (1200 W. 170th St.) in Gardena between 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday (9/18) where you'll find some excellent resources on how to be a wonderful dog owner.

The event is sponsored by the South Bay Kennel Club and the Southwest Obedience Club of L.A. -- it's part of the national AKC outreach to spread the word about the basics of being a good dog owner. There are nearly 600 events being held throughout the nation in the month of September.

Sunday's event in Gardena will feature a mini Meet-the-Breeds area where you can scope out representatives of some of the many breeds of dogs.

There also will be information about classes, demonstrations and performance demos.

Barbara Millman, obedience chairwoman for the South Bay Kennel Club, will be administering the AKCs Canine Good Citizen exam. If you feel your dog is ready to take the test, bring him along with his collar, lead and a brush.

The event is being dedicated the memory of Bertha Rizzo, who served as treasurer of the South Bay Kennel Club for many years. She died on Sept. 3 at the age of 95.

"We dedicated the 2006 (dog) shows to Bertha in honor of her 90th birthday," said Cynthia Woods, a director of the club. "Any job that needed to be done, she was there to do it. She and her competition orange 1965 Mustang were known throughout the South Bay. Her chocolate chip cookies were enjoyed from coast to coast not only by dog show people but cat show fanciers as well."

For information, call 310-324-3549 or email sobykc@aol.com.

Information about the Responsible Dog Ownership program and the Canine Good Citizen test is available at www.akc.org.

We'll remind you all of this closer to the event, but later this month -- on Oct. 24 (a Sunday) -- the South Bay Kennel Club will sponsor an AKC-sanctioned "B" all-breed dog match at Arthur Johnson Park (formerly South Park) in Gardena.

These informal matches are a great way for beginners and their dogs to get acclimated into the world of dog shows.

Entries (pure breds only) are taken from 9 to 11:30 a.m. with judging starting at 12:30 p.m. Club members also will answer questions and members of the Hub Poodle Club of Orange County, which is co-sponsoring the match, will give demonstrations on how to get your dog ready for the show ring.

Also that day, South Bay dog trainer Barbara Millman will offer Canine Good Citizen evaluations during the match. This is a program that's open to all dogs. My dogs, Tess and Cowboy, passed the test in May, the last time it was given in the South Bay.

To learn more about the Good Citizen test, visit the AKC website. You can also call 310-324-3549 for information.

The park is on 170th Street between Normandie and Vermont. The public is invited to come and watch. Admission is free.

 

The Lomita Obedience Training Club had a record turnout Saturday when dog owners gathered to get their canines tested for the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Program.

Of the 14 dogs who took the test, 12 passed.

The training club administers the test two to three times a year -- the next test has not been

scheduled but will likely come up sometime in late summer (late August). We'll be sure to announce the date here when it becomes available. (If your dog has been through one of the club's training classes, they'll waive the $5 fee for the exam; check out the group's class schedule and class descriptions on their website).

(Below are a couple shots from Saturday's event held at Hathaway Park in Lomita. Because of the numbers who turned out, there was a bit of a wait to get called onto the basketball court where the formal exam was held; that gave owners a chance to practice with their dogs a bit.)

 

So what's the test good for?

"I always think of it as the first step to doing something more with your dog," said Barbara Millman, who headed up the team of examiners on Saturday. "There are some people who can get a house or an apartment to rent because their dog has passed the CGC."

 

 

The test was established in 1989 and stresses responsible pet ownership and basic good manners for dogs. Once dogs pass, they are in a better position to continue training for obedience, therapy, agility, tracking or performance events.

My dogs, Tess & Cowboy, were among those who passed, which was a thrill. They congratulate each other, below.