Striegel Animal Hospital

Over 50 Years of Quality Medicine

Something Special Award September 2009 Winner

Melissa

and

Michelle

Dear Helen...

I asked my groomer for a puppy cut, but what I got wasn’t what I expected. Can you tell me what a puppy cut is supposed to look like?

A puppy cut is how show poodles under one year of age are groomed. The face and feet are shaved close and the rest is hand-scissored. The top knot and neck are left very long, and only scissored enough to produce the correct outline.

If your dog isn’t a poodle, there is no standard “puppy cut,” so everyone has a different idea about how it’s supposed to look. For some, it’s fairly short all over, like a newborn puppy. For others, it’s long and fluffy, like a four- or five-month-old puppy, or it might be anywhere in between.

My advice is to just tell your groomer what you want your “puppy” to look like. Be specific about the length you want, how you’d like the ears and tail trimmed, and what shape you’d like the face – round or broad like a terrier. A picture may help, but remember that your dog’s coat texture will affect the final outcome. Your groomer can’t make a Maltese look like an Airedale, after all!

The Canine Good Citizen Program

The AKC sponsored Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is designed for both purebred and mixed breed dogs. The purpose of the program is to ensure that our dogs can be respected members of the community because they have been trained to be well behaved in a variety of circumstances. This program is non-competetive and each dog is judged on a pass/fail system. It is designed to be fun for both the handler and the dog. To participate, the dogs must be at least 16 weeks of age and current on all of their vaccinations. The CGC is not an official AKC title, but is designed to reward dogs for having good manners. As of October 2, 2007, Dr. Kay Creese has been certified to perfom this test and provide the needed documentation to AKC for official certification of dogs and handlers who have successfully completed the test.

The test consists of 10 stations:

1.) Accepting a friendly stranger.
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

2.) Sitting politely for petting.
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.

3.) Appearance and grooming.
This test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will
permit a stranger to do so. The test also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility.

4.) Walking on a loose leash.
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog.

5.) Walking through a crowd.
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.

6.) Sit and down on command/staying in place.
This test demonstrates that the dog has training and will respond to the handler's
commands to sit and down, and will remain in the place commanded by the trainer.

7.) Coming when called.
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.

8.) Reaction to another dog.
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

9.) Reaction to distractions.
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.

10.) Supervised separation.
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left in the presence of a trusted person and will maintain its training and good manners.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.) How long is the test?
Normally, the test for each dog is approximately 20 minutes.

2.) What kind of training must be done with the handler and dog prior to testing?
Both handler and dog must have gone through a dog obedience school to take the test. Many are available. Striegel Hospital has its own, taught by Dr. Creese.

3.) What's so rewarding about the certification?
There is no "net worth" to the certification, but handlers and dogs who have that certification have gotten to the first step if the handler wishes to show the dog in any sponsored AKC events or competitions. It has also been used when negotiating with apartment and home owners when renting locations. It is also an honor for the handler and mixed breed dog.

4.) Is there a make up test if the handler and dog fail the test?
Yes, but there is a certain amount of time between testings. Things to remember is that any aggressive behavior shown by the dog even prior or after the test is grounds for excusal from certification.

5.) Where is the test administered?
Dr. Creese is still determining the best location and we will post the final date and location on our Website as soon as the location is determined.

6.) How does someone become qualified to perform the test?
Considerable time as a shower and judge of AKC sponsored events are determining factors to be considered prior to the individual to be allowed to take the test to qualify. As of this date and to her knowledge, no other person is qualified in Southern Illinois to administer this test other than Dr. Creese.

7.) If the test is passed, then what?
If the handler and dog successfully complete the test, a form is signed by the tester and that form, with the actual test results are given to the handler along with self addressed envelope to send to AKC for the certification. The certification fee is $5.00.

8.) What does the test cost?
For the time and preparation and paperwork of the test, each handler and dog combination will be charged $10.00.