Big City Dogs Can Now Earn The Urban Canine Good Citizen Title

by Mary Simpson

Published: May 22nd, 2015

big city dogs can now earn the urban canine good citizen title

You’ve heard of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program. Now, there’s one for city-dwelling dogs that test their skills in an urban setting.

Who’s a good city boy? Well, if it’s your furry guy and he can prove it to the outside world he may just qualify for the new Urban Canine Good Citizen (UCGC) test established by the American Kennel Club!

Yes, good behavior goes a long way with this group and your pooch will be rewarded with more than just a treat and a head scratch when he completes his CGC. He’ll get a certificate worthy of a Harvard law graduate and then he’ll have the opportunity to prove he’s got the right stuff manner-wise when it comes to interacting with city folk.

Wondering if your dog is up to the challenge? First things first. To enroll in the Urban version of this program, your pup needs to have completed (and successfully graduated from) the two-part, 10-step CGC test that not only teaches him good manners but helps you become a more responsible pet parent. The CGC award was established back in 1989 and since that time more than 700,000 dogs have passed the rather exacting requirements so no need to feel intimidated.

These tests are really just behaviors we would all want our dogs to exhibit: friendly to a stranger; sitting politely for petting; good grooming; walking well on a loose lead; not going nut-bar when he walks through a crowd; sitting and staying on command; coming when called; not over-reacting to other dogs; not being easily distracted; and displaying all of the above when in the care of another handler.

Related: Step Up To Dog Dancing

Now that your dog has his BA, let’s go for his Masters!

Similar to the CGC, the urban version has a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title. The skills are tested on leash and in an urban setting that includes passing cars, streets to be crossed, elevators to be ridden, noises and distractions. What your boy will need to accomplish while maintaining a calm, cool and collected demeanor include:

Exiting/entering a doorway without pulling
Walking through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk
Reacting appropriately to city distractions (horns, sirens, bikes and skateboarders, etc.)
Waiting on leash at a crosswalk and crossing the street under control
Ignoring food and food containers on sidewalk
Allowing a person to approach on a sidewalk and pet the dog
Staying in a 3-minute down in a building lobby
Safely negotiating stairs and elevators
Being housetrained
Entering/exiting and riding dog-friendly transportation (car, subway in a carry bag, taxi)

For pet parents just starting out with obedience training, both programs offer a great checklist of desirable skills and the new urban version is a no-brainer for those of us who want our pooches to feel as comfortable as we do living in the big city. And kids can get into the fun too – there are clubs across North American that offer courses just for kids and canines.

Are you and your pooch up to the challenge? Then head over to the AKC’s Urban Canine Good Citizen page to sign up or learn more about the program.

Mary Simpson is a writer and communications professional from Port Credit, Ontario. A soft touch for anything stray, she shares her century home with an eclectic collection of rescues that include orange tabby Chico, tuxedo Simon, and jet black Owen. She enjoys running, politics, exploring the wine regions of Niagara and is an avid supporter of the “shop local” movement.

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Walking your dog in an urban metropolis isn’t for the faint of heart. Before leaving your high-rise, check everything off this 12-step checklist. You’re about to head out the door and do a quick scan or your “equipment”. Sunglasses? Check. Cellphone? Check. Poop bags? Yes, you are a pet parent with a dog just itching to get out for his daily constitutional and if you don’t say “check” to this standard issue item, you may be among the legions of owners who give big city pooches a bad rap. Here’s a simple 12-step program for urban pet parents to ensure Rover remains a welcome part of the neighborhood: Before you head out, mentally play out where you intend to take your pooch. If errands are to be run, or coffee to be had, can he accompany you into the building? If no, don’t take him. Leaving him tied to a tree outside your destination can invite theft or injury should he become frightened and break free. Related: Big City Dogs Can Now Earn The Urban Canine Good Citizen Title If his walk starts and ends with a ride on an elevator, ensure he is well-mannered and sits quietly. Many people are anxious around dogs – even friendly ones – and confined in a small space isn’t the time to convince them otherwise. Know the rules, some buildings require you to use freight elevators and back exits when you are accompanied by a dog.While you may have trained your dog to walk on your left, city dogs are quick to find all that “good stuff” we humans drop on the ground. Urban pet parents should have their dog walk slightly ahead of them so they can spot all those same goodies before Rover does.Keep him leashed. For his safety and that of others, you need to have a means to pull him back if he suddenly bolts. Even if your boy is friendly, a sudden noise, cyclist, or skateboarder could cause him to panic. A leash will help you keep him safe while allowing others to pass. Many urban centres even have laws regarding the length of leash that can be used on public sidewalks (typically six feet or less). Related: 5 Important Tips On Dog Proofing Your Balcony Lose the retractable. Retractable leashes are used for training purposes, not for regular dog walking. Additionally, it can be too easy to lose control of a dog you’ve allowed to stroll 20 feet ahead of you. And if he’s a larger breed and suddenly lurches at something you can’t see, you can lose the lead entirely.Yellow leashes. Gaining momentum in some areas is the Yellow Dog Project. Pet parents use a yellow lead or attach a prominent yellow ribbon to the leash in what is becoming a universal sign for “my dog isn’t that friendly”. But never expect new initiatives such as this to take the place of good pet parenting and responsible dog walking.Do your doo diligence. Yes, there is no question that your dog is going to drop to a squat the moment a group of people approach. Remain cool, allow nature to happen, and then reach for your trusty poop bag. I always scope out the nearest garbage cans in advance – no need to carry any longer than necessary, right?Always Pee Polite. Yes, still on the topic of dog elimination, don’t allow your little guy to dampen trees and flowerbeds someone has spent time carefully cultivating. Train him to urinate in gutters or vertical surfaces such a lamppost or the proverbial fire hydrant. And don’t allow him to squat at will. Guide him to the curb, away from high traffic (both foot and car) areas for easy clean-up.If you’re walking a highly nervous Nelly, desensitization training may be just the ticket. It focuses on making your pooch comfortable in hectic surroundings and involves gradually increasing the levels of distraction presented to him under unpredictable conditions. Similar to what service dogs for the blind undergo. Speak to a trainer to learn more about how this may help your little guy adjust to his city walkies.The ASPCA has developed a list of the four basic commands your city pooch should know for his own safety. They include” Sit-Stay”, “Heel”, “Come” and “Leave It”. This last one is used when it’s necessary for your dog to break focus on an unhealthy or unsafe activity – e.g. zeroing in on a passing jogger or a discarded food item. He learns that when he obeys this command, there will be a treat for him.Stay connected. Walking with your dog should be an enjoyable opportunity for you both to reconnect. Lose the iPhone, and focus on him, your surroundings, and reinforcing trained skills. Remember, he considers you the pack leader on this walk.If your little guy is acting skittish, don’t hesitate to ask even the most well-intentioned people not to pat him. It doesn’t have to be rude and can do all of you a big favor if your dog is feeling irritable.

5 Important Tips For Dog Proofing Your Balcony

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So, what do you do when your little guy is craving some fresh air and opening the back door to a fully fenced yard just isn’t an option? It’s time to doggie-proof your balcony. If done properly, your balcony can provide Rover with a place where he can lay in the sun, listen to the birds, and even do his business. (Yes, that’s right. We said your balcony could be a place where he does his business, and can we tell you that’s a fabulous thing?!). Your balcony can be something of a second home for your pooch, the only challenge is that making sure that it’s absolutely safe for Fido to go out there. Please, though, make no mistake. While we’re going to show you how to make your balcony fun and safe for your dog, opening the doors and letting him fend on his own all the time is not what we’re suggesting. For one thing, it’s still important to supervise your pup while he’s on your balcony. In addition to that, these tips are not to facilitate the replacement of the physical and mental stimulation received from a good walk to the local park. And for the best interest of your dog, it should never be considered a permanent location for your pooch. You must be careful, but at the same time your dog will certainly appreciate the opportunity to get a little extra outdoor time on your balcony. Ready for a crash-course? Well, here it comes! Check out these 5 important tips on dog proofing your balcony. Related: Big City Dogs Can Now Earn The Urban Canine Good Citizen Title 1. Remove poisonous plants. It seems obvious, but far too few dog owners even bother to check if it’s healthy for their dogs to be around their plants. Beyond that, even planter baskets and hanging planters can come down in the wind, so ensure whatever you are growing is safe just in case your pooch decides to turn it into his breakfast one day. Did you realize that common container plants that such as: rhododendron, azalea, hydrangea, English ivy, and clematis can be highly dangerous? Probably not. This is not exactly common knowledge. So doing the research before buying any plant that will be brought into a home with a dog is vitally important. You may think that your dog doesn’t have any interest in foraging for foliage because he leaves all the indoor houseplants alone, but don’t take any chances. There are tons of other plants that look beautiful on balconies and are also pup-safe. For a more complete listing visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ website. This is a vital resource that more dog owners need to take advantage of. 2. Safely Store Chemicals So, you’ve chosen safe greenery for your outdoor space. Now it’s important not to forget to check out all those sprays and additives you use to keep your container gardens looking their best, your windows clean, and pesky bugs at bay. 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Potty Time No, I’m not talking about transplanting shrubs or making pottery. I’m talking about when your little guy decides to relieve himself on your balcony or deck. This won”t exactly be something that you hope happens on your balcony. But as they say, “it” happens and you need to not only safeguard your flooring but also the goodwill you’ve established with the neighbors below. Even the most trained dogs may have a mistake moment, so you want to be prepared. Ideally you will have taken your pup out for a walk before setting him free on the deck, but if a whiff of fresh air is all it takes to put your dog in the mood, consider putting down plastic boot mats, a pee pad, or fake potty grass for trained dogs. For those who live in areas where the weather is often an issue even for the walks, and you want to have a place for when desperate times call for desperate actions, you’ll be glad you’ve already put plans and products in place. Trust us on this one. Just make sure to clean up anything that happens quickly and efficiently so that neither you nor your neighbours will experience any nasty surprises later on. 4. Rail Safety Railings provide a deadly opportunity for any size dog to squeeze through and get stuck, or worse. And don’t be fooled into thinking that there’s no way your Great Dane is going to be able to get his head through that itty bitty railing space. Odds are that no, he won’t, but you don’t want him going to any extra lengths to prove you wrong. Potential solutions include affixing mosquito netting, chicken wire or plexi-panels to the existing railings to eliminate all access points, or a plush collar (for little dogs). If your dog tends to be rambunctious, allowing him out onto a balcony with glass panels isn’t a wise decision. If at all possible, you’ll want to replace the glass panels, and if we’re really honest, even if your dog isn’t super rowdy, glass panels just make us nervous. 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A simple, water-proof dog bed, access to shade, and a ready bowl of fresh water can make it an enjoyable experience for you both. In the winter, when you may be using your balcony potty products to entice your pup to do his business despite the weather outside, you’ll want to be sure that the balcony is safe for walking as well. You may have our recommended boot mats already out there but you might want to also consider something like these rubber stair mats in a floor pattern to allow safe walking in inclement weather. Comfort is important, but safety must always come first. We’ve also never had a dog tell us they didn’t enjoy a small little stash of dog toys or bones out on their balcony either, so that might help him enjoy the fresh outdoors a spell with you too. It’s a great opportunity to keep your pooch stimulated within a confined space. The sights and smells of the outdoors will only keep them stimulated for so long if they can’t go anywhere. 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Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?

Springtime is such a joyful time of the year. The harsh and gloomy winter days are finally over, and nature is awakening – the sun is shining, trees are blooming, and life erupts all over again. But that doesn’t mean that there are no downsides to this season. From spring allergies to spring shedding, there are also quite a few things that don’t spark joy when spring comes. One of those unexpected things that become a downside of spring when you’re a dog is flowers. Yup. Those gorgeous, lush-smelling blooms that appear in the spring can pose a threat to your dog, as many spring flowers are toxic to our canine friends.So without further ado, let’s see which of these pretty, colorful flowers are potentially dangerous for dogs – so you’ll know exactly which of them to avoid planting in your garden or putting in a vase.Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?As we all know, dogs are inquisitive and love to nibble and sniff all sorts of odd things, flowers included. This is why you should be vigilant in the spring when many potentially toxic plant varieties are in season. Keep an eye out for the following flowers when walking your pet out and about or when picking out seeds for your flower beds!Daffodils

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Sleeping With Pets: Here's What Experts Have to Say

Pet parents adore their four-legged companions so much that they choose to sleep with them at night. Research shows that more than half of pet owners sleep with their pets. Most pet owners consider their pets part of the family, so it is no surprise that they will go out of their way to ensure their furry companions’ comfort. However, with an increasing focus on our sleep health, pet parents are starting to wonder about the potential disadvantages of sleeping with pets. In fact, sharing a bed with a pet is the subject of controversy among pet parents.Various studies suggest that there are many benefits to sleeping with pets. And experts tend to agree. According to Audrey Wells, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, a pet can provide an emotional connection and reduce anxiety and stress levels, therefore promoting sleep. “Some people may consider their pets an added layer of security, dependable to alert them to unexpected noises or lights.”Another benefit of sleeping with your pet is that they can keep you nice and warm during the night. People who get chilled easily might enjoy cuddling with a furry companion during frigid winter nights.“Pets are sensitive to routine, and they can help enforce a regular bedtime and better sleep quality for their owner,” explained Dr. Wells. “Similarly, pets can signal wake-up time in the morning and even prompt some time outside for a walk and daylight exposure.”If you enjoy sleeping with your pet and find it beneficial for your sleep, the science agrees with you. According to Amanda Farah, National Training and Behavioral Coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society, studies have found that some people sleep more soundly when their dog is sleeping next to them. “If you and your dog both sleep well together, you’ll enjoy the health benefits that come with a good night’s sleep, such as improved mental clarity, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system,” explained Farah.According to Teddy Cralle, Ms, RN, certified clinical sleep educator, some people sleep better when their pet is in the bed, but some don’t. If there’s a chance that you won't get a good night’s rest while sleeping with your pet you shouldn't sleep with them in the first place. For example, if you’re a light sleeper and your dog likes to change positions during the night, sleeping with your pooch may wake you more often, resulting in low-quality sleep. Also, some pups like to claim the entire bed for themselves, leading to a sleepless night and a backache. “Sacrificing your sleep means sacrificing your health, well-being, and quality of life - and that is not a sacrifice to make,” Cralle added.Sharing a bed with a pet may not be the best idea if you’re an asthma or allergy sufferer. Although some dog breeds shed less than others, no dog is truly hypoallergenic because it’s their dander and not hair that triggers an allergic reaction. Zoonotic diseases are another downside of sleeping with pets. Research has confirmed that sharing a bed with a pet can increase the exposure rate to pathogens that might be present. Although no one wants to think about it, pets can bring unwanted guests to your bed. Fleas and ticks are the most active during the warmer months, but the truth is they can infest your pet all year long. If the downsides of sleeping with your pet have made you reconsider your sleeping arrangement don’t fret - you can still have your pooch close by while you sleep. A crate or a cozy dog bed next to your bed will help everyone get a good night’s rest. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

World’s Oldest Dog Posthumously Stripped of His Title

Last year, the world’s oldest dog was thought to be Bobi – who was reportedly  31 years old. However, a recent investigation into this claim led to him being posthumously stripped of the title by none other than Guinness World Records. The lofty title was suspended this January, as doubts rose about the dog’s reported age. Bobi lived in Portugal and sadly passed away last fall, and according to his owner, at a grand age of 31 years. However, a recent review by Guinness World Records revealed that they didn’t have the necessary evidence to support that claim."Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can't retain Bobi as the record holder and honestly claim to maintain the high standards we set ourselves," Guinness Director of Records Mark McKinley said. "Of course, as with any record, we'll gladly assess any new evidence should we receive any."Before Guinness World Records actually grants a world record, they require ample evidence of a claim. Pictures, videos, statements from witnesses, documents, and anything similar are all required. And when pets are concerned, microchip data can also be examined. "Central to Bobi's evidence was microchip data sourced from the Portuguese government database, the SIAC, which it transpires, when chipped in 2022, did not require proof of age for dogs born before 2008," McKinley said. "With the additional veterinary statement provided as evidence for Bobi's age also citing this microchip data, we're left with no conclusive evidence which can definitively prove Bobi's date of birth."So, who is the real oldest dog in the world? Well, before Bobi’s lofty claim, there was the famous Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who held the record, being 29 years and 5 months old. But with these recent events, the future of this record will certainly change. McKinley claims that microchips need to be widely adopted around the world for serious claims to be made."Until that time, we'll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet's life, we'll continue to ask for vet and witness statements and we'll also consider microchip data as well where available," he added. "It's for this reason that we're not yet in a position to confirm a new holder for the record, although we certainly hope that the publicity around the record title encourages pet owners from around the world to get in touch."Sadly, Bobi died in October 2023, just months after celebrating what was reportedly his 31st birthday. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a native Portuguese dog breed that is known for its ability to protect livestock. These magnificent dogs have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and it was thought that Bobbi managed to live twice the time expected – but we’ll never know if that’s actually true or not.

Study Finds Pet Parents Care More About Their Dogs Than Their Cats

Pet parents tend to place themselves into one of two categories. You can either be a dog person or a cat person - there’s nothing in between. This may come as a shock to all cat lovers, but scientists have found that dog owners care more for their dogs than cat owners care for their cats. At least that’s the case with pet owners across Denmark, Austria, and the United Kingdom.Although these findings have been observed in older studies, veterinary scientists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, wanted to find out whether cultural factors had any effect on the results. Their results were first published in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “We and others have found that people are willing to spend much less on their cats than on their dogs,” said Peter Sandøe, professor at the University of Copenhagen and the study’s lead author. “We wanted to find out whether cats could eventually end up having the same high status as dogs do today.”The scientists surveyed 2,117 pet owners, including 844 dog owners, 872 cat owners, and 401 owners who owned both cats and dogs. Participants were asked questions about their pets’ health insurance, their willingness to pay for life-saving medical treatment, and other questions designed to determine how much owners care for their pets. Pet owners from all three countries had a higher attachment score for dogs than for cats. Dog owners were more likely to buy insurance for their dogs, and said they were willing to spend more for life-saving treatment for their dogs. However, the results of the study varied greatly across the countries. The differences were most noticeable in Denmark, where 41% of dog owners said they were willing to pay a high cost of life-saving medical treatment for their dogs compared to 26% of cat owners. On the other hand, the United Kingdom’s results were in favor of dogs, but only slightly. Around 34% of dog owners in the UK said they would pay more for their dogs’ medical treatment compared to 28% of cat owners. According to scientists, such a slight difference isn’t statistically significant. ‘While people care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries, the degree of difference varied dramatically between countries,” said Sandøe. The researchers originally hypothesized that people in Denmark might be more unaccustomed with cats living indoors than people living in Austria and the United Kingdom since Denmark became urbanized much later than these two countries. Thanks to a much more recent rural history, cats in Denmark might be seen as just another farm animal.According to researchers, several studies hypothesize that when cats are more likely to spend time indoors, they tend to become much closer to their owners, who consequently care more about them. This was confirmed by studies in the U.S. and Mexico, where many cats are indoors-only felines.So it comes as no surprise that in Denmark, where just one out of five cats is kept strictly indoors and many have outdoor access, most pet owners care less about cats. Researchers think that pet owners’ level of care for their pets may depend on the level of interaction and dependence, as well as other factors. "There seems to be no natural limit to how much people will end up caring about their cats compared to their dogs,” said Sandøe. “The British are often portrayed as a nation of cat lovers, which is certainly confirmed by our study. The Danes have a long way to go, but they may eventually get there.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Guinness World Record Holder, Bobi "Earns His Wings"

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Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?

The days are growing colder and colder, and your pet is more and more hesitant when it’s time to go out for a potty break – who could blame them? It’s not like we owners don’t need to give ourselves a pep talk when it’s time to take our dogs out for a walk when it’s snowing outside or the icy wind is whipping everything in sight.While winter can be very unpleasant for your dog, there are ways to keep your pooch toasty and more comfortable when the temperatures drop, ranging from  cozy winter coats, warm blankets, and protective winter boots. Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement – if you’ve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?You might think that paws are naturally protected from the cold ground and rough terrain thanks to their unique properties, but that’s only partially true. Not all doggos are built the same. As they come in different shapes and sizes, and with different coat lengths, it means that they will experience winter and cold temperatures in different ways. But even so, no dog’s paw should be left to endure the snow, the ice, and the  rock salt on the asphalt streets. That means that dog boots in winter are far more than a simple piece of the outfit. They protect, keep warm, and ensure that your dog’s paws are safe from injuries, irritations, and dangerous substances. Of course, some dogs need winter boots more than others. Small and toy dogs are much more vulnerable to cold and low temperatures, and they will need protection from the elements without a doubt – that means both a winter jacket and boots. The same goes for senior dogs, whose aching joints and paw pads are much more vulnerable to the elements than they were when they were young.Ultimately, however, dogs of all ages and sizes should be accustomed to wearing dog boots. They protect your pet’s paws in any weather, and come with a range of other advantages, too – these are the main five benefits of dog boots:#1 TractionThanks to dog boots, your pet will no longer have trouble walking on icy or slick surfaces. Boots provide grip and traction, and your next wintery outing will be much safer and faster thanks to them. This is especially important to seniors, who can seriously injure themselves and endanger their mobility due to slips and falls on icy surfaces.#2 InsulationThe boots are there to protect from extreme temperatures. This goes for both winter and summer. So whether it’s ice and cold, or the hot summer asphalt, the boots are there to provide safety – no frostbite on the paw pads, no burns on their delicate little beans.#3 HygieneCleaning your dog’s paws after every walk can quickly become a tiring chore – kudos to you if it doesn’t. Winter brings mud and slush with it, and without the boots, all that mess remains on the paws and gets inside your house, so you need to  clean your pet’s paws every single time you come in from outside. `thanks to dog boots, this can be a thing of the past.#4 Comfort and careDogs can have very sensitive paw pads, especially if they are older and cracked. Thanks to dog boots, winter doesn’t have to exacerbate these issues. Padded and comfy, dog boots ensure that walking on various surfaces is smooth and pain-free.#5 Prevention of injuriesWhen it comes to the protection of paw pads, nothing beats dog boots. In winter, there are a lot of hazards on the walking surface. Ice shards, frozen rocks, icy puddles, and rock salt – the list is endless. Thanks to the protection of the boots, your pet will be safe from abrasions, cuts, and frostbite.

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