The Canine Good Citizen: Every Dog Can Be One [Hardcover]

Joachim Volhard (Author), Wendy Volhard (Author), Melissa Bartlett (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1994

The Volhards' gentle approach to training teaches the reader how to establish and enhance an ongoing rapport between dog and owner. Chapters include an overview of the history and purpose of the Canine Good Citizen Test, the Volhard Puppy Aptitude test, an explanation of how dogs do and do not learn, and a discussion on the drives of dogs. This leads up to a breakdown of the Canine Good Citizen Test and how to train a dog so that it can easily pass any of the test's exercises.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Canine Good Citizen test, introduced by the American Kennel Club in recent years, hardly requires a special course of training-designed to certify that a dog has basic obedience skills, the CGC consists of 10 simple exercises for the dog, from sitting "politely" for petting to walking on a loose leash to a down-stay with the owner 20 feet away. But passing the CGC is as good a goal as any in dog training, and the Volhards (he is coauthor, with Bartlett, of What All Good Dogs Should Know; she has made award-winning training films) do a wonderful job of arming the reader with skills, techniques and philosophies. Their discussions are succinct and sober: a remarkably cogent section about teaching specific postures (sit, heel, etc.) and practices is preceded by a concise discussion of managing stress while training; a "Pack Leader's Bill of Rights" simplifies the often-clouded concept of pack theory; a schedule suggests the expected rate of progress. However, a "personality profile" aiming to help tell the reader which "drive" (prey, pack or defense) most motivates a given dog has pop appeal, but offers little beyond the obvious; you don't need to be Konrad Lorenz to know what motivates your own dog. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

"...purebred or mixed, with this book any dog can become a Canine Good Citizen.... The Volhards'...approach to training, which they call the Motivational Method,...is designed to do just that?motivate the owner and the dog. The Motivational Method is grounded on a thorough knowledge of how people learn and dog behavior. Since 1983 they have authored or co-authored four major books on dog training and teaching dog Obedience classes, and have produced four video tapes. I am...pleased that they have written this book on the Canine Good Citizen. I cannot think of anyone else who could have done a better job. This book contains everything the reader needs to know about training any dog to become a Canine Good Citizen. Still, there is much more?the book shares a wealth of insights for the beginner, as well as the experienced dog person. The book's best feature is that it gives each person the means to tailor the training to the individual dog's character and temperament. It thoroughly explains what makes dogs different and how these differences dictate the approach to training that needs to be taken." ?James E. Dearinger, AKC Vice President, Obedience

The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program was developed to promote responsible dog ownership in a manner that would be easy for both dog and owner. Any book that promotes and encourages dog owners to participate is doing a public service, and this book does it well.

"This book is aptly named. Yes, every dog, both pure-bred dogs and mixed breeds, can be a good citizen if their owners care enough to make it happen. The key is to encourage dog owners everywhere to be responsible enough to make their dogs a pleasure to be around and able to handle most situations that they might be expected to encounter in everyday life." ?Robert H. McKowen AKC Vice President, Performance Events
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House (December 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876054203
• ISBN-13: 978-0876054208
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #388,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for every dog owner, July 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Canine Good Citizen: Every Dog Can Be One, Second Edition (Paperback)

This is a must have for every dog owner. If you own a dog then you need to teach your dog some manners. Every dog has the potential of being a well behaved canine citzen and the Volhards teach you how to motivate your canine to become one. They break down the steps into an 8 week course and thoroughly explain each step. This has become my bible of dog training. The book is centered around taking the Canine Good Citizen Exam, however even if you do not attempt the exam you and your dog will highly benefit from its instruction. It will become an enjoyable time between you and your dog as they promote motivational training. You will be happy with your purchase of this well written book.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every dog owner should have a copy of this!!, May 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Canine Good Citizen: Every Dog Can Be One, Second Edition (Paperback)

Excellent book, easy to read and understand. This should be a manual given out to everyone planning on getting a new puppy, as well as anyone wanting to have a well mannered companion dog of any age. One of the best books I've ever read, well worth the money.

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book should be issued with your dog license., December 14, 1998

By 

Treebyleaf McCurdy (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Canine Good Citizen: Every Dog Can Be One (Hardcover)

I am a dog nut, a diehard fan of Job Michael Evans and Mryna Milani, owner of more dog books than I can lift at one time.

This is *the* dog book I recommend most often.

I've been a champion of the Canine Good Citizen program since I first heard about it. I expected to read this book and enjoy learning more about the program. I did not expect to be blown away by the practical and compassionate approach of the authors. There are many other dog books out there that I consider useful, helpful, even brilliant... but this is the one book I believe *every* responsible dog owner should make the time to read.