Easy Walk Harness May Now Be used in CGC Testing

Previously, the American Kennel Club (AKC) did not allow dog teams taking the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test to use a body harness such as the Easy Walk Harness The EW s a body harness in which the leash attaches to a clasp on the dog's chest instead of on top of his back.  Doing so, the strap across his chest tightens slightly if he pulls forward.  This redirects his attention back to you or places him slightly off balance making it easy for the handler to step in front of their dog and walk in the opposite direction.  It will not pinch him nor totally restrict  his movement but he is less likely to continue pulling forward with his shoulders turned sideways.  The EW is sold for a nominal price at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan).

I always found it puzzling as to why the EW was not previously allowed in the tests but yet a martingale style neck collar, also known as a premier collar, was allowed (also sold at HSHV).  A martingale collar does not restrict forward movement but it does clasp tighter around the dog's neck when he pulls forward without choking him (note, a martingale collar is a very effective tool to ensure a dog does not slip out of a traditional snap together or buckle style collar and is more humane than a chain or sometimes referred to as a choke collar.)  I attributed the reason why the EW was not allowed previously was probably because it was not yet developed or widely used when the test rules were developed.  And, it appears I was correct.

As of November 4, 2010, the AKC changed the CGC test rules to allow the use of a harness such as the EW.  Per the AKC website, "As of November 4, 2010, body harnesses may be used in the CGC test. The evaluator should check to make sure the harness is not of a type that completely restricts the dog's movement such that it could not pull or jump up if it tried."  Thanks go to the AKC for updating their test rules as many owners find the EW to be a wonderful training tool.  It helps manages the dog's pulling behavior (to reduce excessive pulling but it is not  a replacement for professional dog training)  while the owner teaches the dog to walk with them on a loose leash.  It's also a great strength equalizer for many students with large dogs.

If you're interested in training your dog to pass the CGC evaluation, register for the "Canine Good Citizen / Intermediate Manners" group dog class held at the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Evaluations are held upon the conclusion of each six week period class.  If you want to see what a CGC test looks like, come observe the next testing scheduled for December 16, 2010 at 6:45pm.








For professional dog training in Michigan, contact Michael Burkey at http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com, info@MichiganDogTrainer.com, 734-634-4152