Exemplary Canine Citizen: what is this accreditation for dogs?
The ANACP programme that certifies dogs with exemplary behaviour.
WHAT IS THE ‘EXEMPLARY CANINE CITIZEN’ ACCREDITATION?
Approximate reading time: 7 minutes
Dogs are part of our families. But they are not only with us at home, they are also members of the communities and cities in which they live. You only have to take a walk around the block to realise that we have more and more doggy neighbours, which makes it necessary for all of us to live together pleasantly.
With this in mind, in 2012 the National Association of Dog Trainers (ANACP) created the Exemplary Canine Citizen (CCE) programme, based on the American Kennel Club's Good Citizen Canine. This accreditation, made up of a series of tests, certifies animals that pass them as ‘dogs with the education and social behaviour to be trustworthy and polite members of the family environment and the cities they live in’. It also aims to instil in dog owners the responsibility to socialise, educate and train their pets and encourages them to become their handlers in order to achieve this recognition.
Table of Contents
- How can my dog become an Exemplary Canine Citizen?
1. Tests for your dog to become an ECC
4. Identification and documentation
9. Renewal of the ECC certificate
10. How to enter my dog in an ECC competition
- What are the benefits of dog training?
How can my dog become an Exemplary Canine Citizen?
First of all, it is important to clarify that the Canine Exemplary Citizen certification is not a competition and is primarily intended as an opportunity for pets and handlers to have fun together and bond. As a result, if the dog passes all the tests that make up the programme, they will be recognised as an exemplary member of the community. If you are interested in the idea of your dog earning this title, take note of all the requirements and information about the Exemplary Canine Citizen accreditation.
1. Tests for your dog to become CCE
For a dog to be recognised as an Exemplary Canine Citizen, it must pass without fail a series of tests that demonstrate their discipline, self-control and socialisation, among other aspects. These exercises are supervised by qualified judges, who are professional handlers recognised by the ANACP. If your pet manages to perform each and every test correctly, they will be registered with the ANACP and will receive an official certificate as an Exemplary Canine Citizen. Some judges may offer a second chance to dogs that have failed only one of the activities. The exercises your dog must pass to become an ECC are as follows:
- Acceptance of a friendly stranger.
- Sitting during the greeting of a stranger.
- Checking and grooming session by a stranger.
- Walking beside the handler on a lead.
- Walking among a group of people.
- Sitting, lying down on command and remaining still.
- Response to call.
- Response to other dogs.
- Reaction to distractions.
- Supervised separation.
2. Use of the leash
The rules of the National Association of Dog Trainers state that the tests are conducted on a leash. The leash must be 10 metres long and made of leather or cloth, and extendable leashes are not permitted. As for the dog's collar, leather or fabric collars may be used. Harnesses are permitted as long as they do not hinder the animal's movements.
3. Vaccination and deworming
Your dog should always be up to date with their vaccinations and deworming, but if you are thinking of entering them in an ECC competition it is compulsory that you can certify this through their record book. For the safety of your dog and the other participants, it is very important that your pet is fully vaccinated and correctly dewormed.
4. Identification and documentation
To participate in this ANACP accreditation it is necessary that your dog is correctly identified by means of a microchip. Likewise, if your dog is one of the breeds considered potentially dangerous, you must provide the licence to the organisers. Remember to bring all your dog's documentation in order to the show.
5. Treatment of the animal
Naturally, the ANACP does not tolerate any kind of violent language, pressure or aggressive attitude towards the pets participating in these events. On the contrary, they advocate a relaxed atmosphere in which the dog enjoys performing the exercises and stipulate that owners should reward their pets after each test with stroking and pleasant words. Dogs are social animals that develop a very deep bond with their owners or handlers. That is why, among other things, they benefit so much from training, as they enjoy doing what their owners tell them to do and receiving their love and affection as a reward. If you are thinking of training your dog to become an Exemplary Canine Citizen, don't forget that the sessions must be entertaining and satisfactory for them and always adapted to their conditions and needs.
6. Age of participants
The National Association of Canine Trainers does not establish a maximum age to opt for this Exemplary Canine Citizen certification, as long as the dog is in good condition to pass the exercises. The minimum age for participation is 8 months, although it is recommended that dogs that obtain the accreditation at this age repeat it when they reach adulthood, as many aspects of canine character can change with development.
7. Behaviour that is not permitted
Dogs participating in this ANACP programme must demonstrate impeccable behaviour and self-control, including toilet training. Urinating or defecating during the performance of any of the exercises will result in the elimination of the dog from the trials. However, it is not taken into account if they relieve themselves on the way from one exercise to the next. Teaching a dog to relieve itself outside is one of the first aspects of dog training, so you should have no problem with this.
8. Special cases
If your dog has a special condition, such as a visual or hearing impairment, the ANACP states that all those signals with which the animal has been trained (gestures, sounds, etc.) may be used. Otherwise, the dogs must pass the 10 tests with the same conditions and requirements.
9. Renewal of the CCE certificate
In general, it is recommended that an Exemplary Canine Citizen dog should repeat the tests every two years to certify that they continue to exhibit appropriate behaviour in terms of training, education and socialisation. So now you know, if your dog passes this programme and becomes accredited, continue to work with them so that they can continue to be an exemplary member of your community and renew their certificate in 24 months.
10. How do I enter my dog in a CCE competition?
Now that you know all the rules and requirements to participate with your dog in the Exemplary Canine Citizen programme, you can contact the ANACP (on their website https://anacpp.es/programa_cce) to consult the official announcements for available entries in your city. In the meantime, keep practising and having fun with your furry friend!
What are the benefits of dog training?
Whether or not you and your dog decide to apply for Exemplary Canine Citizen certification, dog training is very beneficial for your dog. It stimulates them physically and intellectually, corrects and prevents behavioural problems and improves your pet's quality of life. But, in addition to this, an educated and socialised dog makes coexistence with people much more harmonious and pleasant. We must not forget that all kinds of people live with us: some don't like dogs, others are afraid, there are children, the elderly, other animals, etc. If your pet develops the right behaviour, you will avoid many problems for them and for your environment. They will be able to accompany you in the world without any danger and you will be able to enjoy them, not only at home but also in public spaces and in all kinds of places. Don't hesitate, your dog can also become a true Exemplary Canine Citizen.