AKC CGCU /
URBAN CANINE
1) EXIT / ENTER Building (dog friendly) with No Pulling *Exit Building to start test
2) WALK THROUGH A CROWD on a busy Urban sidewalk
People come toward the dog from 1+ ft away
Tolerate Distractions
Not react to hats, umbrellas, big coats, people of all ages and flavors
3) Appropriate reaction to City Distractions, noises, walking on different surfaces
Sirens, construction noises
Moving Objects- Strollers, skateboards, bikes, wheelchairs
Kids running by
Surfaces: grass, tarps, grates, rugs, slippery floors
4) Crossing Street & Stopping at Corners – Traffic Areas
Stand or Sit to WAIT to cross
Cross without pulling
Cross under control
5) Ignore food on sidewalk – food wrappers, dropped food, cups, bags, cans, etc
6) Person walks up to dog – carrying a small dog in a carrier bag or a computer bag
Person does not put down bag to pet dog
Pet dog amidst distractions
7) Public /Dog Friendly Building- Dogs walks in under control
Slick floors, carpets
Down / Stay in Lobby (busy) area for 3 minutes
Down / Stay in public place WAIT while owners talks or snacks
8) Stairs, Steps, Elevators under control
Steps @ least 3 – Up & Down
Elevator (enter under control – ride & exits under control- no bolting or pulling)
9) “House Trained” for Condo, Apt- City Living – Walking out for Potty Breaks
10) Transportation – Public Access
Bus, Train, Plane, Cabs * depends on owner’s needs
Car – Enters, Exits remaining under control on ride (Seatbelt? Crate?)
Subway – small dog in carrier bags-
Large dogs tucked under seat/between handler’s legs – facing front
Dog-Friendly Transportation if not a SERVICE DOG or SDIT
Enters/Exits UP or Down in/onto vehicle- allowed to be picked up
Boards Bus or Train under control
DOGS on DUTY PACK goes URBAN
Working in downtown areas and busy places- Follow Your Safety Measures and be AWARE of your Surroundings.
Your Service Dog's safety has to be in the forefront of your mind. Bring Water, Take Ample Relief Breaks, Rest in the Shade and make sure you don't Stress Out Your Dog. Learn to "READ YOUR DOG"; Watch his body language. Don't Over-Stimulate your dog; Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating. Be mindful of HOT PAVEMENT!
TRANSPORTATION
SDIT Folly waits to dismount on command.
ELEVATORS
Angel and SDIT Folly waiting for elevator doors to close at the mall.
STEPS and STAIRWAYS
SDIT Folly walks down stairs slowly and under control in a pubic building.
CROSSWALKS
While practicing for her AKC CGCU, SDIT Folly had to cross streets and wait at the corners,
on short leash and
under control.
Downtown, Busy Streets, Crowds,
Construction Sites and Food Vendors
SERVICE DOG IN TRAINING, Folly (a golden doodle donated for service work) is pictured working in public on her AKC CGCU Skills. It will be her third evaluation since she started her training last year.
Preparing for First AMTRAK Train Adventure with Folly.
We used Mongo, a seasoned traveler, to accompany her and model appropriate behavior.
Entering/Exiting
Public Building.
When accessing Public Buildings, make sure you have a clear path. Most automatic Doors have Handicap Buttons that your dog can be trained to tap if needed.
Busy Streets
Be aware of your surroundings. SDIT Folly is a steady and calm dog and typically is not affected by all the commotion. With a Road Crew there are sudden movements and equipment to maneuver around.
Construction + Food Vendors
The Loud Noises and Strong Smells would distract ANY dog. Keep your dog moving with praise and clear commands. They will be looking around and checking out the area but you can keep them focused.