In this silly video, a household of people are asked to rate their pets (or others' pets) in whatever way they like. Whether you have silly ideas or echo the ideas of the American Kennel Club, we'd like to hear about the dogs of Ventura Boulevard and viccinity. What is important to you? How would you grade your dog? What grade does it get for the usual categories? What special categories would you add?
Here are some traditional areas for grading your pet, which many consider the basic set of well-behaved manners:
The American Kennel Club offers a test which awards the Canine Good Citizenship certificate to those dogs who can demonstrate mastery of a series of mandatory behaviors. It is for all breeds and mixed breeds. Wouldn't you want your dog to do these things?
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead, responding to handler's movements)
Test 5: Walking through a crowd (while dog doesn't strain on leash)
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place (20 feet from handler)
Test 7: Coming when called (10 feet from handler)
Test 8: Reaction to another dog (to show no major reaction to another dog but primarily watching handler)
Test 9: Reaction to distraction (to demonstrate confidence at all times in the handler)
Test 10: Supervised separation (3 minute separation from handler)
What grade would your dog get in these areas? What grade would you give your dog in other areas? What areas would you add for your own dog that are important to you and your life?
Some people have told me they would add cuddliness. Some would add "No Awful Doggy Smell" from breath or coat. Some would add "Loving Unconditionally."
Leave a comment about where your dog gets an A. Maybe it's fetching the paper in the morning? (Anybody still get a paper? My dogs used to fetch the paper.)
