The dogs and their owners had a booth at the annual agricultural celebration, not only to show people how well mannered animals can be, but to teach children the proper way of approaching them.
“It shows they’ve got someone who is concerned, someone who cares their dog is a respected neighbor,” said Vicky Brown, of Shulmeister Shepherds, an obedience, herding, tracking and agility trainer.
Saying hello to a good citizen.
The Good Citizen Canine designation can even help with homeowners insurance should the owner have a dog which is a member of an alleged notorious breed. “If you have a Canine Good Citizen you can get homeowners insurance,” Brown said.
The participation in the program, she says, “Shows someone cares, someone cares about their behavior, that they want to be able to bring their dog to different places.”
One thing the Halifax County CGC Stars wants to emphasize, Brown said, is teaching children the proper way to greet animals. “They should not touch any dog without asking first.”
Suzanne Thompson, whose labs are both Canine Good Citizens, said working to get Zyla and Bailey to that level was rewarding. “It opens the lines of communication between your dog and you.”
For more information on the program email Brown at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
There is to be no profanity and there is to be no character assassination even if the person being written about is a suspect in a crime.
Comments that presume knowledge of a person’s home life, financial situation or other personal details will be not be posted as will comments which presume legal knowledge.
All comments must be on the topic of the story and offer the reader’s insight on a particular issue. rrspin.com will cease posting comments if the editor determines readers are infighting with one another and not staying on the topic of a story.
rrspin.com prefers readers use their real names because anonymous posters are accountable for their comments just as readers who post their names are.