News:
Canine Good Citizen is a qualification issued by the
Kennel Union of South Africa and consists of a set of 13
simple exercises that encompass the types of behaviours
one would expect from a well mannered, confident
companion dog. These include allowing a stranger to
examine or lightly groom the dog, non- aggression to
both other dogs and people, the ability to walk on a
loose lead, coming when called, and being able to
briefly lie down and wait for the handler.
On 21
May this year, seven of our Funda Nenja handlers and
dogs, together with their 9 colleagues from Bruntville,
Mooi River, entered their first ever KUSA show to prove
that township dogs can behave just as well as their more
privileged counterparts from the suburbs.
Accompanied by their instructors, some of whom also
entered their own dogs, they arrived with great
excitement and a little trepidation, at the venue in
Pinetown. The Funda Nenja team looked striking in their
emerald green T-Shirts and matching caps and all were
complimented on their dogs’ good behaviour.
The
judge, Edward Sutcliffe, assisted by Doreen Stapelberg
who translated instructions into Zulu, made everyone
feel welcome and as relaxed as possible. The assessment
went well without any mishaps and at the end of it all,
six Funda Nenja and five Bruntville dogs officially
became Canine Good Citizens. Five others will have to be
reassessed in just one area each, after which they too,
will get their coveted award.
Every entrant
received a lovely blue and silver rosette in addition to
a bag of dog treats and a goody bag for the handlers.
Qualifiers each received a beautiful certificate from
KUSA.
This was a most exciting day for all
concerned and a historical event for KUSA and the
township training groups, as never before in SA, have
township dogs competed and qualified in any similar
competition.
Competitors, instructors, judges
and even the dogs, all went home happy and very
satisfied after a wonderful day out with Canine Good
Citizens.
