Hello Old English Sheepdog Club of Greater Seattle, Inc.,

Just a reminder, if your member breeders haven’t applied for the Better Breeder Directory, applications are still being accepted. 

Here at the Better Breeder Institute, we have created the Better Breeder Directory to promote conservationist dog breeders, NOT the backyard, for-profit, and commercial breeders that fill most online directories and marketplaces - including the AKC Marketplace. Approved breeders must agree to our Code of Ethics, carefully developed to screen out all but purebred, purposeful breeders. We are proud to have hundreds of our sport’s finest breeders represented in our directory.

If you have not done so yet, please share this opportunity with your breed club’s breeders. We invite them to create a free listing with pictures, information, and litter details. Their page will be built to perform on Google - where over 90% of prospective puppy buyers begin their search.

If you HAVE shared this opportunity with your breeders, thank you! We look forward to bringing them several exciting opportunities to learn from experts with content not offered anywhere else. Details will be available shortly.

To get started, simply have your breeders visit this link to apply.

THE CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST

At the AKC, we believe that all dogs can be good dogs, and all owners can be great owners: all it takes is a little bit of training, lots of love, and of course, plenty of praise along the way. 

That’s why we created the Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program: a two-part course designed to help you and your dog be the best you can be–together. Since 1989, over 1 million dogs and their owners have participated in CGC, mastering ten basic skills that instill confidence and good manners in and out of your home. 

Not only does CGC training create long-lasting trust between you and your pup, but also ensures you’ll be good neighbors and friends to everyone around you—and, if you’re interested in going beyond the basics, CGC also lays the foundation for other AKC sports and activities like obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. 
 

What is CGC?

CGC is a ten-skill training program that’s open to all dogs–purebred and mixed breed–that focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community. 

After mastering the ten skills, passing the CGC test together, and taking the Responsible Dog Ownership pledge, you and your pup will join the proud ranks of over 1 million dogs who have earned their Canine Good Citizen award– accomplishment that’s definitely worthy of extra belly rubs! 
 

Training Resources

When you start your Canine Good Citizen™  journey, you’re doing more than just teaching your dog ten skills to ensure they’re a good companion. You’re strengthening your bond and providing them with mental and physical exercise, as well as a healthy dose of socialization. 

You can begin your CGC training with your dog at home or in formal classes. All you need is love, patience and tons of praise. To ensure your dog has proper socialization and expert training, we suggest exploring the options for CGC group classes in your area, or searching for private trainers nearby. If you’d like to get a jumpstart with training on your own, browse our video series to get tips and tricks, but be sure your pup still has plenty of opportunities to socialize with other dogs in group situations. The socialization aspects are the components where most dogs struggle to pass the ten skills on the exam—and we all want your dog to be an A+ student!
 

Take the Test

Once you and your pup have tackled the challenges, mastered the 10 test skills, bonded over successes and the occasional failure, and celebrated with plenty of praise along the way, you’re ready to take the Canine Good Citizen™  test!

For owners wishing to receive an AKC CGC Title once their dog passes the test, they will need to complete the title application form which is provided by the evaluator.  In order to complete this application, the tested dog will need to have a registration number which can be either an AKC/FSS Registration number, Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) or Canine Partners (CP).
 

After CGC

Your journey doesn’t have to end once you and your dog earn your Canine Good Citizen award. There are tons of other opportunities to continue to grow your knowledge and skills, strengthen the bond with your dog, and enjoy rewarding, enriching and fun activities together.

For FAQs and to learn more, click HERE.

In the late 1880’s, the wealthy Pittsburgh industrialist, William Wade, took an interest in the Old English Sheepdog and promoted the breed among his friends. By the turn of the century, five of the ten wealthiest American families, the Morgans, Vanderbilts, Goulds, Harrisons and Guggenheims, all owned, bred and exhibited the Old English Sheepdog. In fact, the social prominence and importance of the owners and spectators at the Old English Sheepdog ring at the 1904 Westminster Show in New York prompted the show superintendent to discreetly advise the judge to “take plenty of time; the dogs in the ring are the property of some of our leading Americans.” No pressure there!

Image Below: The 1914 publicity of the 1914 Westminster Best In Show winner, “Slumber.”  Slumber was owned by Ms. Taylor Vic. Photo from Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show archives

Membership is Due July 1

PLEASE NOTE: NEW MEMBERSHIP FORMS AVAILABLE BELOW!

The Membership Directory will be compiled and sent out in July.

• If you joined the club between February 1st and June 30th of 2022, you do not need to pay.
• If dues have not been paid within 90 days of July 1st (which is October 1st ), your membership will be considered lapsed, 
  and you will need to reapply to the club.

LATEST!
OESCGS Membership FORMS HERE!

Please email Anne at OESCGSmembership@gmail.com for information on Membership