What Can a Golden Do?
Your Golden retriever is quite a remarkable dog. More than just great family pets, goldens are quite athletic and intelligent. We have all seen images of golden retrievers working in human search and rescue. This job really highlights how that athleticism and agility (that they display so well in the water) can be mastered on land. If it involves people, carrying something in their mouth, water, food, or silly tricks, the golden retriever continues to adapt to our modern lives. Your golden really has it all: brain, brawn and beauty! CGRC firmly believes that by working together in training your dog throughout their life, you will bring out the best qualities you both have to offer!
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has some general information about getting started in dog sports. In recent years, the AKC has really expanded their dog events to include even basic training accomplishments! These new titles really show how important every achievement with your dog can be. Even the most novice dog and owner now have many opportunities to be rewarded and recognized for their commitment and success.
You can check out their pages here:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/get-started-in-dog-sports-and-events/
https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/
AKC Event Links
Conformation
Obedience
Performance
Agility
Dog Training
Dog training is a great way to bond with your dog. This helps to prepare them to socialize with people and other pets and to participate in dog sports!
Local Training Facility Links:
Harford County, Maryland
4 Paws Spa
K9 College Dog Training
Polite Pooches
Baltimore County, Maryland
Oriole Dog Club
Delaware
Academy of Dog Training & Agility
Find your next event here:
Infodog.com Show Info Links
Training - Help & Advice
What if your dog is not responding to your training efforts? Goldens are generally easy to train with food and calm consistency; however, you may find your training sessions to just not be going the way you want. While your golden can display times of stubbornness, they are a “soft” natured breed. Too harsh or strict training exercises can cause your golden to “shut down” or start displaying signs of anxiety. Ask yourself some questions about what your current challenges are and get started here:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/is-your-dog-enjoying-dog-sports
Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA)
Certificate of Conformation Assessment (CCA)
Our parent club, the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA), also has special information about golden retriever specific events. There are numerous events and titles that you can achieve within the golden world. GRCA recognizes conformation, obedience, agility, field, tracking and Junior events.
You can check out their pages starting here:
https://grca.org/events/new-enthusiasts-information-and-support
Including their incredibly useful document:
New Enthusiasts: Information and Support PDF and their Calendar of Events page.
Their Certificate of Conformation Assessment (CCA) event not only is a recognized GRCA title, but it is also now an AKC eligible title as well! (Think more bang for your hard work).
Chesapeake Golden Retriever Club has direct connections to the national GRCA CCA committee and has held several successful CCA events over the years, including the 2017 GRCA National Specialty.
All About the Certificate of Conformation Assessment (CCA)
First, let’s discuss the nature of Golden Retrievers and what the Golden retriever is designed to be:
“Gentleman’s gun- dog”: athletic, intelligent, good stamina, strength, ease of trainability, protective coat, agile.
Characteristic traits: eager, alert, self-confident, friendly, trustworthy, tolerant, “sunny outlook”.
What is the CCA and Why?
First CCA held on October 11, 2004- now over 20 years of experience!
Promote good character and purpose of the Golden retriever
Assess timeless traits that represent the Golden retriever breed- these traits are what make this breed so versatile and unique.
Assessment of non-conformation show dogs that are working representations of the breed standard by 3 qualified evaluators. Spayed and neutered goldens are able to enter (not allowed in the show ring) and no formal training is required.
Non-competitive- you may be happily surprised that your dog will only be assessed against the Golden retriever breed standard, NOT those show dogs you see on TV. This makes the CCA a friendly and educational experience for all.
10 areas of evaluation all ranked 1-10- your Golden is more than just a pretty face!
Passing scores of 75-100 – remember no dog is perfect. By achieving the CCA title with your dog, you can be very pleased to know that you truly have a quality golden retriever worthy of the name!
Why does the CCA matter to the GRCA, CGRC and you?
It is a way to secure data on the Golden retriever breed. The GRCA is one of the largest single breed clubs with over 4,000 members and unique in that they have historical records basically from the start of the breed. This robust history has helped shape the GRCA mission. If you were not aware, the GRCA is the top contributor and promotes extensive research on the health of Golden retrievers. The CCA title will allow data to be stored for future use and a better understanding of how the golden retriever is evolving.
You get 3 personalized professional assessments on your dog! You have an opportunity to speak with each evaluator in the ring and will be given written comments as well. You will leave with a much better understanding of your dog and their strengths and weaknesses.
AKC title- now the CCA is a recognized AKC title! It is a great way to get introduced to dog sports and be proud of your accomplishment! If you did not know, most AKC titles require more than 1 successful entry to earn the achievement. You only need to enter a CCA once to be eligible for your title (cost effective).
CGRC is your local Golden retriever club, and we love to see your Goldens!
We strive to provide positive educational events for our community and welcome you to join us as a member. Collectively, our members have decades of experience with the Golden Retriever breed, GRCA and AKC.
The Golden retriever has remained in the top 10 most popular dog breeds for decades. With such popularity, it is important to dismiss the inevitable “fads” or “trends” and truly put our efforts into rewarding and keeping the true nature of the Golden retriever alive for many more decades to come!
GRCA CCA links:
Finding Your Dream Dog PDF
What the CCA Program IS and ISN’T
What to Expect at a CCA Event