City of Mesquite - Animal Shelter

The City of Mesquite Animal Control Division is dedicated to rabies eradication, reducing animal euthanasia and controlling the animal population through a cooperative effort with the community.

Accomplishing this will require:

Quick and courteous responses to service requests
Promoting animal placements by increasing animal adoptions
Establishing working relationships with animal rescue organizations
Providing education to the members of the community on rabies eradication, animal care and disease prevention and animal
population control

The responsibility and accountability for achieving these objectives are shared by each staff member. Employees are responsible for understanding the relation of their job duties to the dedication of the division in respect to the objectives listed above. The success of the division is directly related to the commitment each member is willing to extend to their community.

With sincere commitment, Mesquite Animal Control will assure the citizens of Mesquite that we will work diligently towards making a difference by adding another life-saving service to our community.

OBEDIENCE CLASSES STARTING IN MESQUITE

AKC Canine Good Citizen
(Canine Good Citizen) Classes/ Testing

The CGC Test is a certification program simulating everyday situations in a relaxed, noncompetitive environment. CGC rewards dogs that have the training to be reliable family and community members. Dogs become respected members of the community when they act mannerly in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs. CGC is fun, useful, and helps build a better bond between owner and dog. Both purebred and mixed dogs are welcome.

The CGC dog should know at least the 4 basic commands: “Heel,” “Sit,” “Down,” and “Stay.” It is recommended that the prospective CGC candidate has passed a basic obedience class, or has been home taught to know these commands. You can take the basic obedience classes here at the Mesquite Animal Shelter, then move on to the CGC classes and testing.

The CGC Test consists of 10 items. The dog must pass all 10 items in order to complete the CGC Test. All items are performed on a regular 6 ft. leash, or a 20 ft. long-line (which is easily made for training and testing purposes). During training and testing, you are encouraged to offer praise and encouragement (you may even repeat commands if necessary, but not excessively, and no force is allowed).

Dogs who eliminate, growl, snaps, bites, or attempts to attack a person or another dog cannot be allowed to attempt the test. You will be required to sign the Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge indicating the dog has a veterinarian who provides guidance and care. Obese dogs are not well cared for and so are eliminated from testing.

Test Items:

Accepting of a Friendly Stranger
Sitting Politely for Petting
Appearance and Grooming
Out for a Walk (on a loose leash)
Walking Through a Crowd
Sit and Down on Command / Stay in Place (20 ft.)
Coming on Command (10 ft.)
Reaction to Another Dog
Reaction to Distractions
Supervised Separation

Upon passing all 10 Items, you will receive your test results to send to the AKC (American Kennel Club) whereby your dog will be registered as a Canine Good Citizen. You will also receive a beautiful, frameable certificate to display in your home or office. You will also receive a badge suitable for sewing on a favorite shirt, sweater or jacket. For further information about CGC visit www.AKC.org, or call Jeff Bornman at 972-329-3165. Classes now forming for Canine Good Citizen Program starting June 7, 2008, at 9 AM.

Mesquite Animal Shelter & Adoption Center
1650 Gross Rd.
Mesquite, TX

$35 for 4 weeks of training (5th Saturday is Testing)

For and application, visit the City of Mesquite Web site, the Mesquite Animal Shelter and Adoption Center at 972-216-6283

Contact Jeff Bornman, The Dog Trainer for questions/ details concerning CGC and/or testing procedures and requirements