Signatures: 2,428
Goal: 1,000
Deadline: 9-19-2007

NYC does not offer any affordable services to travel with a medium/large dog. Pet Taxis are too expensive for frequent travel. Taxi drivers are given the right to refuse passengers with dogs and often do. Dog owners should be able to participate in the many dog events held throughout the city. And, taking your dog to the vet should not be a difficult task. With regulations, dogs should be allowed to ride on the train.

**PLEASE DON'T SIGN PETITION UNLESS YOU LIVE IN NYC- THANK YOU**

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Number	Date	Prefix	Name	Age	Gender	City	Are you a dog owner?
2,430	6:27 pm PST, Nov 3		Rodolfo german	16	Male	brooklyn	no, but I'm planning on owning a border collie and it would be nice to be able to get to owl head park to walk and play Frisbee
2,429	9:58 am PDT, Oct 8	Mrs.	Sunnhilde Lim	27	Female	Brooklyn	Yes
2,428	7:36 am PDT, Sep 28	Mr.	jorge cruz	24	Male	brooklyn	yes
2,427	6:56 am PDT, Sep 28	Ms.	Rosemary G.	15	Female	brooklyn	no, but i take care of a dog and it'd be nice to go for a ride in the train with him.
2,426	9:28 am PDT, Aug 11		Lara Anderson	24	Female	New York	Yes! And my experience with the subway/bus system had been so disappointing. Let me and my dog enjoy our city!
2,425	12:58 pm PDT, May 20		Anonymous	31	Female	New York	No, dog foster
2,424	10:01 am PDT, May 20		Anonymous	23	Female	Brooklyn	yes, I wish I could bring my dog to a dog park. There are none near me.
2,423	2:48 pm PDT, Mar 27		Anonymous	24	Female	new york	yes
2,422	1:40 pm PDT, Mar 22	Ms.	Anonymous	26	Female	Forest Hills	yes! I live in Queens and I love to go to Central Park. I should be able to bring my dog with me.
2,421	4:41 pm PDT, Mar 10		Tina Caraballo	35	Female	Bronx	Yes and I love all my dogs and others also.
2,420	6:18 am PST, Feb 20		Dan Rafalin	36	Male	Brooklyn	Yes, a one year old yellow lab.
2,419	7:16 pm PST, Feb 18		Anonymous	27	Female	queens	yes i own 2 dogs and i work in a vet clinic pets are our family and should be allowed to travel with us not everyone can afford to pay pet taxi es or boarding fees
2,418	5:46 pm PST, Feb 18		Bridgett Johnson	33	Female	Brooklyn	Yes
2,417	10:55 pm PST, Feb 17	Ms.	Lia Levy	32	Female	New York	yes
2,416	10:35 am PST, Feb 17	Ms.	Lauren Smeke	22	Female	ny	I have a 6 month old pomeranian.
2,415	9:07 pm PST, Feb 15	Ms.	Anonymous	30	Female	New York	Yes, 2 dogs. Taking the train with our pets is a must. Cabs don't always stop and it is hard to take your dogs to nice parks or anywhere where they need to go in the city.
2,414	5:20 am PST, Feb 15		Joyce Lewandowski	0	Female	New York	Yes, I have a very friendly Jack Russel mix. The dog runs in my neighborhood are filled with dog owners who raise dangerous dogs. I would never feel safe allowing my dog to play in them. So we have to go to other parts of the city. It would be safer and easier if I could just hop on the subway with him without sticking him in a carrier.
2,413	5:07 pm PST, Feb 13	Ms.	Sarah F.	16	Female	Brooklyn	No, but soon will be :]
2,412	8:13 am PST, Feb 11		Lisa Lam	21	Female	brooklyn	YES
2,411	5:37 am PST, Feb 10		Adam Pakiela	0	Male	Astoria	Yes, Niko is 18 pounds and I hate putting him in a bag for the bus or subway. Metronorth doesn't require them to be in a bag.
2,410	1:10 pm PST, Feb 5	Dr.	Michael Gross	35	Male	New York	Yes.
2,409	9:04 am PST, Feb 2		Elizabeth O'Keefe	23	Female	New York City	Yes, I have a sweet natured 10 month old puppy
2,408	7:50 am PST, Feb 2	Ms.	Melanie Brown	21	Female	Bronx	Yes I have a 2 year old Yorkie Pootle
2,407	3:37 am PST, Jan 22		Andrew Gotimer	0	Male	Brooklyn	Yes
2,406	5:30 pm PST, Jan 18	Mrs.	elizabeth rizea	22	Female	elmhurst	yes
2,405	3:26 pm PST, Jan 17		Anonymous	0	Female	Jackson Heights	Yes I am a dog owner and I would love the right to bring my dog on the train.
2,404	9:33 am PST, Jan 16	Ms.	Simone McKitterick	25	Female	Brooklyn	I have a four month old Puggle, Toshiko. My boyfriend has a 6 year old (WELL BEHAVED) pit bull that he has to restrict to our neighbourhood because Blue is "too big" and "aggressive-looking" to take on public transportation. The last time we tried to take him on the subway (to the vet!), we were ticketed simply based on what he looks like. Pet taxis are hard to come by in our neighbourhood, and we need to be able to take our dogs where they need to go. If this petition is passed, not only will I be grateful, but thousands of dog owners across the New York metro area will be sighing in relief. Thank you so much.
2,403	1:52 pm PST, Jan 15		roy Foberg	20	Male	brooklyn	yes. friendly pitbull
2,402	9:36 pm PST, Jan 13		Jasmine Gregory	0	Female	New York City	How else are dog owners with dogs supposed to travel?
2,401	3:28 pm PST, Jan 13		Anonymous	21	Female	Brooklyn	No, however, I have had dogs in the past. When I consider whether or not I will be able to have a dog again in the future, one of my main concerns is whether he/she can ride on the train, since I, like most New Yorkers, do not own a car.

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NYC - Let Me Get On That Train!

Dogs are our best friends, our family, and a major part of our life. As owners we want what is best for them. We want to be able to keep them healthy, by taking them regularly to the vet. We want to keep them social, by participating in the many different dog events held in the city. Unfortunately, many dog owners do not have the means of private transportation. In addition, many dog owners have animals that are too large or heavy to fit into containers that are allowed in the current guidelines of public transportation. Options such as taxis, fail dog owners because drivers are given the right to refuse passengers with dogs and often do. Pet taxis are too expensive for frequent travel, and usually need to be scheduled in advance. Dog owners in Manhattan and surrounding boroughs are left with no options. This is why we are starting this petition to allow our dogs on the train.

Of course, there are many issues regarding dogs riding public transportation: waste, noise, bothersome to other passengers, even the fear of an attack. In answer to these issues, we offer the following solutions:

The American Kennel Club offers a program called the Canine Good Citizen. As stated on their website, “CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club” (AKC 1). Owners with dogs that have passed the CGC test can show proof in order to be allowed on the train. Those without should not be allowed on the train. Offenders can be fined. Details on the test have been attached to the petition.

Let us ride during off-peak hours. We realize that traveling during rush hour is an inconvenience. This policy is practiced in San Francisco, CA. Something can be worked out where passengers with dogs cannot travel weekdays during the hours of 5-9am and 4-7pm.

Passengers with dogs can be limited to 1 or 2 cars on the train. This will lessen the inconvenience to passengers who are uncomfortable with dogs

Dogs will have to be leashed at all times.

In addition a financially beneficial proposal for the city would be to charge a fare for pets equal to that of the owner.

These are a few examples of states which allow dogs on trains:

Boston, Massachusetts:
"Certified Service animals and guide dogs are allowed on all trains. Dogs are permitted on all trains if they are leashed or carried and they do not annoy any customers or occupy seats. Small animals may be transported on any train if they are carried in an enclosed animal container".

San Francisco, CA:
"Non-service animals may not ride weekdays 5-9am and 3-7pm. During the permitted hours, a muzzled and leashed pet dog (one per vehicle) may be allowed. All other pets and non-service animals must be carried in small closed containers. A fare equal to the owner's must be paid for each non-service animal".

Seattle, WA:
"Assistive dogs ride without charge, and so do small dogs who can sit on your lap. Large dogs, leashed, pay the same fare as you and have to ride on the floor. Other animals, like cats or dogs or monkeys have to be carried in their pet carriers".

AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program Sponsored by K9 Advantix®
Training/Testing: CGC Test Items

AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program
Sponsored by K9 Advantix®

Before taking the Canine Good Citizen test, owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. We believe that responsible dog ownership is a key part of the CGC concept and by signing the pledge, owners agree to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.

After signing the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, owners and their dogs are ready to take the CGC Test. Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test include:

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.

Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.

Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.

Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").

Equipment

All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars made of leather, fabric, or chain. Special training collars such as pinch collars, head halters, etc. are not permitted in the CGC test. We recognize that special training collars may be very useful tools for beginning dog trainers, however, we feel that dogs are ready to take the CGC test at the point at which they are transitioned to regular collars.

The evaluator supplies a 20-foot lead for the test. The owner/handler should bring the dog's brush or comb to the test.

Encouragement

Owners/handlers may use praise and encouragement throughout the test. The owner may pet the dog between exercises. Food and treats are not permitted during testing, nor is the use of toys, squeaky toys, etc. to get the dog to do something. We recognize that food and toys may provide valuable reinforcement or encouragement during the training process but these items should not be used during the test.

Failures - Dismissals

Any dog that eliminates during testing must be marked failed. The only exception to this rule is that elimination is allowable in test Item 10, but only when test Item 10 is held outdoors.

Any dog that growls, snaps, bites, attacks, or attempts to attack a person or another dog is not a good citizen and must be dismissed from the test.

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