Frequently Asked Questions

Time will vary depending on the foundations you have already trained. 

No, however you must register your dog with the Fenzi TEAM titling program.  You can do that here.

The required equipment is listed for each exercise at each level. These are fairly common dog husbandry items and it is likely that you already have some of these objects. Please see our “Equipment and Props” page for more assistance.

No.  Just make sure that the area clearly allows the judge to visualize all the important elements of each exercise.

Yes, quiet praise and encouragement is acceptable. Constant cheerleading suggests that your dog may not be quite ready to complete an exercise. Exceptions may be listed in individual exercises.

Yes, so long as all other criteria are met for that exercise.

However, keep in mind that rewards in the middle of exercises can actually distract some dogs from the task. Use your best judgement.

It’s important to see all relevant parts of the dog and handler for each exercise. This will vary depending on individual exercises. 

Please see the rules for each level for more detail.

Yes. You can store and provide food in any way that is convenient for you.

Yes. 

Yes, you can.  

Yes, but please remember that food can be more distracting than helpful for some exercises.

Yes.

NO, but you do have to register with the Fenzi TEAM program. The Fenzi TEAM program is a separate organization from Fenzi Dog Sports Academy.  Everyone is welcome!

Definitely! Please contact us at plnetk9@aol.com to discuss possible modifications. 

However, please keep in mind that you can choose to omit up to three skills per level and still pass.

Yes; please contact us to discuss specific modifications as needed at plnetk9@aol.com. 

Yes. Your dog can be “dressed” if that makes him or her more comfortable, however keep in mind we need to be able to see the relevant parts of  your dog’s body during the exam. 

As an internet based company, we are everywhere.  Our judges are international. Our server is in the US. Our administrator is in Canada.

The rules for each individual exercise will clarify anything specific you need to do with your hands and arms during the exercise.

No – you’ll need to find access to YouTube in order to submit videos.  We do not allow Vimeo or other platforms because these videos cannot be read on all devices.

You have options!
You can take classes at FDSA.
You can watch YouTube videos – all of the skills will be covered somewhere!
You can follow Deb Jones’ blog.
You can find a local instructor to help you.

See our “Keep Learning” Page for more resources.

Our judges are all individuals who have demonstrated they can successfully complete all levels of the CCC Program, and who are dedicated to best practices in the field of Cooperative Care. 

On average about 5-7 days. Occasionally it may take up to two weeks.

Yes! In particular, if an exercise is not passing the judge will provide you with helpful comments that you can incorporate into your future video submissions.

No.  Please review criteria for each skill and level carefully BEFORE submitting. Only submit videos that meet criteria so that you will earn a passing score! Each video submission is judged; that is what the fee covers.  If you choose to submit a new video, you will also submit another entry fee.

No. There is only one pass per title. In order to ensure that we can review as many videos as possible, only submit a video when you have a passing evaluation. Then train for the next level!

Our program is designed to encourage consent and cooperation in husbandry behaviors. All exercises in all levels must be performed correctly and according to criteria.  Three non-qualifying exercises per submission are allowed. (Please see the General FAQs for information regarding dogs and handlers who are differently-abled.)  Criteria are stated in the detailed exercise pages for each level.  

In addition to meeting the stated criteria for each exercise, we’re looking to make sure your dog seems comfortable with the exercises; the end goal of the program is dogs who are relaxed and feel safe during husbandry work.

When it comes to criteria, we try to be as black and white as possible but realistically, that won’t always happen.  Because we recognize that criteria can be hard to judge, we allow  handlers to opt out or “not yet” on up to three exercises per level. 

So if you get three (or fewer) “not yets” and everything else is a clear pass, then you’ll earn your title! If you have more than three “not yets,” then your video will be judged overall as “not yet” for the title.

When in doubt, don’t make the judge think!  If you follow the sample video, then you will know that you have performed correctly according to the spirit intended for that exercise.  Each judge will decide for him or herself if an exercise is correct and meets passing criteria.  The exception is a legitimate reason for being unable to do the exercise as demonstrated in the video.  For example, the handler has a specific disability which needs to be accommodated.  In that instance, please contact us in advance for an acceptable alternative arrangement.

Yes!  There is no way that we can specify all of the reasons why a dog might fail an exercise, so we list the ones that are most common. Focus on performing each exercise as described in the written section and according to the sample video.

After submitting a passing video, you will earn a title for that level.  A printable certificate in .pdf format will be emailed to you acknowledging your accomplishment.

Yes, you can. If you qualify, you may add “CCC” (with the correct level number) after your dog’s name. For example, “Brito CCC1, CCC2.”

Yes, if the dog’s guardian has opted to include his or her name in the open search function.

Register your dog, study the requirements for the first level title (TEAM CCC 1), and start training!  When you feel that your dog is fluent and comfortable on all of the exercises required for a level, set up the video camera so that a judge can clearly judge your performance, and take your video!

Levels 1–3: (CCC1, 2, and 3)

All three levels were designed to test important husbandry skills. Dogs that can demonstrate these core skills will be in an excellent position to participate in their grooming and veterinary care. Details for Levels 1, 2 and 3 may be found on the individual level pages.  All levels may be completed in the same, familiar location. Once each level is completed, the title “CCC1,” “CCC2” and “CCC3” may be added after your dog’s name.

Upload your video to YouTube, then include a link to your video with your submission. If you’re unsure of how to upload a video to YouTube, please search Google for assistance or visit the YouTube website. We cannot provide technical assistance on how to use YouTube.

An average video should be about 3-5 minutes, depending on how you choose to set up your testing area and how quickly your dog works through the tests. 

Yes.  The exercises must be done in order, one after the other, performed correctly on the first attempt because you are allowed to edit together your video. 

Yes. However the submitted video must show the exercises in order, and since editing is allowed we ask that you do not include multiple attempts at each exercise within the video. 

If you find that you need to attempt the test several times, or edit excessively, then your dog may not be ready! Go back to training, and fill in any gaps that you find!

We would suggest that you err on the longer side if you are unsure. For example, if we require a three second hold, consider going for four seconds instead.

Please see the specific exercises for details on hard/arm positions.

Yes.  We have provided video examples of each exercise, including variations where appropriate. You can find those by selecting the level that you are interested in, and then scrolling down to the specific exercise.  From there you will find a sample video.

No. You can train and videotape your tests alone. 

Please take the time to read all of these FAQs and the criteria for each level with care. Your questions are extremely likely to be covered in one of those places. If you cannot find the answers, then the next best option is to join the Cooperative Care with Deb Jones Facebook group, where other experienced participants can guide you.

1. Register your dog here. 
2. Train your dog to criteria!
3. After you receive registration confirmation and a registration number, you’re ready to go! Submit your trial application using the link provided in your dog’s profile.
4. Your video will be assigned to one of our judges for review. You should be notified by email within one to two weeks about whether you have passed or if you need more training.

$20 per dog. Once your dog is registered, you will receive an email with the registration number. Please take the time to spell your dog’s name and your personal information with care!

$29 per video submission.