TEAM CCC Rules

Official Rules & Exercise Descriptions for each Level

Questions?

Check out our FAQ Section

CCC Level 4 – General overview

General overview

Earning the Level 4 certificate is a strong indication of training fluency and success with cooperative care skills.  The main challenges in Level 4 involve combining skills and adding complexity so that they mimic necessary real-life exercises and behaviors.  A team that has earned this certificate is well-prepared to face the challenges presented during veterinary care and grooming procedures.  By training to this level you are demonstrating your ongoing consistent dedication to your dog’s health and well-being. 

Location: Any location as long as it is safe for your dog to perform the exercises off leash.

Equipment:

Treats

Stable external chin rest prop (such as a chair or stool)

Brush or smooth object resembling a brush

Elizabethan collar, cone, inflatable cone, or similar object that fastens around the dog’s neck

Baby wipes or wet cloth

Toothbrush, toothpaste (optional), or dental wipe

Vet wrap

Syringe (empty no needle)

Ophthalmoscope, otoscope, or tool with light (cell phone with light will work)

Cues: Any cues may be used at this level.  Repeated cues may indicate too much pressure or need for additional training.

Reinforcement: There is no limit on the use of external reinforcers (food or toy) for each exercise. However, in exercises with a defined duration requirement, you should not reinforce during the duration interval.

Maximum video length: 10 minutes

Sample Video:

Exercise 4-1: Chin Rest to Prop with Exam

Calmly hold position with chin on external prop during physical exam by the handler

The dog performs a chin rest to an appropriately sized external prop (one that allows the spine & neck to be in a comfortable position) while in a standing position and the handler does an exam. The handler will lightly but firmly run their hands down the neck and back, over the hips, down all 4 legs, and along the abdomen.  

Click to see video examples, details and judging criteria

Exercise 4-2: Lie on Side While Brushing/Stroked

Lie still and flat in side position while brushed/stroked

The dog lies flat on one side and is then brushed for 3 full strokes of the body. The dog will then switch to lie on the other side for another 3 full strokes with a brush or smooth object. The position and be cued, lured, or gently physically manipulated. Dogs without much coat can be stroked with a smooth object.  

Click to see video examples, details and judging criteria

Exercise 4-3: Restraint in Middle Position

Sit or stand in middle position (between handler’s legs) while chest/throat is stroked

The dog will move into middle position, either sitting or standing between the handler’s legs, or sitting in front of the handler’s legs. The trainer places one hand under the dog’s chin and may elevate the chin slightly if desired.  They will then use the other hand to rub up and down the dog’s throat and chest for 3 seconds.

Click to see video examples, details and judging criteria

Exercise 4-4: Elizabethan Collar with Duration

Accept placement of cone with duration of 5 seconds

The cone is placed around the dog’s neck, left on for 5 seconds and then removed.  

Click to see video examples, details and judging criteria

Exercise 4-5: Lift your Feet

Allow handler to lift feet one at a time and tolerate cleaning with wet cloth or baby wipe

The dog may be in any comfortable position for this exercise. The handler lifts each foot and wipes it with a wet cloth or a baby wipe. The handler will then place the foot back down and repeat with the other 3 feet. Successful completion of this exercise requires all 4 feet.

Click to see video examples, details and judging criteria

Exercise 4-6: Brush or Wipe Teeth

Tolerate brushing or wiping teeth top teeth using toothbrush (toothpaste optional) or dental wipes

Handler lifts the dog’s lips gently and brushes or wipes the outside of the top teeth, on both the side and the front. The handler may use a toothbrush and toothpaste/gel or a dental wipe.

Click to see video examples, details and judging criteria

Exercise 4-7: Wrap One Front and Back Leg

Remain calm while handler wraps one front and back leg with vet wrap

The handler wraps one front leg and one back leg with vet wrap (at least 3 rotations of wrap on each leg) while the dog remains still.

Click to see video examples, details and judging criteria

Exercise 4-8: Simulated Blood Draw

Remain in middle position while handler simulates a blood draw in the neck/chest area for 3 seconds

With the dog in a middle, front facing position, sitting or standing, the handler will simulate a blood draw with a needle free syringe from the neck area, and hold for at least 3 seconds.

Click to see video examples, details and judging criteria

Exercise 4-9: Eye Exam

Tolerate eye exam with light (both eyes for 3 seconds each)

With the dogs head steadied, use a tool or prop to shine a light into each eye, and visually inspect each eye, for 3 seconds.

Click to see video examples, details and judging criteria

Exercise 4-10: Ear Exam

Tolerate ear exam while holding chin rest with light (both ears for 3 seconds each)

With the dog doing a chin rest to the handler’s lap, or other stable object, the handler will use a tool or prop to shine a light into each ear and visually inspect each for a minimum of 3 seconds.

Click to see video examples, details and judging criteria

Additional Resources

Click on image to Download

(For convenience only.  Please rely on the website exercise pages for details, updates, examples and judging criteria.)