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