The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program is designed to recognize dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. This rapidly growing nationally recognized program stresses responsible dog ownership for owners and basic training and good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10 step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
In our Prep & Test class we go over all 10 of the skills needed to earn your dog’s CGC.
The 10 Test Items
- Accepting a Friendly Stranger – The Dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation
- Sitting Politely for Petting – The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.
- Appearance and Grooming – 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.
- Out for a Walk (walking on a loose lead) – The handler/dog team will take a short “walk” to show that the dog is in control while walking on a leash
- Walking Through a Crowd – The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three) to demonstrate that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.
- Sit and Down on Command and Staying in Place – The dog will respond to the handler’s commands to 1) sit, 2) down and will 3) remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).
- Coming when Called – The dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 ft. From the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog.
- Reaction to Another Dog – To demonstrate 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.
- Reaction to Distraction – To demonstrate the dog is confident 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.
- 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.
Equipment
All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear a well-fitting buckle or slip collars (including martingales) made of leather or fabric. They may also wear body harnesses for the CGC test. Body harnesses should not restrict the movement of the dog. Special training equipment such as pinch collars, electronic collars, & head collars are not permitted.