Canine Good Citizen
A Canine Good Citizen is a friendly, well-behaved dog that we can take virtually anywhere without risk or bother to others -- a dog who behaves well in a crowd, has good manners when guests visit our home, is reliable around children, and who doesn't lunge, bark at, or threaten other dogs or passersby.
Learn and practice the responsible dog ownership skills necessary to pass the Canine Good Citizen test. The focus of this workshop is on strengthening the relationship between owner and dog by increasing communication skills. Positive reinforcement techniques are applied toward Canine Good Citizen goals. Dogs learn to be handled, sit-stay, down-stay, come when called, walk on a loose leash, calmly greet a person, and calmly pass by another dog. This is a good follow-up to Puppy Preschool or Family Dog Manner class. The CGC test is a first step for therapy dogs. There is no upper age limit for this class. The Canine Good Citizen test will be given at the end of the class.
CGC Test
The purpose of the CGC Program is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community. To receive the CGC award, dogs take the 10 item Canine Good Citizen Test. Items on the test include:
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Test 1. Politely Accept
a Friendly Stranger
Test 2. Sit Politely for Petting by a Stranger
Test 3. Accept Grooming & Examination by a Stranger
Test 4. Walk Politely on a Loose Leash
Test 5. Walk Politely through a Crowd on a Loose Leash
Test 6. Sit and Down on Command, then Stay in Place
Test 7. Come When Called
Test 8. Calm Reaction to Another Dog within Reach
Test 9. Calm Reaction or Quick Recovery to Distraction
Test 10. 3 Minute Supervised Separation from Owner
Equipment
All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle collars made of leather nylon, or cotton. Special training collars such as pinch collars, head halters, etc. are not permitted in the CGC test.
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.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can My Dog Be Tested?
If dogs have been trained at home and are well-mannered, owners can have their dogs tested. Clubs and training programs in almost every city can provide CGC training to owners and dogs who need to learn a few more skills before taking the test.
Who Can Take the Test?
All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the CGC program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines, and there is no age limit on the test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen.
Is the CGC An Official AKC title?
The CGC award is not an official AKC title because the testing is not administered by our licensed judges. Owners should be proud of the award and recognize that the CGC is gaining credibility and recognition in our communities. Participating in this program helps spread the word about the importance of responsible dog ownership.
How often should my dog take the CGC Test?
It is recommended that dogs repeat the test every two years.
Links
How to Train for Canine Good Citizenship Certification and Why You Should