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Canine Good Citizen Certification       
Note: Living With Dogs is not currently offering CGC testing

The 10-step Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is a non-competitive test for all dogs. This is a wonderful way to test your dogs skills as a good companion dog and a step in preparing for therapy dog testing. 

 

The CGC award is a prerequisite for many therapy dog groups. Some homeowner’s insurance companies are encouraging CGC testing, and an increasing number of apartments and condos require that resident dogs pass the CGC test. The CGC Program also includes the AKC CGC Responsible Dog Owner Pledge.

 

  • Skills for the CGC test are practiced in our weekly Family Dog 2/3 classes.

  • The CGC Test is held 2 to 3 times per year on weekends.

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The test items are:

  1. Sitting Politely for Petting

  2. Appearance & Grooming

  3. Reaction to Another Dog

  4. Walking on a loose leash

  5. Sit and Down on Cue and Staying in Place

  6. Come When Called (Recall)

  7. Walking through a crowd

  8. Reaction to a distraction

  9. Supervised separation (3 minutes)

  10. Responsible Dog Owner Pledge.

 

Please Google AKC CGC Test Items for important test details.

 

AKC CGC RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER'S PLEDGE

 

I will be responsible for my dog's health needs. These include:

  • routine veterinary care including check-ups and vaccines

  • adequate nutrition through proper diet; clean water at all times

  • daily exercise and regular bathing and grooming

I will be responsible for my dog's safety.

  • I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate, not letting my dog run loose, and using a leash in public.

  • I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification when appropriate (which may include collar tags, tattoos, or microchip ID).

  • I will provide adequate supervision when my dog and children are together.

I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.

  • I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood.

  • I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard, in a hotel room, etc.

  • I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog's waste in all public areas such as on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, parks, etc.

  • I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog's waste in wilderness areas, on hiking trails, campgrounds and in off-leash parks.

I will be responsible for my dog's quality of life.

  • I understand that basic training is beneficial to all dogs.

  • I will give my dog attention and playtime.

  • I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring

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Treats are not allowed during the test.

Certain types of corrective equipment are not allowed during testing.

Please refer to the AKC CGC web pages for current details.

 

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