The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program was established by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1989 to promote responsible dog ownership and to encourage the training of well-mannered dogs.
The purpose of the test is to ensure that your dog can be a respected member of the community by using good manners in the home, in public places, and around other dogs.
The CGC test evaluates dogs in simulated everyday situations in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere. It's made up of these ten tests: Test 1 -- Accepting a Friendly Stranger -- Your dog must be comfortable with the approach of a friendly stranger. The evaluator will approach you and shake hands, speaking pleasantly to you. Your dog should accept the approach calmly, without shyness or aggression. He must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.
Test 2 -- Sitting Politely for Petting -- This test shows that your dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet him. With your dog sitting at your side, the evaluator will approach you and pet your dog. Your dog may either sit or stand as he politely allows himself to be petted, showing neither shyness nor aggression.
Test 3 -- Appearance and Grooming -- This practical test shows that your dog will welcome being groomed and examined by a stranger, such as a veterinarian or groomer. Your dog must be clean and well groomed for the test, since you're also judged on how well you take care of him. The evaluator will briefly inspect your dog, then comb or brush him and lightly examine his ears and each front foot.
Test 4 -- Walking on a Loose Leash -- This test proves your dog can walk politely on a leash, without pulling. He may walk on either your left or right, whichever you prefer. There must be a left turn, a right turn and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and another at the end.
Test 5 -- Walking Through a Crowd -- Your dog must be able to walk calmly and politely through a crowd of people. The two of you will walk around and pass close to several people. Your dog may show some interest in the strangers, but must not be overly excited, shy or aggressive.
Test 6 -- Sit and Down on Command / Staying in Place -- This is your dog's chance to show off the commands he's learned. He must be able to sit and down on command and be able to stay briefly in either position. You will tell your dog to stay and then walk forward the length of a 20-foot line. Your dog must remain in place, but may change positions.
Test 7 -- Coming When Called -- This test proves your dog will come when you call him. You'll walk 10 feet from your dog, turn to face him, and then call him. You may use body language and verbal encouragement.
Test 8 -- Reaction to Another Dog -- Your dog must be able to behave politely around other dogs. Another person with a leashed dog will approach you and your dog from a distance of about 10 yards. He'll stop, shake hands and converse casually, then continue on for about 5 yards. The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other, without aggression, fearfulness, or excessive friendliness.
Test 9 -- Reactions to Distractions -- Your dog needs to be able to confidently handle distractions such as loud noises or moving objects. It's OK for him to be curious or slightly startled when the evaluator creates a distraction, but he should not try to run away, bark, or act aggressively.
Test 10 -- Supervised Separation -- This test proves your dog is able to maintain his training and good manners when left briefly in the care of a trusted person. The evaluator will say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of your dog's leash while you go out of sight for three minutes. Your dog doesn't have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, pace, or show anything stronger than mild nervousness.
The CGC program is beneficial for dogs, their owners, and the communities in which they live: Through CGC training, you and your dog will establish a closer bond. Some 4-H clubs use the CGC as a beginning dog training program for children. Landlords are often more willing to rent to tenants whose dogs are CGC-certified. CGC programs have been instituted in some veterinary hospitals, as veterinarians have come to recognize the benefits of well-trained dogs. Some home insurance companies will waive breed restrictions on CGC dogs. Many other countries have developed programs based on the AKC's CGC program. It lays the foundation for other dog sports and competitions such as obedience, agility, tracking, hunt tests and field trials. The program helps our dogs become welcomed and well-respected members of our communities. Over 30 states have passed resolutions supporting and encouraging CGC certification as a yardstick for canine manners and responsible dog ownership. Earning a Canine Good Citizen certificate is usually required before receiving training as therapy dogs, assistance dogs, and other service dogs and working dogs. 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, behaves nicely for his groomer and veterinarian, and who doesn't lunge, bark at, or threaten other dogs or passersby.
All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs, are welcome to participate in the program. Dogs don't have to be registered with the AKC or any other organization.
There is no age limit for dogs taking the test, as long as they are fully vaccinated.
A dog is never too old to be a good citizen!
Puppies that pass the test should be re-tested as adults.
Before taking the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, owners must sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge.
By signing, they agree to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise and training.
Owners also agree to be responsible by cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting their dogs infringe on the rights of others.
Equipment for the test is quite simple: You must present a current rabies certificate (or other state or locally required inoculation certificate) and license. Bring a brush or comb you use on your dog, for the Appearance and Grooming portion of the test. All dogs should wear a well-fitting buckle or slip collar made of leather, fabric, or chain.There are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind:
This test of your dog's manners and training is not a competition, and does not require that you and your dog perform with precision. All tests must be performed on leash. Special equipment such as pinch collars, prong collars, head halters, harnesses, and electronic collars and devices are not permitted. Owners are permitted to use praise and encouragement during testing, but toys and treats are not allowed. Any dog that growls, snaps, bites, attacks or attempts to attack a person or another dog will be dismissed from the test immediately. Any owner who strikes, kicks, manhandles his dog or displays unsportsmanlike behavior will also be dismissed. Dogs are evaluated on a pass/fail basis. In order to qualify, a dog must pass each of the ten test categories. If he fails one portion of the test, he must take the entire test over.If your dog passes all ten parts of the test, you can write to the AKC for a certificate and special dog tag stating that your dog has earned the CGC.
His name will also be recorded in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Archive.
Your dog need only pass the test once to receive a Canine Good Citizen Certificate.
At this time, there is no expiration on CGC certificates.
However, because behavior can change over time, owners are encouraged to have their dogs re-tested every few years.
AKC clubs, qualified dog training organizations, 4-H clubs, private dog trainers, and others can sponsor the Canine Good Citizen tests. The AKC offers an excellent booklet that will walk you through the test, and also provides some training tips.
A dog that has been through a basic dog obedience training class or that has been trained at home (easy to do with clicker training) should be able to pass the 10-item test.
Your Golden Retriever is probably so gentle and anxious to please you, he'll sail right through the exam.
Clubs and training programs in almost every city can provide Canine Good Citizen training to owners and dogs who need to brush up on their skills before taking the test.
So check it out, and show the world what a well-behaved dog you have!
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