The American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is a two part program designed to teach responsible dog ownership to owners AND to certify dogs that have the training and behavior needed to be reliable, well-behaved members of their families and communities. The CGC certificate is awarded to those dogs successfully passing the CGC test. The CGC dog is a friendly, obedient dog in any situation.

The atmosphere of the program is more relaxed than that of other AKC designations and is open to all breeds and mixed breeds. This is a fun, interactive program that will establish a closer bond between you and your dog.

Demonstrating Confidence and Control, the dog must complete the following 10 steps in the presence of an AKC approved Evaluator. Country Acres Kennels has an AKC approved CGC EVALUATOR on staff. Please call the kennel at 817-467-2511 for more information.

Test 1. Accepting A Friendly Stranger

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must not show signs of resentment, aggression or shyness and must not break position and must be under control.

Test 2. Sitting Politely For Petting

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. While the dog is sitting at the handler’s side, the Evaluator pets the dog on the head and body and may talk to the dog. The Evaluator may circle the dog. The dog must not show signs of shyness or resentment.

Test 3. Appearance And Grooming

This test demonstrates that the dog welcomes being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger such as a groomer or veterinarian to do so. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean, groomed and healthy (proper weight, clean, and alert) then combs or brushes the dog and lightly examines the ears and each front foot.

Test 4. Out For A Walk (Walking on a loose leash)

This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. There must be a left turn, a right turn and an about turn with at least one stop in between and one at the end. The dog should be attentive to the handler and responding to changes of directions.

Test 5. Walking Through A Crowd

This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass at least 3 people. The dog may show interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler without straining on the leash or jumping.

Test 6. Sit And Down On Command/Staying In Place

This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s command to sit and down and will remain in place at the end of a 20 ft. leash. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to make the dog sit and then down.

Test 7. Coming When Called

This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. Using a 20 ft. leash, the handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog and call the dog. The handler may use body language and encouragement to get the dog to come.

Test 8. Reaction To Another Dog

This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 15 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries and continue about 4 yards. The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other.

Test 9. Reaction To Distractions

This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations both visual and audio. The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and may appear slightly startled, but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.

Test 10. Supervised Separation

This test demonstrates that a dog can be left alone, if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners. An Evaluator will hold the leash of the dog for 3 minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position, but should not continually bark, whine, howl, pace unnecessarily or show signs of agitation, stress, barking, whining or howling.

Upon successfully passing the above test, the dog will be awarded the Canine Good Certificate and certificates, tags and patches are available from the American Kennel Club.

Resources

American Kennel Club
Attn: Canine Good Citizen
5580 Certview Drive, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606
E-mail: info@akc.org

(212) 696-8276
(919) 233-9767
(212) 696-8200