CGC (Canine Good Citizen)

The AKC designed the CGC certification to help promote responsible dog owners.

The Responsible dog owners Pledge

•  Owners agree to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.

The test items that you are physically tested on

Test Items

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

Your dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog.  The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

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. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming

This practical test demonstrates that 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. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). 

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction.

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 close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. 

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place

This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. 

Test 7: Coming when called

This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog

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. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

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. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or 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 with a trusted person. 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. Dog should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. 

Benefits of CGC

• Discounts on Homeowners insurance (Especially for "bully breeds" or shepherds) or some Homeowners insurance companies will waive the breed restrictions
• A Canine Good Citizen is a friendly, well-behaved dog that we can take virtually anywhere without risk or bother to others.
• Some hotels or motels will allow dogs with a CGC.
• Some landlords will allow you to have a dog with a CGC when they normally wouldn't allow dogs.
• The training for the CGC is a great time to better your relationship with your dog and form a tighter bond.
• The CGC is a great stepping stone for future training: obedience competition, pet therapy, agility and lots more.