How to Earn a Canine Good Citizen Certification from AKC

Earning a canine good citizen certification (or CGC) for your dog is viewed as a reward from AKC for properly training your dog to become a valued member of both family and community. There are 10 steps to this test and I'd like to share with you what they are.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brush or comb
• Leash
• Buckle or slip collar (leather, fabric or chain)

1. Accepting a friendly stranger.
   
   During this test, the dog is ignored while a friendly stranger approaches the dog's owner while dog at their side. They will shake hands and exchange greetings. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

2. Sitting politely for petting
   
   During this test, a friendly stranger will approach the dog while at his/her owner's side and gently pet the dog on the head and body. The dog must not act resentful or shy and stand still for the entire exercise.

3. Appearance and grooming
   
   This test is to demonstrate that the dog will allow someone such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend to gently groom the dog. The handler will provide a brush or comb and the examiner will gently groom and inspect the dog, also lifting each paw and examine the ears. The condition of the dog is also part of the grade in this test. The handler may talk to the dog to offer reassurance and comfort.

4. Out for a walk (walking on loose lead)
   
   This test is to show that the handler is in control of the dog. The examiner will give directions to the dog/handler team as to where to move. There will be a right turn, a left turn, an about turn and a stop in between and at the end. At all times, the dog should display attentiveness to it's handler.

5. Walking through a crowd
   
   This test is to prove that the dog will be well behaved in pedestrian filled areas and is kept under control by it's handler. The dog/handler team will walk around and closely pass at least 3 people. The dog is allowed to show interest and curiosity in the people but should never act overly shy, resentful or shy. They should not strain on their leash or attempt to jump up.

6. Sit and down on command and staying in place
   
   This test should demonstrate that the dog has been trained to both sit and go into a down position on command. The dog will be on a 20' lead for this part of the test. It's the handler's choice of which position the dog will be left in for the section of the test where the dog is expected to demonstrate the stay command. The owner will instruct the dog to stay then walk away at the length of the lead, turn and return to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must hold it's stay (changing positions is allowed) until the examiner instructs the handler to release the dog from the stay.

7. Coming when called
   
   The handler will walk 10' from the dog (instructing the dog to stay or simply saying nothing are both allowed), turn and then face the dog before offering the come command.

8. Reaction to another dog
   
   Two handler/dog pairs will approach one another from about 20'. They will shake hands, exchange pleasantries and continue to walk together for about 10'. During this time the dogs should not go to the other dog nor the other handler though a curiosity over them is acceptable.

9. Reaction to distraction
   
   The evaluator will select two different types of distractions such as dropping a chair, having someone jog by the dog or rolling something by the dog. 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.

10. Supervised separation
    
    This test is to show that the dog will retain it's proper training and behavior when left with a trusted care giver. The examiner will ask something such as "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take the dog's leash in hand. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not bark incessantly, whine, or pace unnecessarily nor should they display anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.

Tips & Warnings

• Owners/handlers may talk to their dog during the tests to offer encouragement
• Dog will fail if they eliminate during the test (with exception of during number 10 but then only if it's held outdoors) so be sure to have your dog eliminate before the test begins.
• No bait or toys allowed during the test
• If the dog growls, barks or attacks a person or another dog, they will be dismissed. Don't bring your dog unless you are convinced of their ability to handle these stresses.

Resources

• Ethical Dog Breeding
• Temperament Testing Puppies
• How To Teach a Puppy to Walk on a Leash

[showpup]

on 8/17/2009 Your dog may not need one and you may not feel it's important to you but it is a nice recognition for a great job in dog training and it can lower your house insurance bills and open doors to other competitions with your dog. In some situations, this 'award' is a requirement.

[beccasmom1234]

on 8/17/2009 My dog doesn't NEED an award to prove that she's a "good dog or citizen" she just is.

She doesn't need some dumb award to prove that she's a good dog. I know that she is and she knows that she is and that's all that matters.

[KonaGirl]

on 11/16/2007 These are very important factors in a dogs training, not only for show dogs, but for correct every day behavior.