AKC Canine Good Citizen Program
"The American Kennel Club's CGC Program certifies dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable family members as well as community members in good standing.
The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen Test is to ensure that our dogs can be a respected member of the community. Dogs become respected members of their communities when they are trained to act mannerly in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. All dogs, including purebreds and mixed breeds are embraced by and welcomed to the Canine Good Citizen Program.
Canine Good Citizen training is fun, useful, and will help you and your dog establish a closer bond. The American Kennel Club urges all dog owners to participate in this program, thereby assuring that our beloved dogs will be welcome and respected members of the community. "
ITEM 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 TEN TEST ITEMS
ITEM 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. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility.
ITEM 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.
ITEM 4: Out for a Walk on a Loose
Leash
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers.
ITEM 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.
ITEM 6: Sit and Down on Command -- Stay 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).
ITEM 7: Coming When Called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.
ITEM 8: Reaction to Another Dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.
ITEM 10: Supervised Separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners.
ITEM 9: Reaction to Distractions
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.
American Kennel Club
Canine Good Citizen Dept.
P.O. Box 37914
Raleigh, NC 27627-7914
(919) 816-3532
email: cgc@akc.org
Canine Good Citizens Sydney and Jyah
