AKC Canine Good Citizen Program
BIF Kushinda's Impee-Deeing Factor TBV, JC, CGC
with handler Karrie Dee Hefner. Photo by Kushinda
How do you get from
to
One way is training for Canine Good Citizen Certification. Started in 1989, the CGC is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-item CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club and add the letters CGC after the dog’s name.Below are the test descriptions. My thanks to the volunteers who made this possible: Daphne, supervised separation; Diana and Troy, friendly dog; BJ, Barb, and Rachel, crowd; and Robert, registration table.Click on this link for more detailed information on the CGC Program. I encourage you to train your dog, pass the test and enjoy a lifetime of joy with you good citizen.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.
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 3 Appearance and Grooming: This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer, or friend of the owner, to do so. This test also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern and sense of responsibility.
Item 4 Out for a Walk: 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 and Staying In Place: This test demonstrates that the dog has training and will respond to the handler’s commands to sit and down, and will remain in the place commanded by the handler.
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 9 Reaction to Distractions: This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. (See the Walking Through a Crowd video clip.)
Item 10 Supervised Separation: This test demonstrates that a dog can be left in the presence of a trusted person and will maintain its training and good manners.