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AKC's Canine
Good Citizen® (CGC) Program
The AKC’s Canine Good
Citizen (CGC) test is for any and all of our canine friends over 1 year old.
This test is a fair evaluation for all dogs; any size, shape, breed, or mixed
breed. CGC is a certification program that 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-step CGC test may receive
a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Before taking the Canine Good
Citizen test, owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. The AKC
believes that responsible dog ownership is a key part of the CGC concept and by
signing the 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. After
signing the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, owners and their dogs are ready to
take the CGC Test. Owners/handlers may use praise and encouragement throughout
the test. The owner may pet the dog between exercises. Food and treats are
not permitted during testing, nor is the use of toys, squeaky toys, etc. to get
the dog to do something. The AKC recognizes that food and toys may
provide valuable reinforcement or encouragement during the training process but
these items should not be used during the test. Any dog that
eliminates during testing must be marked failed. The only exception
to this rule is that elimination is allowable in test Item 10, but only when
test Item 10 is held outdoors. Any dog that growls, snaps,
bites, attacks, or attempts to attack a person or another dog is not a good
citizen and must be dismissed from the test. All tests must be
performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars made of
leather, fabric, or chain. Special training collars such as pinch collars, head
halters, etc. are not permitted in the CGC test. The AKC recognizes that special
training collars may be very useful tools for beginning dog trainers, however,
they feel that a dog that is ready to take the CGC test should be at the point
at which they are transitioned to regular collars. The evaluator supplies
will supply a long lead for the test. The owner/handler may bring the dog's
brush or comb to the test.
Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test include:
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
walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner. The
evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show
no sign of resentment or shyness.
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. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to
begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler
may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place
as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This 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. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and
groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (proper weight, clean,
healthy and alert). The handler may supply the comb or brush commonly. The
evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly
examines the ears, teeth/bite and gently picks up each front foot. It is not
necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and
the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.
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. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and
need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course
or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In
either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at
least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the
dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice.
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. The handler may talk to the
dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump
on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.
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. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a long line. The
handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to
get the dog to sit and then down. The handler may not force the dog into
position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the
evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward 20 feet on the
line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. 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. The dog may be released from the front
or the side.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. Prior
to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a long line. The handler
will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The
handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to
tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no
instructions to the dog.
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 on. 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
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with
common distracting situations. 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, or show
aggressiveness. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it
throughout the exercise.
Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if
necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. 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. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually
bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild
agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage
in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts ("there, there, it's
alright").
If you have any specific questions about the test or my testing, feel free to
e-mail me. chuck@vitabella.