The Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC) is an American Kennel Club program that is designed to encourage responsible dog ownership, document that tested dogs have the training of well-mannered dogs, and certifying behaviors needed to be reliable, well-behaved members of their families and communities. Dogs do not have to be registered with the AKC to earn a CGC. The goal is to promote good citizenship for all dogs.
To receive a CGC, a dog and handler team must take a short evaluation of less than half an hour. The evaluation consists of ten objectives. All items must be completed satisfactorily.
Test items include:
1) Allowing a friendly stranger to approach.
2) Sitting politely for petting.
3) Allowing basic grooming procedures.
4) Walking politely on a loose leash.
5) Walking through a crowd.
6) Sitting and lying down on cue and staying in place.
7) Coming when called.
8) Reacting appropriately to another dog.
9) Reacting appropriately to distractions.
10) Calmly enduring supervised separation from the owner.
If the dog passes all ten test items, the handler can apply for a certificate from the AKC stating that the dog has earned the CGC. If the dog is registered with AKC, they will also receive a Title. And of course, passing the test gives you bragging rights! And Bling !
The CGC is seen as a stepping stone for Therapy dog testing. One of the national therapy dog organizations, Therapy Dogs International, tests dogs using a modified CGC test. For example, when walking through a crowd, the dog may encounter people in wheelchairs or using a walker. Another example, dogs are asked to leave food distractions alone.
Some of these behaviors are taught in traditional Obedience classes, but all of these behaviors are trained in manners classes or CGC/Therapy dog preparation classes. For people who dogs are less than 1 year of age, the young dogs are evaluated for the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy program as part of my basic manners class. The S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is a beginning entry test, designed to provide puppies with a great start in training. In my advanced manners class, I offer the option to train all ten of the CGC test items . If you select that option, the CGC test is held on the last night of classes at no additional cost.
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