The Canine Good Citizen Test, a great tool in promoting responsible dog ownership, was developed in 1989 by the American Kennel Club. Unlike competition obedience which requires show dog precision, this certification program for purebreds and mixed breeds, simply evaluates pet dogs’ manners in real life situations.
Benefits of the Canine Good Citizen Test
Responsible pet owners who teach their dog basic good manners can enjoy a well behaved pet. Any dog, purebred or mixed breed, who passes the test earns a certificate and tag from the AKC, while proudly adding the title ‘CGC’ after his name.
Some animal control agencies use these guidelines when dealing with dog problems. Medical facilities may use the certification as a screening tool for therapy dogs. Many property managers consider it when making housing rules regarding pets, and some 4-H groups use it as a dog training program for children. Some homeowners insurance is available to previously excluded breeds with CGC. Indeed, it may also prove to be a worthy weapon in the battle against breed specific legislation. Other countries including Canada, England, and Japan, are tailoring their own versons of the CGC based on the AKC's test.
Test Exercises
To receive certification, dogs must satisfactorily complete each exercise.
- Accepting a friendly stranger – dog must wait politely as a stranger approaches and speaks to the handler
- Sitting politely for petting – dog must not show shyness or resentment when petted by a friendly stranger
- Appearance and grooming – dog must allow a friendly stranger to examine his ears and feet and to brush him
- Out for a walk – dog must walk calmly on a loose leash
- Walking through a crowd – dog must walk politely through a crowd
- Sit/down/stay – dog must sit or down on command and must stay in place while handler walks about 20 feet away and returns
- Come – dog must come directly to you when called from a distance of 10 feet
- Reaction to another dog – dog must behave politely when meeting another dog on the street
- Reactions to distractions – dog may startle or show interest but not aggressiveness or fear to such things as a jogger, someone opening an umbrella, someone dropping a book
- Supervised separation – dog must wait calmly with the evaluator while his handler goes out of sight for 3 minutes.
Disqualification Factors:
- Disruptions such as growling, lunging or snapping
- Dog eliminating during the test
- Harsh treatment of the dog or unsportsmanlike conduct by the handler
Preparing for the CGC
Obedience classes are a good place to prepare for the CGC test, but well behaved dogs with proper socialization in the real world - and knowledge of basic commands - may be able to pass the test. All exercises are done on leash and the owner may give praise and encouragement to the dog during the test. Proof of rabies vaccination must be presented.
Working with your dog to earn a CGC can be fun. Many owners go on to compete in obedience trials. Those ready to have their dog tested may visit the AKC page to locate an evaluator in their area.
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Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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