The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Program
Click this link and it will take you directly to the AKC web site.
Canine Good Citizen Test: By appointment only. The test will take
approximately 45 minutes to one hour to complete. If you have been placed on notice
by your home owners or renters insurance company to get your dog CGC certified
please bring the letter with you. The CGC test consists of 10 test exercises your dog
must pass to receive his certification certificate from the AKC. It is highly suggested that
you take the CGC class before you take the test if you think your dog will not pass any
of the 10 exercises.
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, ignoring the dog. The
evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no
sign of resentment including barking, growling, or shyness. The dog must not break
position or try to go to the evaluator.
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 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. The
evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear
to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler
should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly
combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears 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. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
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 line 20 feet long. 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 evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's
commands. 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 the length of 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. A SPECIAL NOTE: A large percentage of dogs fail this exercise
because they were NOT trained properly to sit and stay and down and stay ON LEASH at
various lengths of distance.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. 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 20 feet, stop,
shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. 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, dropping a crutch or cane, or pulling a baby carriage past the
dog. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly
startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. 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 (e.g, "there, there,
it's alright").
Equipment
All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars
made of leather, fabric, or web design. Special training collars such as pinch collars,
head halters, etc. are not permitted in the CGC test. We recognize that special training
collars may be very useful tools for beginning dog trainers, however, we feel that dogs
are ready to take the CGC test at the point at which they are transitioned to regular
collars.
The evaluator will supply a 20-foot lead for the test. The owner/handler should bring
the dog's brush or comb to the test.
Encouragement
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. We recognize
that food and toys may provide valuable reinforcement or encouragement during the
training process but these items should not be used during the test.
Failures - Dismissals
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.
Homeowners Insurance Available to Breeds Previously Excluded with CGC Certification
The American Kennel Club is pleased to share the news that in some regions, Nationwide Insurance is
issuing homeowners insurance to owners of breeds previously prohibited by the company, providing the dog
passes the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
Nationwide has stated: "Nationwide has begun to allow the owners of certain prohibited dog breeds to
attain homeowners insurance if they provide an original copy of a certificate demonstrating successful
completion of the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. This provision is currently available in limited areas and
provided the applicant meets traditional underwriting requirements. The Canine Good Citizen program
demonstrates responsible dog ownership and we certainly hope this change will prove successful."
Dog owners should note that at this time, only certain specified Nationwide Insurance Agents are
participating.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have
good manners at home and in the community. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a
certificate from the AKC. The program continues to gain acceptance worldwide as the standard for
well-trained dogs and responsible dog ownership.
Program
Click this link and it will take you directly to the AKC web site.
Canine Good Citizen Test: By appointment only. The test will take
approximately 45 minutes to one hour to complete. If you have been placed on notice
by your home owners or renters insurance company to get your dog CGC certified
please bring the letter with you. The CGC test consists of 10 test exercises your dog
must pass to receive his certification certificate from the AKC. It is highly suggested that
you take the CGC class before you take the test if you think your dog will not pass any
of the 10 exercises.
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, ignoring the dog. The
evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no
sign of resentment including barking, growling, or shyness. The dog must not break
position or try to go to the evaluator.
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 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. The
evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear
to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler
should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly
combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears 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. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
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 line 20 feet long. 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 evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's
commands. 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 the length of 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. A SPECIAL NOTE: A large percentage of dogs fail this exercise
because they were NOT trained properly to sit and stay and down and stay ON LEASH at
various lengths of distance.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. 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 20 feet, stop,
shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. 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, dropping a crutch or cane, or pulling a baby carriage past the
dog. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly
startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. 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 (e.g, "there, there,
it's alright").
Equipment
All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars
made of leather, fabric, or web design. Special training collars such as pinch collars,
head halters, etc. are not permitted in the CGC test. We recognize that special training
collars may be very useful tools for beginning dog trainers, however, we feel that dogs
are ready to take the CGC test at the point at which they are transitioned to regular
collars.
The evaluator will supply a 20-foot lead for the test. The owner/handler should bring
the dog's brush or comb to the test.
Encouragement
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. We recognize
that food and toys may provide valuable reinforcement or encouragement during the
training process but these items should not be used during the test.
Failures - Dismissals
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.
Homeowners Insurance Available to Breeds Previously Excluded with CGC Certification
The American Kennel Club is pleased to share the news that in some regions, Nationwide Insurance is
issuing homeowners insurance to owners of breeds previously prohibited by the company, providing the dog
passes the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
Nationwide has stated: "Nationwide has begun to allow the owners of certain prohibited dog breeds to
attain homeowners insurance if they provide an original copy of a certificate demonstrating successful
completion of the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. This provision is currently available in limited areas and
provided the applicant meets traditional underwriting requirements. The Canine Good Citizen program
demonstrates responsible dog ownership and we certainly hope this change will prove successful."
Dog owners should note that at this time, only certain specified Nationwide Insurance Agents are
participating.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have
good manners at home and in the community. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a
certificate from the AKC. The program continues to gain acceptance worldwide as the standard for
well-trained dogs and responsible dog ownership.
The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class:
Fee: $80.00. Fee includes the CGC Test.
Length of Class: Class meets one hour per week
Length of training program: 6 weeks
Class meet Date: (ORIENTATION) Thursday, April 3, 2008
Time: 6pm
Location: Mast Park, 9125 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee, CA
The purpose of this training class program is to prepare you and your dog to take the CGC test, pass the
test, and obtain the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification.
Attendance in the six week, one hour per week class is mandatory. There will be NO make up classes. It is
highly recommended that you check your schedule and make sure you will be able to attend each class.
Class will not be held up for late arrivals. Please be on time.
Each week the class will meet and practice on the 10 test exercises. (See Below)
Each handler and dog will interact with other handlers and dogs. Dog's should already be highly socialized
and very dog and people friendly. If you have the slightest concern or doubt about your dogs behavior toward
other dogs and or people than I would suggest you take a basic beginner class first. I would be happy to meet
with you and give you an evaluation prior to class registration.
Week 6: CGC Test
Fee: $80.00. Fee includes the CGC Test.
Length of Class: Class meets one hour per week
Length of training program: 6 weeks
Class meet Date: (ORIENTATION) Thursday, April 3, 2008
Time: 6pm
Location: Mast Park, 9125 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee, CA
The purpose of this training class program is to prepare you and your dog to take the CGC test, pass the
test, and obtain the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification.
Attendance in the six week, one hour per week class is mandatory. There will be NO make up classes. It is
highly recommended that you check your schedule and make sure you will be able to attend each class.
Class will not be held up for late arrivals. Please be on time.
Each week the class will meet and practice on the 10 test exercises. (See Below)
Each handler and dog will interact with other handlers and dogs. Dog's should already be highly socialized
and very dog and people friendly. If you have the slightest concern or doubt about your dogs behavior toward
other dogs and or people than I would suggest you take a basic beginner class first. I would be happy to meet
with you and give you an evaluation prior to class registration.
Week 6: CGC Test
BY PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY. REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED
ON OR AFTER 4/3/08 WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. PLEASE
COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORM AND CLICK SUBMIT.
ON OR AFTER 4/3/08 WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. PLEASE
COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORM AND CLICK SUBMIT.
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