AKC Canine Good Citizen

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The Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program: a two-part course designed to help you and your dog be the best you can be–together. Since 1989, over 1 million dogs and their owners have participated in CGC, mastering ten basic skills that instill confidence and good manners in and out of your home. 

Not only does CGC training create long-lasting trust between you and your pup, but also ensures you’ll be good neighbors and friends to everyone around you—and, if you’re interested in going beyond the basics, CGC also lays the foundation for other AKC sports and activities like obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. 

CGC is a ten-skill training program that’s open to all dogs–purebred and mixed breed–that focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community. 

After mastering the ten skills, passing the CGC test together, and taking the Responsible Dog Ownership pledge, you and your pup will join the proud ranks of over 1 million dogs who have earned their Canine Good Citizen award– accomplishment that’s definitely worthy of extra belly rubs! 

The Basics of the CGC test:

· Dogs and owners will be evaluated for good grooming and manners

· Dog must accept the approach of a friendly stranger without becoming overly enthusiastic or jump up

· Dogs must welcome being petted by a friendly stranger

· Dogs must walk without pulling, turn and stop on command

· Dogs must walk through a crowd scenario. Showing interest is acceptable but no crowd engagement or jumping

· Sit, stay and down for designated time periods

· Stay as the handler walks away and then “comes” when called.

· Calmly engages with other dogs as they approach and handlers engage in conversation

· Reacts to distractions without panic or aggression

· Calmly allows owner to leave site for three minutes while under control of Evaluator

· Accepts person approaching and placing items on floor nearby

· Walking and all turns and stops on a loose lead

· Walk through crowd on street on a loose lead

· Stays at distance of 20 feet with distractions

· Stays with other dogs while owner/handlers and has a chat

· Leave items of interest upon command “Drop it”