AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN EVALUATIONS

We believe that all dogs can be good dogs, and all owners can be great owners, all it takes is a little bit of training, lots of love, and of course, plenty of praise along the way. That’s why AKC created the Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program: an expert-made training program designed to help you and your dog be the best you can be–together. Canine Good Citizen is a 10-skill test that teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners. It is open to all dogs regardless of age or breed. Dogs that pass their CGC can go on to earn their AKC Community Canine (CGC-A) and AKC Urban Canine (CGC-U) titles.

Learn more about the CGC here and email us to learn about upcoming scheduled evaluations.

Canine Good Citizen Test Items

1. Accepting a friendly stranger. Evaluator approaches and pretends to shake hands with handler (hands 6- 12” apart). Evaluator does not touch dog.

2. Sitting politely for petting. Evaluator pets dog; dog must show no shyness or resentment.

3. Appearance and grooming. Evaluator inspects dog, combs or brushes lightly, examines ears and each front foot.

4. Out for a walk. Handler takes dog for a short walk including right turn, left turn, about turn and stop.

5. Walking through a crowd. Dog and handler walk close to several people; dog may show causal interest but not jump up.

6. Sit and down on cue/Staying in place. Handler shows that dog can do both sit and down, then chooses a position, leaves dog and goes to the end of a 20 ft. line, and returns immediately.

7. Coming when called. With dog still on 20 ft. line from Test 6, handler walks out 10 ft. and calls the dog.

8. Reaction to another dog. Two handlers and dogs approach, pretend to shake hands (hands 6-12” apart), exchange pleasantries, then move on.

9. Reaction to distractions. Distractions are presented; dog may not panic or show aggression.

10. Supervised separation. Handler goes out of sight for 3-min. Dog is held on a 6-ft. leash by an evaluator.