Canine Good Citizen

Learn more about the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program here.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program provides a perfect framework for training your dog to become a polite member of society.

The ten (10) test items on the CGC test are practical, functional behaviors that every dog should have to be welcomed in the community.

Test One: 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.

Test Two: 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.

Test Three: Appearance and grooming
This 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.

Test Four: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog when the dog is walking on a leash.

Test Five: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control when on leash in public

Test Six: Sit and down on cue and stay in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s cues to sit and down and will remain in place (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).

Test Seven: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.

Test Eight: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

Test Nine: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is always confident when faced with common distracting situations.

Test Ten: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners.

All information from the American Kennel Club website. Learn more here.