 The Canine Good Citizen Test is a certification program that tests dogs in simulated everyday situations in a relaxed atmosphere. It identifies and rewards dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable family members as well as good-standing community members. All dogs passing the Canine Good Citizen Test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen Test is to ensure that our favorite companion, the
dog, can be a respected member of the community because it is trained and conditioned to act
mannerly in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs. The program embraces
both pure-bred and mixed-breed dogs.
Canine Good Citizen training is fun and useful. Through it, you and your dog will establish a
closer bond and your dog will have the added benefit of knowing how to please you. This test of
your dog's manners and training is not a competition and does not require that you and your dog
perform with precision.
The American Kennel Club urges all dog owners to participate in this program, thereby assuring that our beloved dogs will always be welcomed and respected members of the community.
Demonstrating Confidence and Control
The Dog Must Complete These Ten Steps
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 and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness and 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. While the dog is sitting at the handler's side, the evaluator pets the dog on head
and body only, then circles the dog and handler, completing the test. 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 a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also
demonstrates the owner's care, concern and responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog, then
combs or brushes the dog and lightly examines the ears and each front foot.
Test 4: Out for a Walk (Walking on a loose leash)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers. There must be a left turn, a right turn and an
about turn, with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The dog need not be
perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.
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, without appearing over exuberant,
shy or resentful. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the
test. The dog should not be straining at the leash.
Test 6: Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's command to sit and down and will remain in place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one
command to make the dog sit and then down. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells
the dog to stay and walks forward the length of a 20-foot line. The dog must remain in place, but
may change positions.
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 will call the dog. The handler may use body language and 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 as the evaluator provides mild distractions (e.g. petting).
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 10 yards, stop, shake hands and
exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 5 yards. The dogs should show no more than a
casual interest in each other.
Test 9: Reactions to Distractions
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common
distracting situations, such as the dropping of a large book or a jogger running in front of the
dog. The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and may appear slightly startled, but
should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.
Test 10: Supervised Separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left alone, if necessary, and will maintain its
training and good manners. Evaluators are encourage to say something like, "Would you like me
to watch your dog?" and a person will hold the leash of the dog. The dog will be held for three minutes and does not have to stay in position, but should not continually bark,
whine, howl, pace unnecessarily or show anything other than mild agitation or nervousness.
Equipment
All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars made of leather, fabric, or chain. 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 supplies 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.
For More Information:
Kennel clubs, local specialty clubs, obedience clubs, private training schools and other organizations, such as community colleges, 4-H and the scouts, may administer a CGC Test. Individual dog enthusiasts may also coordinate the event. The AKC provides information kits and test kits for all interested parties.
To order your free information kit or to purchase test kits contact:
The American Kennel Club
Attnention: CGC
5580 Centerview Drive
Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: 919 - 816-3637
Fax: 919 - 816-4203
Email: cgc@akc.org
Order Form For Canine Good Citizen Materials | 
