The AKC Canine Good Citizen Test is a program offered through the American Kennel Club, as a way to show that a dog is safe to be around dogs and people and has basic manners. It is open to purebred and non-purebred dogs. Our program is offered by a certified AKC Evaluator, and consists of a review class to go over the ten “test exercises”, followed two weeks later by the CGC Test.
The minimum age for dogs to participate in my classes and the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test is 6 months. Children may participate with their dog; the minimum age for children is 12 years old and the must be easily able to control the dog in a flat collar. No aggressive dogs are allowed. If your dog shows aggression at the class or during the test, they will be excused without a refund.
Disabled dogs are allowed to participate, as are disabled handlers, as long as they can safely perform all of the exercises. If either the dog or handler is disabled, please advise in advance in case we need to make special arrangements for any exercises.
Dogs are required to work on a buckle or slip collar or a martingale collar of leather, fabric or chain or a combination. For the test, you may not use a head collar or prong collar. All exercises will be performed on leash.
THE CGC TEST INCLUDES:
Accepting a friendly stranger
The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.
Sitting Politely for Petting
The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.
Appearance and Grooming
The dog will permit someone to check it’s ears and front feet, as a groomer or veterinarian would do.
Out for a Walk (walking on a loose lead)
Following the evaluator’s instructions, the dog will walk on a loose lead (with the handler/owner).
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).
Sit and Down on Command and Staying in Place
The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay.
Coming When Called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler (from 10 feet on a leash).
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.
Reaction to Distraction
The evaluator will select and present two distractions such as dropping a chair, etc.
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”).
Here is the link to AKC’s website regarding the AKC Website and the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, as well as the Pledge you will be asked to sign when completing the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test paperwork:
Pixie Tunnel