The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is designed to reward dogs that have
good manners at home and in their community. CGC training is often used as
a first step toward getting dogs involved in other activities such as obedience,
agility, Earthdog and other performance events. Dogs who have been trained
in obedience have a special bond with their owner and are a joy to be around,
responding well to household routines and having good manners around people and
other dogs.
The Canine Good Citizen Program also stresses responsible pet ownership.
Owners sign a pledge agreeing to take care of their dog's health needs, safety,
quality of life and to show responsibility by not allowing their dog to infringe
on the rights of others.
After signing the Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge, owners and their dogs are
ready for testing. There are ten parts to the test and the dog must pass
all 10 items to receive a Canine Good Citizen certificate.
Accepting a friendly stranger - This demonstrates that the dog will
allow a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the owner in a natural,
everyday situation. The evaluator and owner shake hands and exchange
greetings. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and
must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.
Sitting politely for petting - This demonstrates that the dog will allow
a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its owner. With the dog
sitting at the owner's side the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body.
The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
Appearance and grooming - This 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 responsibility. The evaluator inspects the
dog, combs or brushes it lightly and examines the ears and each front foot.
Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead) - This demonstrates that the
owner is in control of the dog. The dog's position should leave no
doubt that the dog is attentive to the owner and is responding to the
owner's movement and changes of direction. There must be a right turn,
left turn and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at
the end.
Walking through a crowd - This demonstrates that the dog can move about
politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.
The dog and owner walk around and pass close to at least three people.
While the dog may show some interest in the strangers it should continue to
walk with its owner without showing over-exuberance shyness or resentment.
Sit and down on command and staying in place - This demonstrates that
the dog has training and will respond to the owner's commands to sit and
down and will remain in the place commanded by the owner. When
instructed by the evaluator, the owner tells the dog to stay, walks 20 feet
in front of the dog, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace.
The dog must remain in the place in which it was left until the evaluator
instructs the owner to release the dog.
Coming when called - This demonstrates that the dog will come when
called by the owner. The owner walks 10 feet in front of the dog,
turns toward the dog and instructs it to come.
Reaction to another dog - This demonstrates that the dog can behave
politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each
other, stop, shake hands, exchange pleasantries and continue walking.
The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other and neither
dog should go to the other handler.
Reaction to distraction - This demonstrates that the dog is confident at
all times when faced with common distractions. The evaluator will
select and present two distractions such as dropping a chair or having a
jogger run in front of the dog. The dog may show interest and
curiosity or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run
away, show aggressiveness or bark.
Supervised separation - This demonstrates that a dog can be left alone
with a trusted person and will maintain its good manners. The
evaluator will hold the dog's leash while the owner goes out of sight for
three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should
not continuously bark, whine, pace or show anything stronger than mild
agitation or nervousness.
