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All dogs,
including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome
to participate in the AKC’s Canine Good CitizenŽ (CGC)
Program. Dogs must be old enough to have received
necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines. Owners
will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to
having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian
who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate
plan and schedule for vaccines and other health care
procedures.
There is
no age limit for the CGC test. A dog is never too old to
be a good citizen. Puppies who have completed all
immunizations and boosters may be tested, however,
because we know that behavior and temperament can change
over time, when puppies pass the CGC test, owners should
have them re-tested as adults.
There are
a few exceptions relating to participation in a CGC
test. If the CGC test is given at an AKC show, the age
requirements for the show apply to CGC also. Further,
when the CGC test is administered at an AKC show, the
test may be restricted to only dogs entered in the show
or to purebred dogs.
Some dogs
who are entered in CGC tests will have completed CGC
classes or basic obedience classes. Owners who have
trained their dogs themselves may also have their dogs
tested. Clubs and training programs in almost every city
can provide CGC training to owners and dogs who need to
learn a few more skills before taking the test.
To pass the Canine Good Citizen test you must
successfully complete the following 10 items (All
of the exercises are done on a leash)
-
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 welcome being groomed and examined and will
permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or
friend of the owner, to do so.
Out for a walk (walking on a
loose lead) - The handler/dog team will take a
short "walk" to show that the dog is in control
while walking on a leash.
Walking through a crowd - The
dog and handler walk around and pass close to
several people (at least three) to demonstrate that
the dog can move about politely in pedestrian
traffic and is under control in public places.
Sit and down on command and
Staying in place - The dog will respond to the
handler's commands to 1) sit, 2) down and will 3)
remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or
down position,
Coming when called - The dog
will come when called by the handler. The handler
will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the
dog, and call the dog.
Reaction to another dog - To
demonstrate 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, and continue
on for about 10 feet.
Reaction to distraction - To
demonstrate the dog is confident when faced with
common distracting situations, the evaluator will
select and present two distractions. Examples of
distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a
crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in
front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane.
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 Benefits of
Training
The AKC CGC Program provides an
excellent foundation for training in other fun
activities such as Rally, Obedience, and Agility and
results in a well-mannered dog who is a joy to live
with. Some therapy dog groups require passing the CGC
Test as a prerequisite, some insurance companies
recommend CGC training, and an increasing number of
apartments and condos are requiring CGC training for
resident dogs.
How It
Works
You can attend a basic training or
CGC class to teach your dog the CGC behaviors, or if you
have the skills and knowledge, you can teach your dog
the CGC skills. When your dog is ready, you'll sign up
for a CGC test administered by an AKC Approved CGC
Evaluator. Tests are held at AKC dog shows, at some
training classes, at a number of pet super stores, or
some evaluators will make an appointment to test your
dog.
When your dog passes the CGC test,
the evaluator will give you the paperwork to send to AKC
to request the CGC certificate.
A key component of the Canine Good
Citizen Program is responsible dog ownership. At the CGC
test, you'll be asked to sign the Responsible Dog
Owner's Pledge before you and your dog go through the
test. Responsibility should start the moment you decide
to add a new dog or puppy to your family.
If you
are interested in taking the Canine Good Citizen Test
with your dog, please contact Purrfect Paws Animal
Behavior Center, LLC at 716-465-6555
or email:
behavior@purrfectpawsabc.com to schedule a test
date. |
