Sitting (& Staying) for the Canine Good Citizen Test

Published: Sep. 14, 2009
Subject: Buddy, CGC - Reporting for Duty
Category: Perfect Petiquette

Your dog’s a model of canine behavior. He has excellent manners and can sit, lie down, and remain calm for a friendly pet from a stranger. You’ve raised a canine good citizen. Now’s your chance to make it official.

Thanks to the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program, good dogs everywhere (mixed breeds and non-AKC-registered included) can try their paws at certification. After they pass, not only can they include the prestigious ‘CGC’ after their name just like an academic title, but they can potentially gain access to off-limits locales too. For example, a landlord may consider renting to a family with a certified Canine Good Citizen versus one without the certification.

The test is also a prerequisite for working and therapy dogs before they start their jobs, and it’s simply a great foundation upon which to build with additional training. In short, a passing grade shows that your dog is well behaved and that you’re a responsible pet owner.

So does your dog have what it takes to make the grade? The ten-part test simulates everyday interactions your dog has with people and other animals. And even if you decide not to take the official test to earn a certification, it’s good to know that you and your dog can perform all of the steps involved, so give it a try.

Here’s a quick overview of the 10-step CGC certification test.

• Greets a friendly stranger.
• Sits politely for petting.
• Welcomes being groomed, brushed; allows paws and ears to be handled.
• Walks as directed on a loose leash.
• Moves politely through a crowd.
• Sits, lies down and stays in place on command.
• Comes when called.
• Behaves politely around other dogs.
• Reacts with confidence to distractions.
• Can be left with a trusted person.

Is your dog ready? Ask around at your local humane society or kennel club to find out where the test is offered in your community. Once your pup passes, he gets a certificate (that you’ll frame immediately) and you can order a special collar tag to show the world he or she is such a good dog. Bring on the test!

The Scoop:

Learn all about the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program.
www.akc.org/CGC-program

See details about the 10-step CGC Test. Could your dog pass?
www.akc.org/CGC-test

Thank you to our Woof Report Friends Chili and Bagel for the photo. Both pups have passed the CGC Test and are Therapy Dogs.

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