Is Your Dog a Canine Good Citizen

Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen?
In 1989, the American Kennel Club created Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program.

The certification program is designed to rewards dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. It is about responsible pet ownership for owners about basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club

Will your dog pass the test? … the Canine Good Citizen Test?

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.

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.

Test 3: Grooming and appearance
This practical test 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.

Test 4: Out for a walk
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog‘s position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler’s movements and changes of direction.

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 should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Test 6: Sit and stand on command and stay in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commended by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).

Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog.
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. 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. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or 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 with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners.

Those dogs who pass are officially welcomed and well-respected members of our communities.


Transcription by: Scribe4you Transcription Services