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Canine Good Citizenship (CGC)
Text Selections from the AKC Official Web Site
Started in 1989, CGC is a certification
program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and
in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program
that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners
for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate
from the American Kennel Club.
Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in
training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation
for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and
performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills,
you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training
will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid
obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household
routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and
they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide
training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. We sincerely
hope that CGC will be only a beginning for you and your dog and that after
passing the CGC test, you'll continue training in obedience, agility,
tracking, or performance events.
Testing - 10 Course Items
Before taking the Canine Good Citizen test, owners will
sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. We believe that responsible
dog ownership is a key part of the CGC concept and by signing the pledge,
owners agree to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise,
training and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by
doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and
never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
Test 7: Coming when called
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
Test 10: Supervised separation
Dogs that pass the test receive an official record of
his/her test results which certifies them as CGC. Owners may choose
to process through the AKC and receive an official certificate which is
mailed to the owner. There are no age limits for dogs to test but
must have their vaccinations. They also recommend that puppies be
retested after several years due to personality and temperament
changes. Purebred and Mix breeds are welcome. Owners can train their
own dogs to prepare for the test and most have completed a basic obedience
class. AKC recommends finding a club or training facility with a CGC
trainer to help you and your dog prepare for the test. Certified
trainers can help evaluate your dog's readiness for testing and make
recommendations for areas which need improvement to better prepare you and
your dog for testing.
What a great way to build obedience skills and give your
dog something to work towards, while you bond with your dog and develop a
valuable skill that will assist your dog in being welcomed into all kinds
of situations! Work at you and your dog's own pace - remember it's
as much a bonding time as it is goal oriented!!!
For more information on CGC testing, requirements, full
descriptions of test steps and finding a certified evaluator in your area,
visit the official AKC web site. www.akc.org
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