If you have watched The Westminster Kennel Dog Show, you may be familiar with the AKC. The American Kennel Club is known for more than just flashy dog shows. They also offer training certifications for dogs who qualify[1] . Developed in 1989, the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification validates responsible dog owners and well-behaved woofs.
There are a few ways to receive a CGC certification. Attend a sponsored AKC CGC class, consult with a local trainer on acquiring skills for certification, or train your own dog using the ten-skill test as a guide. An AKC evaluator will administer the test and provide a certification for dogs that pass. The test takes about an hour to complete. Owners must abide by specific instructions from the evaluator. During the test, no treats or toys are allowed. Affection and praise are acceptable prompts to encourage the dog to complete each skill. Dogs that have accidents or show signs of aggression will fail the test but are allowed to retake the exam. Registration with the American Kennel Club is not required, dogs of all ages and breeds can participate.
What to expect from the CGC 10 Skill Test
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Allowing a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the handler in a natural environment. Handshakes and pleasantries are exchanged. The dog must not shy away or show resentment.
- Sitting Politely for Petting
- Allowing a friendly stranger to touch the dog while out with its handler. When the dog is sitting or standing at the handler’s side the evaluator pets the dog on its head and body. The handler can reassure the dog during this exercise. Again, the dog must show no shyness or resentment.
- Appearance & Grooming
- They must welcome being groomed and examined. A well-groomed canine represents the owner’s care and concern for their dog. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The handler supplies a brush or comb, and the evaluator brushes the dog. The dog does not need to be in a certain position for this part of the exam and the owner may offer praise and encouragement.
- Loose Lead Walking
- The handler must be in control of the dog when out in public. The dog may be on either side of its handler. It must be responsive and attentive to changes in directions. The dog should stop when its handler stops but does not have to sit. The evaluator will issue directions. The dog and handler will need to make a right turn, left turn, and about turn, with one stop in between or at the end. Again, it is ok for the handler to speak to and encourage their dog.
- Walking through a crowd
- The dog moves through a crowd politely and is under control. The handler and their dog move around and pass through a crowd of at least three. It is ok for the dog to show interest in strangers, but they must continue to walk with the handler. There should be no jumping on people or strain on the leash.
- Sit and down on cue, stay in place
- Responding to the owner’s cues, the dog will sit, lay down, and remain in place. A twenty-foot lead is allowed during this exercise. Extra time is given to the handler. The evaluator will determine if the dog is responsive to the owner’s cues. The handler may not force the dog into position but can offer gentle guidance. The evaluator will instruct the handler to walk away from the dog for the distance of the lead. The dog needs to remain in position until the evaluator directs the handler to release the dog.
- Coming when called
- The dog will come when called by the handler. Using the twenty-foot lead the handler will walk ten feet from the dog and call. Encouragement and commands are allowed.
- Reaction to another dog
- The dog must demonstrate polite behavior around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs will approach each other, they will stop at twenty feet and pretend to shake hands. The dogs can have an interest in each other but not approach the other handler or dog.
- Reaction to distraction
- A confident reaction when facing distraction is required for this part of the exam. The evaluator will present two distractions, like a chair dropping, a jogger, or dropping a cane. The dog can have an interest in the distraction but cannot panic or show aggressive behavior.
- Supervised separation
- This part of the exam demonstrates that the dog is ok in the care of a trusted person. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not bark, pace, or whine continuously. They should not exhibit strong agitation or nervous behavior.
A CGC certification could come in handy in unexpected places. Condos, landlords, and homeowners’ insurance companies commonly ban “dangerous” breeds. The CGC certification allows dogs to live in places where otherwise banned. According to the VP of Insurance Information Institute, some companies will make exceptions for CGC dogs. Nationwide homeowner insurance offers coverage to previously prohibited breeds if they pass the CGC test.
Over 700,000 dogs have passed the Canine Good Citizen exam. The CGC program is a good starting point for service and therapy dogs who need advanced levels of training to be successful in their jobs. Owners who complete the program learn how to identify, correct, and prevent behavior problems. It is a fun enriching way to deepen the bond between dog and owner.
