AKC Canine Good Citizen

Training/Testing: CGC Test Items

  • Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
  • Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
  • 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

Equipment

All tests must be performed on leash. For collars, dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars made of leather, fabric, or chain. Special training collars such as pinch collars, head halters, and electronic collars are not permitted in the CGC test.

As of November 4, 2010, body harnesses may be used in the CGC test. The evaluator should check to make sure the harness is not of a type that completely restricts the dog’s movement such that it could not pull or jump up if it tried.

We recognize that special training collars such as head collars and no-jump harnesses may be very useful tools for beginning dog trainers, however, we feel that dogs are ready to take the CGC test at the point at which they are transitioned to equipment that allows the evaluator to see that the dog has been trained.

The evaluator supplies a 20-foot lead for the test. The owner/handler should bring the dog’s brush or comb to the test.

Encouragement

Owners/handlers may use praise and encouragement throughout the test. The owner may pet the dog between exercises. Food and treats are not permitted during testing, nor is the use of toys, squeaky toys, etc. to get the dog to do something. We recognize that food and toys may provide valuable reinforcement or encouragement during the training process but these items should not be used during the test.

Failures – Dismissals

Any dog that eliminates during testing must be marked failed. The only exception to this rule is that elimination is allowable in test Item 10, but only when test Item 10 is held outdoors.

Any dog that growls, snaps, bites, attacks, or attempts to attack a person or another dog is not a good citizen and must be dismissed from the test.The American Kennel Club offers a certification/formal title open to all dogs (pure and mixed breed). The Canine Good Citizen is for those dogs who can perform all 10 of the CGC items. This class is also ideal for anyone who is thinking of doing therapy work with their dog. All dogs that pass the CGC test will receive a certificate from the AKC.