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1.teach responsible dog ownership to owners and
2.certify dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable, well behaved members of their families and communities.
The purpose of the CGC Program is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community because it is trained to act mannerly in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program welcomes both purebred and mixed-breed dogs. The CGC is noncompetitive. All dogs who pass all 10 items of the test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Dogs are not required to perform items on the test with the precision required in formal obedience.
There is NO AGE LIMIT for dogs taking the CGC test. All dogs participating must be current on the rabies and DHLPP vaccinations. All test are evaluated on a "Pass" / "Needs More Training" scale.
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: Appearance and Grooming This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer, or friend of the owner, to do so. This test also demonstrates the owner's care, concern, and sense of responsibility.
Test 4: Out For a Walk (walking on a loose leash) This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers.
Test 5: Walking Through a Crowd
Test 6: Sit and Down on Command/ Staying in Place This test demonstrates that the dog as training and will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down, and will remain in the place commanded by the handler.
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.
Test 9: Reaction to Distractions This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.
Test 10: Supervised Separation This test demonstrates that the dog can be left in the presence of a trusted person and will maintain its training and good manners.
