What is CGC certification for dogs?

That’s why we created the Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program: an expert-made training program designed to help you and your dog be the best you can be–together. Canine Good Citizen is a 10-skill test that teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners.

Table of Contents

What are the 10 tests for CGC?

10 Essential Skills: CGC Test Items

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.

Is the Canine Good Citizen test hard?

Completing and passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is difficult for both dog and pet owner. To pass the CGC test, you have to do all 10 steps completely successfully. The three most difficult steps are Sitting Politely For Petting, Reaction To Another Dog and the dreaded Supervised Separation.

How do I test my dog for CGC?

Dogs of any breed or mix can earn their Canine Good Citizen certification.

Familiarize Yourself With the Parts of the Test.
Socialize Your Puppy.
Try the STAR Puppy Program.
Practice Basic Obedience.
Teach Your Dog to Stay Calm Around Strangers.
Problems and Proofing Behavior.

How old does a dog have to be to take the CGC test?

Though not a requirement for testing, many owners find that their pup needs some formal training in order to prepare for the CGC test. There is no age requirement for the Canine Good Citizen program.

Can you use a clicker in the CGC test?

Food or treats, clickers, toys, and corrective collars are not allowed to be used during the test. A dog that growls, snaps, or bites (directed towards another dog or a human) at any time will be dismissed from the test.

Can I use treats for CGC test?

No training tools like treats or training collars can be used on the exam, so your dog will need to be able to walk in a regular harness or collar. Loose lead walking is a difficult skill to teach that can take up to six weeks for many dogs with no training.

How long does a Canine Good Citizen test take?

The CGC test generally lasts less than 10 minutes and usually happens in a relatively controlled environment, like a sectioned off area of a pet store or show ring at your AKC trainer’s school. Find out more about the CGC Test in our Participant Guide.

How do I train my dog to be a good citizen?

Can you use a prong collar during a CGC test?

Special training equipment such as pinch collars, electronic collars, and head collars are not permitted. The leash should be made of either leather or fabric. Retractable leashes may not be used in the CGC test. The evaluator should have available a 20-ft.

Can you use treats during Canine Good Citizen test?

You are allowed to speak to your dog during this course, so use this to your advantage to keep your dog focused and on task. No training tools like treats or training collars can be used on the exam, so your dog will need to be able to walk in a regular harness or collar.

How old does a dog have to be to get a CGC?

In this case, some test-giving agencies, at the direction of therapy dog groups, might require that dogs be at least 1 year of age to be evaluated. The vast majority of dogs who take the CGC Test are friendly, happy animals, which makes the entire test extremely rewarding and positive.