Canine Good Citizen Classes

Teach your canine companion reliable obedience and polite behavior for everyday life and public settings to confidently visit the park and dog-friendly stores.

Canine Good Citizen

6 Lessons

The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test evaluates ten specific behaviors designed to ensure dogs are well-mannered in society, focusing on obedience, confidence and reactivity to distractions. Open to all dogs, the test requires proof of vaccination, prohibits prong/choke collars and requires a passing score on all items, including strangers, grooming, walking on a loose leash and remaining calm around other dogs and distractions.

Ten Key Requirements for the CGC

1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger

The dog must sit quietly while an evaluator approaches, shakes hands with the owner and ignores the dog.

2. Sitting Politely for Petting

The dog must allow a stranger to pet it while remaining calm and on leash.

3. Appearance and Grooming

The dog must welcome being brushed, combed and allow someone to inspect its ears and front paws.

4. Out for a Walk

The handler must demonstrate control, including left, right and about turns and stopping.

5. Walking Through a Crowd

The dog must show no jumping or over-excitement while walking close to at least three people.

6. Sit and Down on Cue, Standing in Place

The dog must perform sit and down on command, then hold a "stay" for 20 feet.

7. Coming When Called

From a 20-foot distance, the dog must come when called by the owner.

8. Reaction to Another Dog

The dog must act politely when another handler and dog approach for a greeting.

9. Reaction to Distractions

The dog may show curiosity but cannot panic, bark excessively, or show aggression when faced with distractions like a dropped cane or running jogger.

10. Supervised Separation

The dog must remain calm for 3 minutes when left with a trusted person while the owner is out of sight.