The Canine Good Citizen Program is a product of the American Kennel Club. It is a two-part program designed to:

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 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 the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with the handler.

Test 3: Appearance and Grooming

This practical test demonstrates 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 the handler is in control of the dog while on lead. The dog may be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers.

Test 5: Walking Through a Crowd

This test demonstrates the dog's ability to move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places while on lead.

Test 6: Sit and Down on Command/ Staying in Place

This test demonstrates the dog has 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 the dog will come when called by the handler.

Test 8: Reaction to Another Dog

This test demonstrates the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

Test 9: Reaction to Distractions

This test demonstrates the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.

Test 10: Supervised Separation

This test demonstrates the dog's ability to maintain its training and good manners when left with a trusted person or stranger.

All of the above information is taken directly for the American Kennel Club's website or AKC CGC Evaluators Handout.