The American Kennel Club started the Canine Good Citizen Programin 1989 as a means of rewarding dogs who were well-behaved companions at home and in the community. Teh goals of Canine Good Citeizen Program are to
1) Teach responsible dog ownership to owners and
2) provide basic training and good manners to dogs.
A key component of the CGC Program is the 10-step CGC Test. All dgs (including purebreds and mixed breeds) who pass the CGC Test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
this was taken off the pamphlet my instructor gave me.
Kelly
Full Version: The Akc Canine Good Citizen Program (cgc)
The AKC Canine Good Citizen Progam
Who Can Participate?
All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the CGC program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines. Owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate plan and schedule for vaccines and other health care procedures.
There is no age limit for the CGC test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen. Puppies who have completed all immunizations and boosters may be tested, however, because we know that behavior and temperament can change over time, when puppies pass the CGC test, owners should have them re-tested as adults.
There are a few exceptions relating to participation in a CGC test. If the CGC test is given at an AKC show, the age requirements for the show apply to CGC also. Further, when the CGC test is administered at an AKC show, the test may be restricted to only dogs entered in the show or to purebred dogs.
Some dogs who are entered in CGC tests will have completed CGC classes or basic obedience classes. Owners who have trained their dogs themselves may also have their dogs tested. Clubs and training programs in almost every city can provide CGC training to owners and dogs who need to learn a few more skills before taking the test.
Homeowners Insurance Available to Breeds Previously Excluded with CGC Certification
Who Can Participate?
All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the CGC program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines. Owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate plan and schedule for vaccines and other health care procedures.
There is no age limit for the CGC test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen. Puppies who have completed all immunizations and boosters may be tested, however, because we know that behavior and temperament can change over time, when puppies pass the CGC test, owners should have them re-tested as adults.
There are a few exceptions relating to participation in a CGC test. If the CGC test is given at an AKC show, the age requirements for the show apply to CGC also. Further, when the CGC test is administered at an AKC show, the test may be restricted to only dogs entered in the show or to purebred dogs.
Some dogs who are entered in CGC tests will have completed CGC classes or basic obedience classes. Owners who have trained their dogs themselves may also have their dogs tested. Clubs and training programs in almost every city can provide CGC training to owners and dogs who need to learn a few more skills before taking the test.
Homeowners Insurance Available to Breeds Previously Excluded with CGC Certification
CGC Training/Testing
CGC Test Items
Before taking the Canine Good Citizen test, owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. We believe that responsible dog ownership is a key part of the CGC concept and by signing the pledge, owners agree to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.
After signing the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, owners and their dogs are ready to take the CGC Test. Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test include:
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. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.
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. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.
Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").
Equipment
All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars made of leather, fabric, or chain. Special training collars such as pinch collars, head halters, etc. are not permitted in the CGC test. We recognize that special training collars 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 regular collars.
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.
CGC Test Items
Before taking the Canine Good Citizen test, owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. We believe that responsible dog ownership is a key part of the CGC concept and by signing the pledge, owners agree to take care of their dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.
After signing the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, owners and their dogs are ready to take the CGC Test. Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test include:
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. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.
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. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.
Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").
Equipment
All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars made of leather, fabric, or chain. Special training collars such as pinch collars, head halters, etc. are not permitted in the CGC test. We recognize that special training collars 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 regular collars.
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.
Thanks Doc.
I was going to post the ten items to pass. Just haven't been on then computer long. Hubby just got back Thursday night from being TDY for six weeks.
Kelly
I was going to post the ten items to pass. Just haven't been on then computer long. Hubby just got back Thursday night from being TDY for six weeks.
Kelly
So what were you doing that was more important than posting! haha 
Reuniting 
Also trying to go though each room of the house getting ready for our move. I dont want to wait till the weekend before the movers come to to a clean sweep.
Also trying to go though each room of the house getting ready for our move. I dont want to wait till the weekend before the movers come to to a clean sweep.
Hey Kelly, all kidding aside, it is an amazing thing that in this country we have men and women willing to serve our military so the rest of us can enjoy freedom. Thank you to your husband, and to you as well, for letting him go each time he has to. You are all heros.
HI All
Dakota had her second night of class for her CGC. The only part She and I have a problem is the socilization with small dogs. After we first got her our neighbors got a sheltie that was dog and territory aggressive. Always went bonkers growling and barking at Dakota and Sam through the chain link fence. Which we always went out and stopped our dogs and tried to break them of reacting to it. Well they left then the next person to move in had the same type of dog. Although this was a dachund mix and was stupid enough to run up a snow bank and jump the fence after Dakota and Sam. So I'm a little nevouse when she's around small dogs.
She also has a problem when they get excited and start barking. So we are working on it. I mainly get down to her level and pet and talk to her saying its ok while the other dogs come up to her. The instructor told everyone not to come up from behind her.
We did basic obedience and grooming.
Dakota had her second night of class for her CGC. The only part She and I have a problem is the socilization with small dogs. After we first got her our neighbors got a sheltie that was dog and territory aggressive. Always went bonkers growling and barking at Dakota and Sam through the chain link fence. Which we always went out and stopped our dogs and tried to break them of reacting to it. Well they left then the next person to move in had the same type of dog. Although this was a dachund mix and was stupid enough to run up a snow bank and jump the fence after Dakota and Sam. So I'm a little nevouse when she's around small dogs.
She also has a problem when they get excited and start barking. So we are working on it. I mainly get down to her level and pet and talk to her saying its ok while the other dogs come up to her. The instructor told everyone not to come up from behind her.
We did basic obedience and grooming.
Hows the training going????
OOOOOPS. Sorry been busy forgot to post on it. Its going great the assistant instructor told me today that basically Dakota has already passed the test. She had one of her dogs in the level 2 training we did so she already knows what she can do. She doesn't have a problem with the 3 min seperation it just when she sees me she wants to get to me. Tonight we did the sit stay, down stay, walking through a crowd, recall that I did off leash because she can do it and draging the 20 lead she doesn't like. The basic things for dog obedieance with socialization is what we do. They went over nail clipping and I watched two ladies use the dremel on there dogs so I'm going to get Dakota used to the sound this week and see if they will help me with it next week. We have 3 more weeks to graduation. Just in time for us to move.
Kelly,
I use the Wizard...Black and Decker's version of the dremmel...and it's amazing! Mine actually prefer it to being clipped.
Dudley, my Basset, comes running when he sees me pull it out. I sit on the floor, he jumps between my legs and rolls over. 
I have noticed, though, that for some reason it seems I have to dremmel more often than I had to clip. Not sure why or if it's just me being weird. It shouldn't take long for Dakota to get used to it. Besides the noise, it's a whole different feeling. I would let mine run and use a regular emory board on them for the first week. Sort of get them used to the whole sensation. Does that make sense? LOL! 
I use the Wizard...Black and Decker's version of the dremmel...and it's amazing! Mine actually prefer it to being clipped.
Dudley, my Basset, comes running when he sees me pull it out. I sit on the floor, he jumps between my legs and rolls over. I have noticed, though, that for some reason it seems I have to dremmel more often than I had to clip. Not sure why or if it's just me being weird. It shouldn't take long for Dakota to get used to it. Besides the noise, it's a whole different feeling. I would let mine run and use a regular emory board on them for the first week. Sort of get them used to the whole sensation. Does that make sense? LOL!
Yes it does make sense.
We had class last night. I braved the weather and went. We did more of the same the dogs were introduced to a wheelchair. Dakota didn't pay it any attention now when we were walking through the crowd so to say (about 4 people and a dog) they made it harder by putting pieces of jerky on the floor we had to keep the dogs from getting it and eating it. Poor Dakota hadn't ate dinner before we left. We have one more class before Graduation. The instructor came up to me durring the free play time and asked me about Dakota and her dislike of smaller dogs. I told her its not so much smaller dogs. The first couple that lived next to us had to dogs one a sheltie the other I think a collie mix and they all ways ran the fence barking at her so in turn she started. Then the neighbor we have now had a dashhund mix and he did it also plus ran up a snow bank jumped the fence to attack her even though she got him first. Its the hyperness, barking that gets her started. She had one of the dogs that had been through level two class come up to her she had no problem with it because it was a well mannered dog. So we are still working on it.
Kelly
We had class last night. I braved the weather and went. We did more of the same the dogs were introduced to a wheelchair. Dakota didn't pay it any attention now when we were walking through the crowd so to say (about 4 people and a dog) they made it harder by putting pieces of jerky on the floor we had to keep the dogs from getting it and eating it. Poor Dakota hadn't ate dinner before we left. We have one more class before Graduation. The instructor came up to me durring the free play time and asked me about Dakota and her dislike of smaller dogs. I told her its not so much smaller dogs. The first couple that lived next to us had to dogs one a sheltie the other I think a collie mix and they all ways ran the fence barking at her so in turn she started. Then the neighbor we have now had a dashhund mix and he did it also plus ran up a snow bank jumped the fence to attack her even though she got him first. Its the hyperness, barking that gets her started. She had one of the dogs that had been through level two class come up to her she had no problem with it because it was a well mannered dog. So we are still working on it.
Kelly
Last night of class went really good. However she did go a little aggressive with the Huskie puppy. Which got her butt in trouble with me, the huskies a puppy, the kid training it doesn't seem to want to really put in the effort. They have it on a buckel collar for training (that part of the reason he's having trouble) and last night he was trying to train it using one of the leashes that extends and retracts and the kid kept messing with it. He let his dog get uppidy with Dakota. Meaning while we were healing his dog was practally crawling up Dakota's rear. So when the instructor told us to kind of go crazy with the dogs until she tells us to have them sit the kid totally let his dog do what he wanted and thats not a good Idea behind Dakota. Next week is Graduation and If I can get some pictures I will post them.
If anyone goes to get their Canine Good Citizen and has never done obediance training a class is a good Idea.
If you have had obediance classes its everything you have already gone through with the exception of maybe the walking through a crowd or the different distractions the instructor brings in like crutches, wheel chair.
Kelly
If anyone goes to get their Canine Good Citizen and has never done obediance training a class is a good Idea.
If you have had obediance classes its everything you have already gone through with the exception of maybe the walking through a crowd or the different distractions the instructor brings in like crutches, wheel chair.
Kelly
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