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The canine good citizen test came about as an effort by the AKC to
promote responsible dog ownership. The test consists of 10 components. If
the dog successfully completes all 10, then a Canine Good Citizen
certificate is issued.
If not, the dog can reenter another CGC test and try again at another
time. This is not an official title such as a breed championship or an
obedience title. It is regarded as a sign that the dog has excellent manners
and is under his handler's control and a pleasure to be around. It can be
regarded as a step towards more advanced training or a short-term goal. It
is important to keep in mind that a CGC test is not a test of your dog's
formal obedience but of his control and manners.
The class covers:
1. Accepting a friendly stranger. This
demonstrates that the dog will allow a stranger to approach it and speak to
the handler in a natural everyday situation. Evaluator approaches and shakes
hands with the handler and does not touch the dog.
2. Sitting politely for petting. This
demonstrates that dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while out
with it's handler. The evaluator pets the dog and then leaves. The dog must
not show shyness or resentment.
3. Appearance and grooming. This demonstrates
that the dog will allow grooming or examination by a stranger. Evaluator
inspects the dog, lightly combs or brushes and examines each foot.
4. Out for a walk. This demonstrates that the
handler is in control of the dog. It is a simple heeling pattern. It is not
expected to be precise and the dog does not have to sit at each stop. If
your dog can walk calmly on lead, he can pass this.
5. Walking through a crowd. This demonstrates
that the dog can move politely in pedestrian traffic.
6. Sit and down on command/staying in place.
This is very basic for most of us. It is a very short stay (You can either
use a sit or a down stay. I always recommend a down.)
7. Coming when called. This demonstrates that
the dog will come directly to you when called. He must not come before
called. He does not have to do a perfect front and a finish is not asked
for. Both the come and stay are done on a long line.
8. Reaction to another dog. This demonstrates
the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two dogs and handlers
approach each other, exchange pleasantries and continue on.
9. Reaction to distractions. This shows
confidence. The dog may show interest or startle. He should not show
aggression, bark or panic.
10. Supervised separation. This test shows that
the dog can be left with a trusted person and will maintain its good
manners. Dog will be on a 6-foot lead and held by an evaluator while the
handler is out of sight for three minutes. |
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