BerksCountyDogTrainingClubCanineGoodCitizen

Canine Good Citizen certificate
     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 AKC Canine Good Citizen program provides an excellent foundation for training in other fun activities such as Rally, Obedience, and Agility. It results in a well-mannered dog who is a joy to live with. Some insurance companies recommend CGC training an an increasing number of apartment and condo complexes are requiring CGC certification for resident dogs.
     The BCDTC CGC class and test 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.

Meet our instructors

Directions to club training and meeting sites

Home

Agility

AKC S.T.A.R.
Puppy Class

Basic Skills Class

Bylaws

Canine Good Citizen

Contact Us

Directions

Events

Links

Member Match

Member Training

Photo Gallery

Therapy Activities

Canine Good Citizen classes/testing

Harry Stiller coordinates CGC classes and testing. Both are open to the public as well as club members. Fees are involved with either option.

See Harry at training for dates or check here for updates.

2012 CGC schedule

Registration for the spring CGC class is Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sinking Spring Fire Company.

What to bring to registration: proof your dog is in care of a veterinarian that includes shot record and a completed registration form.

Classes start WEDNESDAY, May 1 at 7 p.m. and will run for five weeks with the test on the sixth week. The CGC test will be conducted June 5 at 7 p.m.

Cost is $35 for members and $125 for non-members. The CGC class runs for six weeks and is designed for dogs aged 6 months or older. For non-members, your $125 includes the 8-week BCDTC basic skills class and membership for the rest of the year.

TEST ONLY: If you only wish to take the CGC test, the cost is $10 for members and non-members. The test will be given June 6, 2012, at 7 p.m. at the Sinking Spring Fire Company.

The Berks County Dog Training Club was founded in 1946 as a not-for-profit organization with the purpose of training you to train your dog. To this day we continue with that same purpose. Through the years we have grown to a membership of several hundred people. We are a very active group with many dedicated volunteers who would welcome the opportunity to "train you to train your dog."