| Is your dog ready for the CGC test? Below are the 10 steps of the test per the AKC handbook, dogs are required to pass all 10 to receive their Canine Good Citizen Certificate from the AKC. If your dog is ready contact me and I will arrange a time and place to administer the test or save $ by taking part in one of our scheduled CGC group tests. If you feel your dog needs just a bit more work on one or more item we can arrange some drop-in training classes to get him there. Cost of drop-in class for CGC preparation is $10. Class is one hour. Drop - in class will cover the items you or your dog are having difficulty with as well as brief refreshers of the entire test. Cost of the CGC test is $35 pass or fail. If your dog fails and you wish, you may retake the test within 2 weeks for no charge. I encourage all dog owners to aspire to having their dog registered as a Canine Good Citizen. Once the test is passed dogs are listed in the AKC’s CGC book. This test and certificate is available to all dogs regardless of breed or mix. The minimum age for this test is 6 months. If your dog is under 6 months of age, consider beginning with the AKC’s S.T.A.R. puppy class and certification. Contact me at the email link below to either arrange for the test or to inquire about the drop-in. The Canine Good Citizen Test 1) Accepting a Friendly Stranger This step demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural everyday situation. The evaluator and handler will 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. 2) Sitting Politely for Petting This step demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its owner. With the dog sitting at the owner’s side, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body, then circles the dog and owner. The dog must show no shyness or resentment. 3) Appearance and Grooming This practical step demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined by a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groom or friend. It also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern and responsibility. The evaluator will inspect the dog by lightly examining his ears and font paws, then gently brushing or combing him. 4) Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Leash) This step demonstrates that the owner has control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the owner. The evaluator will ask the owner to turn to the right and to the left and do an about turn with at least one stop in between. The dog need not be heeling and need not sit when the handler stops. 5) Walking Through a Crowd This step demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and owner walk around and pass close to several people. The dog may show some interest in strangers, without appearing over exuberant, shy or resentful. The owner may talk to the dog and encourage or praise him throughout. The dog should not be straining on the leash. 6) Sit and Down on Command/ Stay in Place This step demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to his owner’s command to SIT and DOWN and will remain in the place (either sit or down) when told. The owner may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to make the dog SIT and DOWN. The owner will then be asked to tell the dog to STAY, walk forward the length of 20 feet and stop. The dog must remain in place but may change positions. 7) Come when Called With the dog at a distance of ten feet away, the owner walks away from the dog. The owner will turn to face the dog and call him to come. The owner may use body language and words to encourage the dog, but may not bribe him with food. The exercise is completed when the dog comes to the owner and the leash is attached to his collar. 8) Reaction to Another Dog This step demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and then continue on for about five yards. The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other. 9) Reaction to Distractions This step demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations, such as loud noises, joggers running by, etc. The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and may appear slightly startled, but should not panic, try to run away, show aggression or bark. 10) Supervised Separation This step demonstrates that the dog can be left with another person while its owner is out of sight. With the dog on a six-foot lead, the evaluator asks the owner “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and holds the lead as the owner goes out of sight. The dog need not stay in position but may not bark, whine, howl, pace unnecessarily, or show anything but mild agitation or nervousness. Please read additional notes below. The test steps descriptions were taken directly from the CGC test book and have not been altered. To qualify for the CGC certificate the individual giving the test must be an authorized evaluator with the AKC. If they do not have a current evaluator number they are not performing an authorized test and you will not be able to receive certification from the AKC. Test requirements cannot be changed or altered to suite an agenda of the test giver or to show favoritism. If the evaluator does not abide by these guidelines please report them to the AKC. Dogs must pass all ten items to qualify for a CGC certificate. When passed they will be registered with the AKC as having passed the test and receive a certificate and other benefits from the AKC as well as the thanks of your family and community! Pinch Collars, head halters or other directional collars are not permitted. Buckle collars, Harnesses, Soft collars, “choke” or slip collars either chain or nylon are permitted. Per AKC guidelines. For more information contact: The Practical Dog “Good Dog” Training 251.233.2168 -or email- CGC Test AKC CGC Evaluator #19855 [expires January 31st, 2013] |
| The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Award Sponsored by the Hartford Insurance Company |
| Dedicated to Rosie AKA Good Dogs Miss Rosie CD, CGC My First and still favorite, Canine Good Citizen. |
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