CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST
The American Kennel Club’s (AKC’s) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test offers certification for dogs who
exhibit good behaviors and social skills in their communities. The following ten test items must be
completed without signs of fear or aggression:
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 3: OUT FOR A WALK (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 5: 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").
Requirements:
· Dogs must be current on necessary vaccines.
· Bring your dog’s comb/brush to the CGC test.
· Use of treats is prohibited during the CGC test.
· All test items will be performed on leash.
· Dogs must wear a flat collar. Pinch collars, head halters, and electronic collars are
prohibited.
Cost: $20
A separate certificate fee is to be paid directly to the AKC upon successful completion of the CGC test.
Location: 11 East Chestnut Hill Lane, Reisterstown, MD 21136
For more information regarding the AKC CGC test, please visit the AKC website.
