Copyright © 2007 Braveheart Dog Training
The information on this page may not be reproduced, republished or mirrored on another webpage or website.

2123 Marina Blvd.
San Leandro, Ca  94577
(510) 483-2631
braveheartdogs@sbcglobal.net
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)


    The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog,
    can be a respected member of the community.  Dogs who pass the CGC tests are showing that they have
    been trained to be well behaved in the home, in public places and in the presence of people and other dogs.

    Owners of dogs that pass all 10 items of the CGC test may order an official CGC certificate from the
    American Kennel Club.

    In this class we will work on all of the test items to try and get your dog ready for the CGC test. In order to
    become a Canine Good Citizen and receive their CGC certificate a dog must pass the following 10 test
    items:

    Accepting a Friendly Stranger
    The dog must allow a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the handler.

    Sitting Politely for Petting
    The dog must allow a friendly stranger to approach and allow the stranger to touch it and pet it.

    Appearance and Grooming
    The dog must permit a stranger to lightly examine the ears, gently pick up each front foot and lightly brush
    the dogs coat.

    Out for a Walk (walking on a loose leash)
    The dog must show he can walk politely on a loose leash with owner. Owner is permitted to talk to the dog
    throughout the exercise.

    Walking Through a Crowd
    Dog must be able to be walked through a crowd of people comfortably and calmly.

    Sit and Down on Command/Stay in Place
    Dog must show he can sit and down on command. Then the dog must show he can either sit or down
    (handlers choice) and stay while the owner walks away 20 feet (the dog is leashed on a long line).

    Coming When Called
    Dog must be able to come to the owner when called.

    Reaction to Another Dog
    Dog must demonstrate he can see another dog and act appropriately. A demo dog will approach the testing
    dog and handler, the handlers will exchange pleasantries and then walk away.

    Reaction to Distractions
    Dog must be able to demonstrate that he can remain calm in distracting situations. There will be a noise
    and a visual distraction. Common distractions used are dropping stainless steel bowls and walking past the
    dog with a dolly.

    Supervised Supervision
    The dog must be able to be left with a friendly stranger for a period of 3 minutes with the owner out of sight
    without crying, barking or otherwise trying to get away.

    If a dog passes all of the test items, the owner must then send in their copy of the test form to AKC with a
    fee to get their CGC certificate sent to them.  

    The CGC Program has become a well respected test of a dogs ability to be out in the community and in the
    public.  It shows a dog is outgoing and pleasant to be around.  The CGC Program is used to test dogs for
    many community programs such as children’s reading programs and therapy dog programs.
Braveheart Dog Training
               "Dog Training from the Heart"
Copyright © 2007 Braveheart Dog Training
The information on this page may not be reproduced, republished or mirrored on another webpage or website.