Canine
Good
citizen

The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is designed to recognize dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. This rapidly growing, nationally recognized program stresses responsible dog ownership for owners and basic training and good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

WHY CGC: This program provides an excellent foundation for training in other fun activities such as Rally, Obedience, and Agility, and results in a well-mannered dog who is a joy to live with. Some therapy dog groups require passing the CGC Test as a prerequisite, some insurance companies recommend CGC training, and an increasing number of apartments and condos are requiring CGC training for resident dogs.

  • Courses

    Want your pup trained like a CGC dog without the testing? No problem! Sign up for CGC Courses Only.

  • Certification

    Is your star student ready to be CGC certified? Contact Jen to schedule your certification test.

  • Both

    Get the full package! From training to testing, your can be CGC certified in 6 weeks.

  • Taught by an AKC-certified trainer and evaluator.

CGC is a 10-skill test that teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners.

Course structure

  • This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

  • This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.

  • This 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.

  • This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog when the dog is walking on a leash.

  • This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control when on leash in public.

  • This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s cues to sit and down and will remain in place (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).

  • This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.

  • This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

  • This test demonstrates that the dog is always confident when faced with common distracting situations.

  • This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners.

bark at me

HAVE QUESTIONS OR JUST WANT TO CHAT?
303.918.9156
jenk@respectfulpup.com