how we train
canine good citizen
(cgc) program
Get certified in
the Canine Good Citizen program
The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is a program created by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
According to the AKC:
CGC is a ten-skill training program that’s open to all dogs–purebred and mixed breed–that focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community.
Certification is based on evaluation through the following 10 tests:
- 1. Accepting a friendly stranger
- 2. Sitting politely for petting
- 3. Appearance and grooming
- 4. Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
- 5. Walking through a crowd
- 6. Sit and Down on command and staying in place
- 7. Coming when called
- 8. Reaction to another dog
- 9. Reaction to distraction
- 10. Supervised separation
The CGC test is very similar to the test required to certify your dog as a therapy dog, so we will encourage you to get both certifications at once!
Our trainers are certified CGC Evaluators, so you will not need to go to a third party to get tested.
