American Kennel Club (AKC)
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Dog Training – Certification Class & Exam
The AKC defines the CGC Course and it’s certification process as a belief that all dogs can be good dogs and that all owners can be great owners. Through CGC’s well balanced course from proper training, to lots of love, fun and praise along the way, you and your dog can lead a happier more cohesive relationship.
AKC created the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program: a two-part course designed to help you and your dog be the best you can be–together. Since 1989, over 1 million dogs and their owners have participated in CGC, mastering ten basic skills that instill confidence and good manners in and out of your home.
Not only does CGC training create long-lasting trust between you and your pup, but also ensures you’ll be good neighbors and friends to everyone around you—and, if you’re interested in going beyond the basics, CGC also lays the foundation for other AKC sports and activities like obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events.
What is AKC’s CGC Certification?
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. As of January 2013, AKC CGC Certification became an official title for your dog. This means that CGC is listed on the dog’s title record and owners may use the suffix, “CGC” after the dog’s name.
After mastering the ten skills, passing the CGC test together, and taking the Responsible Dog Ownership pledge, you and your pup will join the proud ranks of over 1 million dogs who have earned their Canine Good Citizen award– accomplishment that’s definitely worthy of extra belly rubs!
What skills do the classes cover and what are the test items for my dog to get certified as AKC’s Canine Good Citizen?
- Accepting a Friendly Stranger
- Without the evaluator interacting with the dog, he/she will walk up to the owner and engage in a conversation, shake hands, etc. The dog must shows no signs of resentment, anxiety, aggression, etc.
- Sitting Politely for Petting
- The dog must allow a friendly stranger to approach, interact and pet while being controlled by the owner
- Appearance & Grooming
- Test item geared toward acceptance of veterinarians, groomers, etc. The dog must allow to be groomed and/or examined (ears, mouth, feet) by a stranger. The dog will also be judged in regards to his health, weight, appearance, etc
- Out for a walk / Walking on a Loose Leash
- The owner must have full control of the dog regardless of the environment. Owner and dog must be able to demonstrate several turns, about turns, stops, etc.
- AKC does not distinguish pass or fail for which side the dog must be on, however, any owner with an interest in future AKC Obedience Competitions must keep in mind that AKC requires the dog on the LEFT side during those events.
- The owner must have full control of the dog regardless of the environment. Owner and dog must be able to demonstrate several turns, about turns, stops, etc.
- Walking through a crowd
- Owner must have complete control of dog during high pedestrian areas. Owner / Dog must be able to walk through a crowd. Dog is not allowed to lunge, bark, jump, etc.
- Sit & Down on command / Stay in Place
- Dog must respond to owners commands, dog must demonstrate the following
- Sit on command
- Down on command
- Stay in place (Sit or Down)
- Must stay in place as owner walks away at a distance of 20ft or greater
- Dog must respond to owners commands, dog must demonstrate the following
- Coming when called
- Owner will put down in a wait, stay, or similar command, walk away, and then at a distance of 10ft or greater, command the dog to come.
- Reaction to another dog
- Test requires at least 2 Owners & 2 dogs.
- Owners / Dogs will approach from a distance of 15ft, stop and shake hands
- Dog must stay by Owner
- Reaction to distractions
- This test will demonstrate the dog is confident regardless of different surroundings
- Evaluator will attempt to distract dog with events such as
- Jogger running by dog
- Dropping a chair, clipboard, metal pan, etc
- Person using crutches, wheelchair, etc
- Supervised Separation
- Test shows that dog can be left in the presence of a trusted individual and will maintain obedience and good manners as the owner leaves the presence of the dog.
- Owner must be out of sight for a minimum of 3 Minutes.
Cost of AKC’s CGC Certification Course & Exam?
- $150 for a 6 week group class
- The AKC CGC dog certification test will be included at the completion of the 6 week training course and will NOT be an extra fee.
- HOWEVER! IF you would like your dog to be recognized by AKC, after successfully completing course and completing the exam with a passing score, you will be given a form by the dog trainer / evaluator that will need to be mailed into the American Kennel Club along with a $10 processing fee.
Cost of AKC’s CGC Certification Only?
- $110 for certification / test only
- You must wait for a testing date to be announced.
- Payment of test will be required to be placed on waiting list.
- Please ensure your dog is trained! Test items that are not marked as successful will yield needing to take the test again on a later date. *Yes, you will be recharged
Who can participate?
- Students who have taken obedience courses through Rochester NY Dog’s
- If you and your dog have had training from other dog trainers and believe you’re up for the task, a quick test to assess a dogs basic obedience will be conducted.
- Dogs 6mo or older
- Dogs between 8 weeks – 12 months should look into AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class First
- Any Dog (Regardless of Breed, Pure or Mixed)
When is the next class
- Upcoming Class Schedule (Dates listed are the start dates for each new class. The following classes will continue on that date / time for the consecutive 6 weeks)
- Date: Monday January 2nd, 2023
- Time: 5:30 PM (1730hrs)
- Location: TBD
- Date: Tuesday January 24th, 2023
- Time: 2:00 PM (1400hrs)
- Location: TBD
