Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Canine Good Citizen is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club (AKC).
All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs, are welcome to participate in the CGC program. There is no age limit for the CGC test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen.
Class is a series of 5 classes with the test being held on the 5th class.
Test components are as follows:
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger.
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead).
Test 5: Walking through a crowd.
Test 6: Sit and down on command and staying in place.
Test 7: Coming when called.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction.
Test 10: Supervised separation.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) created the Canine Good Citizen test, and it is used as the basis for Therapy Dog certification. Read more about it on the AKC website here.
Class Requirements:
- One handler per dog in class but the entire family welcome to attend
- Well-behaved children over the age of 6 are welcome to attend. Any child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No more than 2 children per family allowed
- No out of control, aggressive, or wild dogs
- Instructor/student ratio is 1:8
- No Choke Chains or Electronic Collars allowed on site
- Prerequisite: College Prep Class OR Pre-approval by Instructor required
- Cost: $299/5 week class, includes test on the fifth and final class
- Cost: $50/test only - for students who feel they are ready without the class