For dogs who have successfully completed Advanced Home Obedience. Class continues to practice basic exercises in preparation for the CGC test, plus off-leash control, drop on recall & stays out of sight. Graduates of this class will be prepared to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which is open to all breeds, regardless of pedigree.  Bring dogs to first class with current training equipment.   The AKC CGC title is the basis for therapy dog training and certification.   Class will also introduce dogs to walkers, wheel chairs and training situations that might be encountered as part of therapy work.   Handlers will receive detailed information on the rewarding volunteer opportunities for certified therapy dogs.

Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen? Sign up to see if your dog can qualify for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. This test is open to mixed breed as well as purebred dogs, and those passing the test will receive an official certificate from the AKC. 

The CGC test is comprised of the following parts: accepting a friendly stranger who approaches to talk, sitting politely for petting by a stranger, accepting a brief exam and grooming, walking on a loose leash, walking nicely through a crowd, sit, down and stay with owner twenty feet away, coming when called on a long line with the owner ten feet away, sit for greeting with another handler and dog, reacting appropriately to visual and audio distractions, and a 3 minute wait with a tester while the owner is out of sight.

For registration information, please contact our CGC Evaluator, Julene Cooper.

CGC Test Rules

1. Handlers must bring current rabies certificate (tags are not acceptable)

2. No pinch collars or head halters allowed. Choke or buckle collars made from nylon, leather or chain acceptable.

3. Dogs must be on leash at all times.

Additional Suggestions to help you and your dog do your best on the test:

If you’re planning to enter the upcoming CGC test, here’s a list of helpful reminders:

When you first arrive, please go to the registration table (even if you signed up on the list at the training center). Fill out your paperwork and pay your fee to the person handling registration. You can do this with, or without, your dog present. (In other words, if you want to come in first, get checked in, go to the bathroom, etc., you can do that! That way you don’t have to worry about your dog getting too excited while you’re doing paperwork and there are a bunch of new people and new dogs around.)

Since you’ve arrived early, take some time to get your dog into “training mode.” This means different things to different dogs. Perhaps your dog needs you to take him for a long walk around the parking lot, or perhaps you need to practice obedience commands. Do whatever it takes to get your dog into the best frame of mind to pass the test.

Now think about yourself. You need to be calm and relaxed! (Your dog is depending on you to be the reliable pack leader, so do whatever it takes to get yourself ready for the test.)

As you’re waiting for your turn to be tested, keep an eye on your dog. Don’t get caught up in socializing with other people and forget about your dog. If you want him to walk nicely on leash during the test, you better be consistent and expect the same before the test starts. Same with sit for greeting!

Don’t let your dog socialize with other dogs prior to taking the test. Remember, he’s supposed to IGNORE other dogs during the walking and greeting portions of the test. If you let him socialize prior to the test, he’ll think he can do the same during the test.

Review the test in your mind. Do a “walk-through” in your mind while you’re waiting for your turn. Remind yourself of all the things that you need to do to help your dog pass.

Keep in mind that, even if you’ve done your training and classes here at Family Dog, the atmosphere during the actual test is much different. There are usually a lot more dogs and handlers (many of whom you’ve never seen before) and there are different instructors giving commands and evaluating different portions of the test. Some of the dogs may not be as well trained as your dog and their poor manners might make things seem more chaotic than normal; unfortunately, you have to deal with any and all distractions!

You are welcome to practice outside the BUILDING prior to being tested. You can use food outside the BUILDING, but food, toys and other props are NOT ALLOWED during the test or in the building.

The American Kennel Club sets the guidelines for the Canine Good Citizen test, and we follow them as closely as possible. Remember, the AKC guidelines allow you to REPEAT COMMANDS during the CGC test (but not during formal obedience competitions). Since the AKC gives you that opportunity, you might as well take advantage of it! (But, we do NOT recommend repeating commands as a matter of course or during training…you know what happens when you repeat commands and nag nag nag nag – your dog will stop listening to you altogether!)

If you need an extra copy of the test requirements, stations, etc., be sure to pick one up at the Registration table. (But, if you’re here to be tested, you should be familiar with the test and all its components!)

After the test, passing dogs will receive a Family Dog Certificate and we’ll take your photo for our website. If you would like a formal AKC CGC Certificate, keep in mind that those must be ordered from the AKC. The AKC does not allow testers to distribute those certificates (they used to, but they changed that rule a while ago). The paperwork that we give you at the completion of the test explains how to order that certificate.

Dogs may only be tested once per day.

Relax, have fun and GOOD LUCK!