Canine Good Citizen test puts dogs’ manners to the test

The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program offers dog owners an opportunity to build on basic obedience training while developing skills that help dogs behave appropriately in public.

Most owners begin this training after their dogs have learned commands such as sit, down, stay and walking on a leash. The CGC program goes further, emphasizing good manners, temperament and appropriate behavior around people, other dogs and everyday distractions.

The program can serve as a foundation for therapy dog training or help owners develop a better-behaved companion. It also strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners through consistent training.

The CGC test consists of 10 exercises designed to evaluate a dog’s obedience, confidence and behavior in common situations.

1. Accepting a friendly stranger
   The dog must remain calm when a friendly stranger approaches and speaks with its handler. The evaluator greets the handler while ignoring the dog. The dog must not display shyness or resentment, demonstrating that it can comfortably encounter unfamiliar people.
2. Sitting politely for petting
   The dog must allow a friendly stranger to pet its head and body without showing fear or resentment. The dog may remain seated or stand during the interaction. The handler may speak to the dog and offer encouragement throughout the exercise.
3. Appearance and grooming
   The evaluator checks the dog’s general condition, cleanliness and grooming. Using a brush or comb provided by the handler, the evaluator gently brushes the dog, examines its ears and lifts each front foot. The dog must tolerate the examination without resistance. This exercise also emphasizes responsible pet care.
4. Walking on a loose leash
   The dog must walk attentively with its handler without pulling excessively. The exercise includes right, left and about turns, along with stops. Perfect heeling is not required, but the dog must respond to the handler’s movements and changes in direction.
5. Walking through a crowd
   The dog and handler walk near at least three people. The dog may show interest in others but must remain under control without jumping, pulling on the leash or displaying excessive excitement, fear or resentment. This exercise reflects situations encountered in public places.
6. Sit, down and stay
   The dog must respond to commands to sit and lie down, then remain in place while the handler walks away using a 20-foot line. The handler returns before releasing the dog. The dog may change position but must remain where it was left.
7. Coming when called
   Using the same 20-foot line, the handler walks 10 feet away and calls the dog. The dog must respond and return to the handler. Verbal encouragement is permitted. This exercise reinforces an important obedience skill for everyday situations.
8. Reaction to another dog
   Two handlers approach each other with their dogs, stop briefly to exchange greetings and continue walking. The dogs must remain controlled, showing no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should approach the other dog or its handler.
9. Reaction to distractions
   The evaluator introduces two common distractions, such as a dropped object, passing jogger or moving cart. The dog may show curiosity or mild surprise but must not panic, flee, become aggressive or bark. The handler may offer reassurance and encouragement.
10. Supervised separation
    The handler leaves the dog with an evaluator and remains out of sight for three minutes. The dog need not stay in one position but must remain reasonably calm without continuous barking, whining, pacing or excessive distress.

The Canine Good Citizen program offers benefits beyond passing a test. Training encourages communication, trust and responsible ownership while helping dogs develop skills for everyday situations.

I encourage dog owners to explore the program, which is offered through many trainers. The training can be a worthwhile investment in a dog’s development and the relationship between dog and owner.

Abby Bird is the owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com.