If your dog has good manners, he or she may be eligible for an award from the American Kennel Club.
AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program, started in 1989, the CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the CGC test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club and as of January 1, 1999, they are automatically recorded in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Archive.
The purpose of the CGC Program is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community.
To receive the CGC award, dogs take the 10 item Canine Good Citizen Test. Items on the test include:
Test 1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger Test 2. Sitting Politely for Petting Test 3. Appearance and Grooming Test 4. Out for a Walk (walk on a loose leash) Test 5. Walking Through a Crowd Test 6. Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place Test 7. Coming When Called Test 8. Reaction to Another Dog Test 9. Reactions to Distractions Test 10. Supervised Separation
Can My Dog Be Tested? Is It Only For Purebred Dogs? If dogs have been trained at home and are well-mannered, owners can have their dogs tested. Clubs and training programs in almost every city can provide CGC training to owners and dogs who need to learn a few more skills before taking the test.
All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the CGC program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines, and there is no age limit on the test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen.