Outline of the CGC Program

Dogs of all ages young and old can participate in the Canine Good Citizen Program!

You can download the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program list of test items here.

Once you and your dog have passed your test, please GO to the Title Application Webpage.

CGC 10 Test Items

1. Accepting a friendly stranger

   Evaluator approaches and pretends to shake hands with handler (hands 6- 12” apart). Evaluator does not touch dog.

2. Sitting politely for petting

   Evaluator pets dog; dog must show no shyness or resentment.

3. Appearance and grooming

   Evaluator inspects dog, combs or brushes lightly, examines ears and each front foot.

4. Out for a walk

   Handler takes dog for a short walk including right turn, left turn, about turn and stop.

5. Walking through a crowd

   Dog and handler walk close to several people; dog may show causal interest but not jump up.

6. Sit and down on cue/Staying in place

   Handler shows that dog can do both sit and down, then chooses a position, leaves dog and goes to the end of a 20 ft. line, and returns immediately.

7. Coming when called

   With dog still on 20 ft. line from Test 6, handler walks out 10 ft. and calls the dog.

8. Reaction to another dog

   Two handlers and dogs approach, pretend to shake hands (hands 6-12” apart), exchange pleasantries, then move on.

9. Reaction to distractions

   Distractions are presented; dog may not panic or show aggression.

10. Supervised separation

    Handler goes out of sight for 3-min. Dog is held on a 6-ft. leash by an evaluator.