AKC Canine Good Citizen

December 2006 Graduates The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Program is a two part program that is designed to (1) teach responsible dog ownership to owners and (2) certify dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable, well-behaved members of their families and communities. The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen Program is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community because it is trained and conditioned to act mannerly in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs.

The Canine Good Citizen Test of your dog's manners and training is not a competition and does not require the owner/handler and dog to perform with precision. Handlers may talk to their dogs throughout the test but cannot offer food or a toy.

The Canine Good Citizen Test is open to purebred dogs, both registered and unregistered that are 6 months old or older. At check-in, the owner or handler must present a current rabies certificate. All tests must be performed on a leash. Dogs should wear well-fitted buckle or slip collars made of either leather, fabric, or chain. Special training collars or devices (example: pinch collars or head halters) are not permitted. The leash should be made leather or fabric.

Dogs must be healthy, in good condition and clean to pass the test. A dog whose appearance has been noticeably affected by a medical condition may pass the test, provided at check-in the owner presents a letter of explanation and release from the dog's veterinarian.

At the Treasure Coast Kennel Club we support this program and we hold tests at our April Show and periodically at the club house for more info please contact us at 772-569-4370 or matt@treasurecoastkennelclub.org. TCKC is pleased to offer all obedience attendees the opportunity to participate in free CGC Testing at the end of each Beginner's Obedience session. Please fill out the CGC Application and bring it with you to the last class.

AKC Canine Good Citizen - Test Dates

Monday February 11th 2008 at Club House
Monday April 7th 2008 at Club House
Saturday April 26th 2008 in conjunction with All Breed Dog Show at the Indian River Fairgrounds in Vero Beach
Monday June 9th 2008 at Club House
Monday October 13th 2008 at Club House
Monday December 8th 2008 at Club House

The dog must pass each of the following 10 test categories:

  • Accepting a friendly stranger
  • Sitting politely for petting
  • Appearence and Grooming
  • Walking on a loose leash
  • Walking through a crowd
  • Sit and Down on command, and stay in place
  • Come when called
  • Reaction to another dog
  • Reactions to visual and auditory distractions
  • Supervised separation

CGC Class in Progress