Since the Canine Good Citizen test started in 1989, more than 700,000 dogs have participated in the program.
Before taking the Canine Good Citizen test, owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. We believe responsible dog ownership is a key part of the CGC concept. By signing the pledge, owners agree to take care of their dog鈥檚 health needs, safety, exercise, training, and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.
After signing the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, owners and their dogs are ready to take the CGC Test. The test is all done on a leash. Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test include:
Test 1: Accepting a Friendly Stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness.
Test 2: Sitting Politely for Petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will while it鈥檚 out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler鈥檚 side, the evaluator begins by petting the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to their dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it鈥檚 petted and must not show shyness or resentment.
Test 3: Appearance and Grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer, or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner鈥檚 care, concern, and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it鈥檚 clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be healthy (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy, and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog and lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. The dog doesn鈥檛 need to hold a specific position during the examination. The handler may talk to the dog and praise and encourage it throughout the test.
Test 4: Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Lead)
This test . The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog鈥檚 position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and responds to the handler鈥檚 movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, a left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
Test 5: Walking Through a Crowd
This test demonstrates that the and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness, or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog shouldn鈥檛 jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.
Test 6: Sit and Down on Command and Staying in Place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, , and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do 鈥渟it鈥� and 鈥渄own鈥� on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay.
Before this test, the dog鈥檚 leash will be replaced with a 20 feet long line. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time. They can also use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler鈥檚 commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance.
When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns, and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain where it was left (but may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The handler may release the dog from the front or the side.
Test 7: Coming When Called
This test demonstrates that the by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may tell dogs to 鈥渟tay鈥� or 鈥渨ait.鈥� They may also walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.
Test 8: Reaction to Another Dog
This test demonstrates that the . Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet. Then, they stop, shake hands, exchange pleasantries, and continue for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.
Test 9: Reaction to Distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident . The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity or may appear slightly startled. However, the dog shouldn鈥檛 panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.
Test 10: Supervised Separation
This test demonstrates that a , if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, 鈥淲ould you like me to watch your dog?鈥� and then take hold of the dog鈥檚 leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog doesn鈥檛 have to stay in position. But it shouldn鈥檛 continually bark, whine, pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but shouldn鈥檛 engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g., 鈥渢here, there, it鈥檚 alright鈥�).
Find a and take the Canine Good Citizen test for your dog.