The 10 Skills Your Dog Needs to Become a Canine Good Citizen
The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is designed to train dogs essential manners and responsible behavior, benefiting not just the dog but also its owner. Gaining CGC certification can build your dog’s confidence, strengthen your bond, and even open doors to therapy or service dog programs. Whether you're a proud dog owner or trainer, this guide will help you understand what it takes to ace a dog good citizen training test.
The 10 Skills for Canine Good Citizen
1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger
Your dog must calmly allow a friendly stranger to approach and greet you without showing fear or aggression.
2. Sitting Politely for Petting
Dogs must remain composed while being gently petted by a stranger—no jumping or nipping allowed.
3. Appearance & Grooming
Your dog should remain calm when being brushed, bathed, or when their paws are inspected, showcasing comfort with basic grooming.
4. Walking on a Loose Leash
Proper leash manners are key. Dogs should walk by their handler's side without pulling or lagging behind.
5. Walking Through a Crowd
Your dog will calmly maneuver through a crowd without barking, jumping, or displaying aggression.
6. Sit and Down on Command / Staying in Place
Dogs must demonstrate reliability by sitting or lying down when commanded and staying in place until released.
7. Coming When Called
A strong recall is essential—your dog should always return to the handler immediately when called.
8. Reaction to Another Dog
Dogs should remain calm and non-aggressive when encountering another dog at close range.
9. Reaction to Distraction
Whether it’s a car horn or a dropped object, your dog must stay composed and focused on the handler.
10. Supervised Separation
Your dog should remain well-behaved when left with a trusted person for at least three minutes, demonstrating their independence.
Train Your Dog for CGC Certification
Training for the CGC test for dogs encourages good manners, builds trust, and makes for a well-rounded companion. If you are Interested in starting this rewarding process, consider enrolling in a CGC training class or seeking guidance from experts and organizations like the Animal Humane Society for resources and tips.