The Canine Good Citizen program enables pet parents and their dogs to learn together, mastering 10 key skills that are helpful both at home and while interacting with dogs and people in the wider world. The emphasis is not on forcing dogs into obedient behavior but on equipping dogs and their pet parents with good communication skills and clear cues that produce desired results. The Canine Good Citizen program is as much a training course for pet parents as it is for their pups, and parents are required to be responsible pet parents. By the end of CGC training, dogs and pet parents are a true team, capable of bringing good citizenship skills into just about any situation they’ll encounter.
Though highly regarded, the Canine Good Citizen class is not exclusive. Embedded into the Canine Good Citizen program is the belief that all dogs are trainable and can become good citizens. The CGC certification is open to all dogs—regardless of their age, breed or prior training experience.
Benefits of the Canine Good Citizen program
The Canine Good Citizen certification certainly teaches your dog polite manners and social skills, but it also offers much more. Canine Good Citizen benefits include:
Fostering trust
The CGC program isn’t just a training experience for dogs—it’s a bonding experience for pups and their pet parents. Pet parents are equal participants in Canine Good Citizen sessions, learning the most effective ways to give cues as their dogs learn appropriate ways to respond. Working closely together, dogs and their parents can develop good communication skills and deepen their trust in one another.
Learning desirable behavior
Dogs who have gone through a Canine Good Citizen class are equipped with 10 foundational skills that help them interact favorably with the world. Proper training and attentiveness to their pet parents’ cues can help dogs follow the rules at home, behave appropriately around other dogs and put both friends and strangers—human and canine alike—at ease. Reduced aggression, fewer conflicts and positive social behaviors allow your dog to explore more of the world without worry.
Widely Respected
The AKC Canine Good Citizen program is a reputable program known for positive results. Having a Canine Good Citizen certification can open many doors for you and your dog. It’s a great first step toward more advanced training programs—including dog therapy and sports programs. It can even help improve your living situation, as some property managers require CGC certification for dogs living in their buildings.
How to prepare for the CGC test
While your dog doesn’t need any prior training experience before entering the Canine Good Citizen course, it is helpful for them to have completed basic training courses prior to starting this class.
Once the 10 valuable skills below have been mastered, they’ll graduate with a certification. The 10 Canine Good Citizen test items your dog will learn to receive their certificate are:
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting politely for petting
- Behavior during grooming
- Going out for a walk
- Walking through a crowd
- “Sit,” “down” and “stay”
- Coming when called
- Reacting to distraction
- Supervised separation
Paws Chateau CGC training program is designed to help you and your dog earn your Canine Good Citizen. The first part of our group class training provides the fundamental commands needed to prepare for the CGC test. The second stage of the training is learning to reenforce, strengthen the commands with a lot of distractions and get ready to take the CGC test.
Taking the CGC test
It’s okay to feel a little nervous—receiving Canine Good Citizen certification represents a significant milestone. This Canine Good Citizen test checklist is a good starting place to understand the CGC test process.
What to expect
Once the Canine Good Citizen class has been completed, it’s time to ace those AKC Canine Good Citizen test items. Your dog will be tested on the 10 skills they’ve learned in class. Feel free to give your pup plenty of encouragement during testing, but leave treats, toys and other motivators at home—remember, this is a skill test. Growling, nipping and soiling during the test will result in disqualification. Once your dog has passed the exam, your CGC evaluator will provide you with paperwork that can be sent to the AKC for your official title and certification.
How to prepare
As the day of the test approaches, make sure your dog can go through the entire 10-part training exercise confidently and responsively. By the time of the test, your dog should not need motivators like toys, treats or other rewards, as they won’t be allowed. Your dog will need to perform the exam in a basic collar or harness and leash—make sure to use something comfortable and familiar. On the day of the test, interact with your dog clearly, confidently and with plenty of praise to help improve their chance of success.
Where to take the test Since Paws Chateau has an AKC CGC evaluator on staff, you can conveniently enroll in Canine Good Citizen training at Paws Chateau and get Certified at the end of the training class.
After the CGC certification
Congratulations—your dog is Canine Good Citizen certified. What now? CGC certification has practical benefits in everyday life, as it gives you and your dog the communication, confidence, and skills necessary to maintain good training for years to come. Social situations, playdates, trips to your vet and even routine nights at home can become less stressful when your dog is properly trained. Beyond the immediate benefits of harmonious living, Canine Good Citizen training opens the door for your dog to participate in more advanced training—including dog sports and even performance and competition events.
An AKC Canine Good Citizen certification is also a prerequisite for many therapy dog programs.
For details on the Canine Good Citizen Group Class & schedule please click here