Canine Good Citizen Class Description

Welcome to the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program. Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

The American Kennel Club CGC is rapidly becoming recognized as the standard of behavior for dogs in our communities. Canine Good Citizen resolutions have been passed by 18 state legislatures and the United States Senate. Insurance companies are starting to use CGC to insure breeds they would not otherwise insure, and some condominium associations around the country now require that all dogs in the complex have earned the Canine Good Citizen award.

Debbie, at Canine Academy, is approved, by the American Kennel Club, as a CGC evaluator. If you wish, after your 7 week course you can sign up for testing. We also combine our Canine Good Citizens class with pet therapy for those who wish to continue into the pet therapy program.

This program will increase your dog’s social skills, and make him a valuable asset to the community.

CLASS OBJECTIVES ARE AS FOLLOWS FOR CGC/THERAPY CLASS

  • Accepting a friendly stranger
  • Sitting politely for petting
  • Appearance & grooming
  • Out for a walk (walking on a loose leash)
  • Walking through a crowd
  • Sit and down on commands/staying in place
  • Coming when called
  • Reaction to another dog
  • Reactions to distractions
  • Supervised separations
  • Acclimation to infirmities (necessary for people who want to continue into pet therapy)
  • Leave it (food) command (necessary for people who want to continue into pet therapy)