AKC Canine Good Citizen Test

Put Your Dog's Best Paw Forward!

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is a program by the American Kennel Club that promotes responsible dog ownership and rewards dogs with good manners at home and in the community.

All dogs—purebred or mixed breed—6 months and older are welcome. Cost is $10 per dog to be evaluated and paid at class before the test begins.

✅Test Items Include:

• Accepting a Friendly Stranger
• Sitting Politely for Petting
• Appearance and Grooming
• Walking on a Loose Leash
• Walking Through a Crowd
• Sit & Down on Command / Stay
• Coming When Called
• Reaction to Another Dog
• Reaction to Distractions
• Supervised Separation

✔️🦮 Approved Equipment

• Flat buckle or snap collar
• Martingale (limited slip) collar (non-corrective)
• Non-restrictive harnesses (must not tighten or pinch)
• 6' leash

❌ Prohibited Equipment

• Prong collars
• Choke chains
• Slip leash
• Electric or vibrating collars
• Head halters
• Retractable leash
• Any corrective devices

📋Notable Rules

• No food, treats or toys; praise is ok
• Dogs who urinate or defecate during testing will not pass
• OK to speak to your dog during testing

📜 Earn the CGC Title!
Dogs who pass can apply to receive an official certificate from the AKC and can proudly add “CGC” to their name.

Limited to 6 dogs. Dogs are tested one at a time. Participants are asked to remain for the full hour to take a group photo of new Canine Good Citizens. If spots fill up, a waitlist will be started and another CGC test will be scheduled soon.