AKC Testing: Canine Good Citizen and Advanced CGC

Put Your Dog's Best Paw Forward!

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and the Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA) tests are programs 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.

✅CGC Test Items Include:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger
2. Sitting politely for petting
3. Appearance and grooming
4. Walking on a loose leash
5. Walking through a crowd
6. Sit & down on command / stay
7. Coming when called
8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reaction to distractions
10. Supervised separation

✅Advanced CGC Test Items Include (CGC is a requirement):

1. Dog stand/sit/down and under control while owner is busy
2. Loose leash walking in natural situation
3. Loose leash walk through a crowd
4. Dog walks past with dogs in a crowd
5. Sit-stay in small group (w/ dogs)
6. Pet by someone carrying something
7. "Leave it" - dog walks by food
8. Down/sit-stay -- distance
9. Recall with distractions
10. Enter/exit threshold with manners

✔️🦮 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” or "CGCA" 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 title holders. If spots fill up, a waitlist will be started and another CGC/CGCA test will be scheduled soon.