Canine Good Citizen Prep
Overview: Welcome to Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep
In this course, we’ll systematically work through each of the test items required to earn the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title. Our goal is to ensure both you and your dog are confident and well-prepared for every part of the evaluation.
At the end of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to take the official CGC test and put your hard work to the test!
Test 1: Accepting a Friendly Stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness.
Test 2: Sitting Politely for Petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it’s out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler’s side, the evaluator begins by petting the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to their dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it’s petted and must not show shyness or resentment.
Test 3: Appearance and Grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examinedand will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer, or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern, and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it’s clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be healthy (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy, and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog and lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. The dog doesn’t need to hold a specific position during the examination. The handler may talk to the dog and praise and encourage it throughout the test.
Test 4: Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog’s position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and responds to the handler’s movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, a left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
Test 5: Walking Through a Crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness, or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog shouldn’t jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.
Test 6: Sit and Down on Command and Staying in Place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s commands to sit and down, and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do “sit” and “down” on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay.
Before this test, the dog’s leash will be replaced with a 20 feet long line. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time. They can also use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler’s commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance.
When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns, and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain where it was left (but may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The handler may release the dog from the front or the side.
Test 7: Coming When Called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may tell dogs to “stay” or “wait.” They may also walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.
Test 8: Reaction to Another Dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet. Then, they stop, shake hands, exchange pleasantries, and continue for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler
Test 9: Reaction to Distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity or may appear slightly startled. However, the dog shouldn’t panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.
Test 10: Supervised Separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog doesn’t have to stay in position. But it shouldn’t continually bark, whine, pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but shouldn’t engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g., “there, there, it’s alright”).