The program is meant to recognize dogs that have good manners at home and in the community.
There is a test that consists of ten parts.
The program is the first step for those planning to go on to become therapy partners and is often used as a first step toward other activities such as Rally, Obedience and Agility.
Test # 1: Accepting a friendly stranger.
The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness and must must not try to go to the evaluator.
Test #2: Sitting Politely For Petting.
This demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while out with it's handler.
Test #3: Appearance and Grooming
This demonstrates that the dog will permit someone to groom or examine it.
Test #4: Walking On A Loose Lead
Demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog.
Test #5: Walking Though A Crowd
This demonstrates that the dog can move politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.
Test #6: Sit and Down on Command and Staying in Place
This demonstrates that the dog will respond to the handler's commands.
Test #7: Coming When Called
Demonstrates that the dog will come when called.
Test #8: Reaction to Another Dog
This demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.
Test #9: Reaction to Distraction
This demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. These could be dropping a crutch or cane, a jogger running by, a wheel chair etc.
Test #10: Supervised Separation
This demonstrates that the dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and maintain good manners.
All tests are done on leash and you, the handler, can talk to your dog and offer encouragement throughout the tests.
If you and your dog pass all ten tests you'll receive a certificate and your dog will be able to use the initials CGC after his name. It tells everyone that he is a canine good citizen and a welcome member of society.To learn more about the CGC program and full details about each step of the tests, go to the AKC web site. You and your dog working together can show everyone what good citizens you are. There are also comparable programs available in other countries.
The CGC program is excellent, Addie got her CGC a few months ago. It was fun to train for and a great experience taking the test. It's a great thing to work towards whether you just want a well behaved family pet or you're planning on competing. Thanks for posting this, I hope more people try it!
ReplyDeleteI love this program, but I haven't done it yet. Ellie is too distracted by dogs to do it well:) But I'm working hard on it so she can get hers when she's older!
ReplyDeleteWas that last bit for Sissy's benefit? Gretchen could probably pass now, but Sissy? Maybe in a few years...
ReplyDeleteI'd love to do this with Hero once we move back to the states. He'd pass everything with flying colors. Tagpi would do well, but he still needs to work on being nice to other dogs.
ReplyDeleteI love the CGC. Marge got through it just fine in April, even despite all of her fears. Almost any dog can become a CGC with some hard work and good training.
ReplyDeleteBeau & Lucy both failed. Beau didn't like the strange object - although at the time of the test he did fine with the meet & greet. Lucy didn't like the down stay with a stranger. Frankly I don't see reason for it. They are older now - I wonder if they could pass now? g
ReplyDeleteSaw your comment at Marjie's- I'm on my third Airedale- last one from rescue.. I think sometimes, if some people didn't understand this breed- they would be wiped from the face of the Earth.. but not without the fight of their lives! Great dog, with a personality- the way I like people!
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