What Is the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program?
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is a widely recognized training and certification program created by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is designed to promote responsible pet ownership and encourage good manners in dogs. Many therapy dog organizations, service dog training programs, and even landlords and insurance companies recognize the CGC as a sign of a well-behaved dog.
The CGC program is a ten-skill training test that evaluates a dog’s basic obedience, manners, and ability to behave politely in public. The test is open to all dogs, regardless of breed or age, and is often a stepping stone for therapy dog work, service dog training, or advanced obedience titles.
Some organizations require the CGC test before allowing dogs to participate in further training for therapy or service work.
What Are the 10 Skills Tested?
During the CGC test, an AKC-approved evaluator will assess the dog’s ability to perform the following tasks:
1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger
The dog must remain calm and well-mannered while an evaluator approaches and greets the handler.
The dog should not jump, bark, or show fear/aggression.
2. Sitting Politely for Petting
The dog must sit or stand calmly while a friendly stranger pets them.
They should not jump, shy away, or act aggressively.
3. Appearance and Grooming
The evaluator will check the dog’s grooming by brushing them and handling their paws, ears, etc.
The dog should tolerate this without resistance.
4. Walking on a Loose Leash
The dog must walk politely on a leash, showing they can follow their handler without pulling or lagging behind.
5. Walking Through a Crowd
The dog should remain calm and well-mannered while walking through a small group of people.
No jumping, lunging, or excessive pulling.
6. Sit, Down, and Stay on Command
The dog must demonstrate knowledge of sit, down, and stay when given a verbal or hand signal command.
7. Coming When Called
The dog must reliably return to the handler when called from a distance of at least 10 feet.
8. Reaction to Another Dog
The dog should behave politely when meeting another handler with a dog.
Sniffing is allowed, but excessive excitement, barking, or aggression is not.
9. Reaction to Distractions
The dog must remain calm when exposed to a mild distraction (e.g., dropping an object, a jogger passing, a wheelchair moving).
No excessive fear or aggression should be shown.
10. Supervised Separation
The dog must remain calm when left with a trusted person for 3 minutes while the handler is out of sight.
No excessive whining, barking, or panic.
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How Is CGC Training Done?
1. Basic Obedience Training
Most dogs need to learn basic commands (sit, stay, come, down, heel) before taking the CGC test.
Leash manners and calm behavior around people and dogs are also emphasized.
2. Exposure to New Environments
Since the CGC test evaluates a dog’s response to real-world distractions, dogs must be exposed to various settings like parks, stores, and busy streets.
3. Socialization
Dogs must be comfortable around strangers, other dogs, and new situations.
Positive reinforcement techniques (treats, praise) help reinforce calm behavior.
4. Practice with an Evaluator or Training Class
Many trainers offer CGC prep classes, where dogs practice each skill before taking the test.
Some owners choose to train independently and schedule an official test later.
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What Does a CGC Certification Allow Dogs to Do?​
1. Foundation for Therapy Dog Work
Many therapy dog organizations require the CGC title before dogs can advance to therapy certification.
It proves the dog has good manners and is comfortable around strangers.
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2. Step Toward Service Dog Training
While not a service dog certification, the CGC is often the first step for dogs in service training programs.
It ensures a solid foundation in obedience before advancing to specialized skills.
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3. Housing & Insurance Benefits
Some landlords and housing communities accept CGC-certified dogs, even in places with breed restrictions.
Certain homeowners’ insurance companies may offer discounts or approve coverage for dog breeds typically considered high-risk.
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4. Access to Dog-Friendly Public Places
Some businesses (hotels, rental properties, parks) may allow CGC-certified dogs in places where pets are normally restricted.
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5. A Great Companion Dog
Even if not used for therapy or service work, a CGC-certified dog is a well-behaved pet that can go more places and interact politely with people.
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​The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is a valuable certification for any dog owner who wants to ensure their dog is well-mannered and prepared for therapy work, service training, or just being a great companion. Whether you’re interested in your dog receiving future advanced training or you simply want a polite family pet, the CGC is a strong foundation that demonstrates your dog’s reliability and training.