For years, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has conducted a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluation to promote responsible dog ownership. Â The 10 step evaluation entailed responsible care and training of one’s dog. Â Recently, the AKC has enhanced that program and created an Advanced CGC program called the Community Canine.
The CGCA program is also a ten step evaluation which evaluates the dog’s responsible behavior in the community or simulated real world situations rather than a class setting or dog show ring that the CGC is usually conducted at. To earn the CGCA distinction, a dog must be registered with the AKC, previously earned a CGC and pass the following ten skills: 1. Stand, sit or lie down and wait under control, 2. Walk on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring) and does not pull, 3. Walk on a loose leash through a crowd, 4. Walk past distractions and does not pull, 5. Sit-stay in small group (three other people with dogs), 6. Allow a person who is carrying something (backpack, computer bag, etc.) to approach and pet it, 7. Walk by food and follows owner’s instructions to “leave it”, 8. Down or sit-stay at a 20 foot distance while the owner walks away, picks up an item such as a shopping or training bag, clipboard, folder, etc. and returns to their dog, 9. Recalls with distractions present (coming when called), and 10. Sit or stand stay while owner enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway while the handler holds the leash in one and and a cup of coffee or similar item in the other hand.
Mixed breed and purebred dogs may take the Community Canine evaluation. For more information as to how your dog can earn it’s CGCA title, contact Michigan Dog Training LLC call 734-634-4152.
