AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN (CGC)

Help Your Dog Become an AKC Canine Good Citizen

The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is designed to recognize dogs who demonstrate good manners at home and in the community, along with owners who practice responsible dog ownership.

At Michigan Dog Training in Plymouth, Michigan, we can help you prepare your dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation and take the test when you are ready.

Four AKC CGC Evaluators on Staff

Michigan Dog Training is proud to have 4 AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators on staff:

• Michael Burkey — CEO & Dog Behaviorist
• Cari Moore — Training & Operations Supervisor / Dog Trainer
• Brittany Collins — Assistant Supervisor / Dog Trainer
• Jared Ritchie — Dog Trainer / Group Class Instructor

Having multiple AKC CGC Evaluators in Plymouth, Michigan gives MDT clients convenient access to CGC preparation, evaluation, and continued training as they work toward a well-mannered dog they can confidently enjoy at home and in public.

What Are the 10 Steps to Pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test?

To earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen designation, a dog and handler must successfully demonstrate 10 practical skills that reflect good manners, handler control, confidence, and appropriate behavior around people, dogs, and everyday distractions.

1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger

Your dog must remain calm and under control while a friendly stranger approaches and speaks with you. This demonstrates that your dog can appropriately handle everyday interactions with unfamiliar people.

2. Sitting Politely for Petting

Your dog should allow a friendly stranger to pet them without jumping, showing excessive excitement, fear, or inappropriate behavior. The goal is a dog who can comfortably and politely interact with people.

3. Appearance and Grooming

The evaluator will examine and lightly groom your dog, including checking areas such as the ears and paws. Your dog should remain cooperative and comfortable while being handled, demonstrating skills that are valuable for veterinary visits, grooming appointments, and routine care.

4. Walking on a Loose Leash

Your dog must demonstrate that they can walk with you while remaining attentive and under control. The leash should not be constantly tight, and your dog should be able to follow changes in direction and pace.

5. Walking Politely Through a Crowd

Your dog will walk through an area containing several people and must remain composed and responsive to you. Your dog may show appropriate interest in people but should not jump, pull excessively, or become overwhelmed.

6. Sit, Down and Stay

Your dog must demonstrate basic obedience by performing a sit, a down, and remaining in place when asked. These foundational behaviors demonstrate that your dog understands and responds to your direction.

7. Coming When Called

Your dog must demonstrate a reliable recall by coming to you when called. A dependable come command is one of the most important obedience skills for everyday life and responsible dog ownership.

8. Reaction to Another Dog

You and another handler with a dog will approach one another while both dogs remain under control. Your dog should be able to calmly encounter another dog without excessive pulling, barking, lunging, or inappropriate interaction.

9. Reaction to Distractions

Everyday life is filled with unexpected sights, sounds, movements, and activity. During this portion of the CGC evaluation, your dog must demonstrate that they can experience a distraction without panicking, becoming aggressive, or losing control.

10. Supervised Separation

Your dog will remain with a trusted person while you temporarily move out of sight. The goal is to demonstrate that your dog can remain under control without becoming excessively distressed when briefly separated from you.

More Than a Certificate — Real-World Manners for Everyday Life

Preparing for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test is about much more than passing an evaluation. These 10 skills help create the foundation for a dog who is easier and more enjoyable to live with.