Canine Good Citizen Test, Does Your Dog Need One?

Is your dog a good citizen? We’re guessing they try their best. They most likely haven’t bitten the mailman or chased the mayor’s cat or dug up the neighbor’s garden. But while all dogs are good boys — or girls — not all of them are official Good Citizens. That’s a rare designation awarded by the American Kennel Club, but one available to anyone seeking Waltham MA dog training and trying to pass the Canine Good Citizen Test.

The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test– or CGC — is a 10-skill training program open purebred and mixed-dogs that emphasizes the basics of good manners and obedience in dogs and responsible ownership in their people.

After mastering the 10 skills, passing the CGC test together and taking the Responsible Ownership Pledge, you and your dog will join an elite group of more than 1 million dogs and owners who have strengthened their bonds at home and out in the world.

Dog parents seeking the next level of Waltham MA dog training should read on to learn more about the CGC program.

What Are The Benefits of Dog Training?

The hours of practice and training that come with the CGC program will strengthen the bond you have with your dog and make you better neighbors to your community.

Your dog will understand the basics of dog training, mastering skills such as “sit” and “stay” and you’ll have the peace of mind that your dog will be well-behaved out in public.

Many therapy dog certifications make the CGC a prerequisite, and some homeowner’s insurance programs will offer discounts to people with Canine Good Citizen Dogs.

What does the CGC Test Involve?

According to the AKC, the test includes 10 items:

• Accepting a friendly stranger — Can your dog allow a friendly stranger to approach you and speak to you without showing resentment or shyness?
• Sitting politely for petting
• Appearance and grooming — This test shows your dog will welcome being groomed and examined by you but also by strangers such as a vet or groomer.
• Walking on a loose lead — This test demonstrates the handler has control of the dog
• Walking through a crowd — Can your dog move politely among pedestrians and remain in control in public?
• Sit and down on command and staying in place
• Coming when called
• Reaction to another dog — Can your dog behave politely around other dogs?
• Reaction to distraction — Can the dog remain confident in the face of common distractions (someone dropping something, a jogger passing by)? The dog can show interest, but should not panic, bark, act aggressively or try to run away.
• Supervised separation — This test shows the dog can maintain its training and good manners when left with a trusted person.

Once My Dog Completes the CGC program, Will She Need to Reapply?

There’s no requirement to retake the test once you pass, although some therapy dog groups and insurance companies request tests that are current within two years.

And the AKC always encourages people and their dogs to keep training and trying new things to increase their bond.

Best Dog Training Services in Waltham, MA | The Dog Retreat

Is your dog ready to become a Canine Good Citizen and take the Canine Good Citizen Test? Or do they have some behavior issues you’d like to see them shed first? Either way, the Waltham MA dog training experts at The Dog Retreat & Spa can help.

From behavior issues to puppy training to CGC and agility, we can help make sure you and your best friend have the strongest bond possible. Contact us today to learn more.