How My Dogs Did on the Canine Good Citizenship Test

The Canine Good Citizenship Certificate is awarded under rules established by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is open to all dogs with or without a pedigree. The test described below is the test as it was given to my dogs in 1995. The particular elements have been under review, so please check the AKC site for the latest rules.

• "You will provide the examiner with a brush to help demonstrate your dog's tolerance for being handled by a stranger. The dog must allow the examiner to brush it and to examine its body."

  Tanith was totally adoring of this test. She did not remain standing in place like a rock. It's not a grooming test, but a handling test. She rolled over into the testers lap and relaxed with her tail waving gently. The tester brushed her lightly all over. She passed.

  Oso just stood there quietly, waving his tail gently. He passed.

• "The test also includes the dog sitting calmly while a stranger pets it."

  Tanith did not try to jump on the tester or bump into her. She did toss her head to push back against the petting hand, and she danced a bit. She passed.

  Oso just stood there with his tail gently waving. He passed.

• "Your dog must be comfortable with the approach of a friendly stranger. The examiner will approach you and shake hands."

  Tanith stood politely and wagged her tail hoping to be invited to touch. She wasn't and she didn't. She passed.

  Oso just stood there with his tail gently waving. He passed.

• "Your dog must be able to walk without pulling on its leash."

  Tanith will often pull when not at heel. I asked her to "heel." She did and we proceeded through the crowd with her head up and tail going 90 miles an hour. She didn't jump on or toward anyone. She didn't pull or get someone between us. She passed.

  Oso almost never pulls. I did not put him on "heel" instead I let him walk on slack lead. Oso walked quietly with his tail gently waving. He passed.

• "The examiner will ask you to have the dog sit and lie down on command. You will be asked to tell the dog to stay, then to step away from the dog, about twenty-five feet or so and call the dog. The dog should stay until called, and come when called."

  Both my dogs have been to obedience classes. This was a piece of cake.

  When told to "sir" Tanith sat, sloppily. And plopped down halfway on her side. She stayed, and was relaxed when I stepped away. And she popped right up and bounced back to me when called. She passed.

  Oso sat nice and straight. And lay at attention. He waited without anxiety, and came right away when called. He had a smile on his face. He passed.

• "An ability to regain self-control after excitement is an important part of the test. The examiner will have you play with the dog briefly then calm it. The dog should calm quickly."

  I was able to get Tanith excited easily. I used a happy voice and asked her if she wanted to play. She jumped on me and we danced around for a bit. When the examiner said "calm her" I told her to "sit" which she did immediately and at attention. She passed.

  For Oso I used the same technique. I asked him if he wanted to play. I used a high squeaky happy voice. I jumped up and down. I waved my arms. I crouched down and bounced back up. Oso stood there with his tail gently waving. The examiner said "OK, he's excited. Now calm him." I said "sit." He did. He passed.

• "Your dog must allow the approach of person with a strange dog. Typically the other person will approach with a leashed dog and shake your hand."

  Tanith stood politely and wagged her tail hoping to be invited to play. She wasn't and she didn't. She passed.

  Oso just stood there with his tail gently waving. He passed.

• "Your dog must tolerate your leaving it. You will secure the dog to some object as directed by the examiner, and go out of sight of the dog. The dog may move around but it must not whine, bark, pull or otherwise show distress."

  Tanith stayed quietly when I want out of sight . . . . for about 30 seconds. Then she stood up and tried to look for me, then she started to wander around on the lead, then she started to pull and whine, and whine and pull. She failed. Oh well, now we knew what we needed to work on.

  Oso stayed quietly, head alert in the direction I had last taken. He slumped over into a lazy down, but kept scanning the area trying to find me. Toward the end he got up and took another look around. He passed.

For further information

Look at the American Kennel Club site for the latest rules or contact them by e-mail at info@akc.org or phone (212) 696-8322. The CGC is often given by Humane Societies, SPCA, and at dog events. And when you pass you can submit your dog's information to the Canine Good Citizen Hall of Fame

If you don't think your dog can pass consider an obedience class. Find one that is fun, and geared to practical obedience, not the sport. I have some obedience and training links to help you get started.

    

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Copyright © 1996-2003, Diane Blackman     Created: October 28, 1996     Updated November 12, 2007

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