AKC 10 step Canine Good Citizen test:
Test 1: Accepting a friendly
stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach
it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator
walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner,
ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries.
The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position
or try to go to the evaluator.
Test 2: Sitting politely
for petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch
it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side,
to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The
handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand
in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and
examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend
of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense
of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean
and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight,
clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly
used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in
a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot.
It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination,
and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking
on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may
be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that
the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements
and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler
and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted
course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands.
In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with
at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to
the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of
voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
Test 5: Walking through
a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic
and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass
close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in
the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence
of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and
encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on
people in the crowd or strain on the leash.
Test 6: Sit and down on
command and Staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's
commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler
(sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND
down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in
the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet
long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one
command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if
the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the
dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed
by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length
of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain
in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator
instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front
or the side.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The
handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog.
The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose
to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk
away, giving no instructions to the dog.
Test 8: Reaction to another
dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two
handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet,
stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet.
The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog
should go to the other dog or its handler.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with
common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions.
Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a wheel chair past
the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane.
The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly
startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark.
The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.
Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary,
and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say
something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take
hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The
dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine,
or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.
Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting,
or management attempts. The dog should not jump or paw the evaluator or jump on the furniture if present.
Equipment
All tests must be performed
on a 6 foot leash (no retractable leashes please). Dogs should wear a well-fitting buckle or slip collars made of leather,
fabric, or chain. Special training collars such as pinch collars, head halters,
etc. are not permitted in the CGC test. We recognize that special training collars
may be very useful tools for beginning dog trainers, however, we feel that dogs
are ready to take the CGC test at the point at which they are transitioned to
regular collars.
The evaluator supplies a 20-foot
lead for test steps 6 and 7. The owner/handler should bring the dog's brush or comb to
the test.
Encouragement
Owners/handlers may use praise
and encouragement throughout the test. The owner may pet the dog between exercises.
Food and treats are not permitted during testing, nor is the use of toys, squeaky
toys, etc. to get the dog to do something. We recognize that food and toys may
provide valuable reinforcement or encouragement during the training process
but these items should not be used during the test.
Failures - Dismissals
Any dog that eliminates during
testing must be marked failed. The only exception to this rule is that elimination
is allowable in test Item 10, but only when test Item 10 is held outdoors.
Any dog that growls, snaps,
bites, attacks, or attempts to attack a person or another dog is not a good
citizen and must be dismissed from the test.
You must pass all 10 of the steps in order to recieve your Canine Good Citizen status.
T-shirt $10 (Sht Slv) or $15 (Long Slv), $5 for bandanna, and a $10 charge for the testing. If you do not pass the test the first time, you may re-take it at another time.