CANINE GOOD CITIZEN
The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program. Started in 1989, the CGC Program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life.
Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life.
GETTING STARTED WITH THE CGC
The CGC in its current form (April 2014) has three available levels.
Level 1: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®
This level is designed as a lead in course for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® Program. Puppies under a year of age must complete a 6 week puppy kindergarten or basic training course with an approved instructor. At the completion of the 6 week training course the instructor will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Test. Once your puppy passes the test, you may submit your score sheet and application for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® program. Completion of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® is not required for the next step, but it is a great way to get started.
Use this link for more information on the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Program.
Level 2: AKC’s Canine Good Citizen®
This level is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. CGC training classes have been designed and are offered around the area to help you train your dog for success with this evaluation, however dogs are eligible to test without completing a preparatory course. As of January 1, 2013, Canine Good Citizen® will become an official AKC title that can appear on the title records of dogs registered or listed with AKC. Dog owners who complete the CGC as a Title process may list the suffix “CGC” after the dog’s name.
Use this link for more information on the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® Program.
Level 3: AKC Community Canine
The AKC Community Canine or the Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA) is the final step in the CGC series. As with CGC, AKC Community Canine has a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Community Canine title. This is a title that appears on the dog's title record at AKC. Dogs must have earned a CGC before they are eligible to test for the CGCA. This test differs from the CGC because it tests your dog in a natural setting.
Use this link for more information on the AKC's Community Canine Program.
Level 1: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®
This level is designed as a lead in course for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® Program. Puppies under a year of age must complete a 6 week puppy kindergarten or basic training course with an approved instructor. At the completion of the 6 week training course the instructor will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Test. Once your puppy passes the test, you may submit your score sheet and application for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® program. Completion of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® is not required for the next step, but it is a great way to get started.
Use this link for more information on the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Program.
Level 2: AKC’s Canine Good Citizen®
This level is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. CGC training classes have been designed and are offered around the area to help you train your dog for success with this evaluation, however dogs are eligible to test without completing a preparatory course. As of January 1, 2013, Canine Good Citizen® will become an official AKC title that can appear on the title records of dogs registered or listed with AKC. Dog owners who complete the CGC as a Title process may list the suffix “CGC” after the dog’s name.
Use this link for more information on the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® Program.
Level 3: AKC Community Canine
The AKC Community Canine or the Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA) is the final step in the CGC series. As with CGC, AKC Community Canine has a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Community Canine title. This is a title that appears on the dog's title record at AKC. Dogs must have earned a CGC before they are eligible to test for the CGCA. This test differs from the CGC because it tests your dog in a natural setting.
Use this link for more information on the AKC's Community Canine Program.