Class Schedule
The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that emphasizes
responsible pet ownership for owners and good manners for
dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test can 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 therapy dog activities and AKC activities such as
obedience, agility, and tracking. As you work with your dog to teach
the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of
training your dog. CGC training enhances the bond between you
and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience foundation are a joy
to live with and respond well to household routines, have good
manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and fully enjoy
the company of the owner who took the time to provide training. We
at John's Natural Dog Training Company sincerely hope that CGC will
be only a beginning for you and your dog and that after passing the
CGC test, you'll continue training in obedience, agility, tracking,
or performance events.
How do I get a certificate?
If you have already completed obedience classes with us, or another
trainer, you are eligible to participate in our CGC classes or
testing. The CGC
test is conducted during the last class.
After successful completion of the CGC test, owners should be given 2
parts of a three-part test form. On the form, owners are instructed
to send in one copy of the test form with the recording fee of $5.00
to receive the certificate. Owners may choose to not purchase a
certificate and to use the copy of their test results as proof of
passing the CGC test. Certificates take 4-6 weeks for processing and
printing. The high-quality certificate has the same format as other
AKC certificates and the CGC logo is embossed in gold at the bottom.
The new official CGC certificate is very attractive and is suitable
for framing.
The following is information from the AKC
Canine Good Citizen Program Page
If you have questions or comments about CGC,
contact the AKC staff.
Welcome to the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program. Started in
1989, CGC is a certification program that 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.
AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program is one of the most rapidly
growing programs in the American Kennel Club. There are many
exciting applications of this wonderful, entry level that go beyond
the testing and certifying of dogs.
Many other countries (including England, Australia, Japan, Hungary,
Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and Finland) have developed CGC programs
based on the AKC's CGC Program. A CGC Neighborhood Model has been
established, police and animal control agencies use CGC for dealing
with dog problems in communities, some therapy dog groups use the
CGC as a partial screening tool, and some 4-H groups around the
country have been using the CGC as a beginning dog training program
for children.
A number of specialty (one breed only) clubs give the CGC at their
annual national dog show. Dog clubs have discovered that the CGC is
an event that allows everyone to go home a winner. Veterinarians
have recognized the benefits of well-trained dogs and there are some
CGC programs in place in veterinary hospitals. State legislatures
began recognizing the CGC program as a means of advocating
responsible dog ownership and 34 states now have Canine Good Citizen
resolutions.
In a little over one decade, the Canine Good Citizen Program has
begun to have an extremely positive impact in many of our
communities. This is a program that can help us assure that the dogs
we love will always be welcomed and well-respected members of our
communities.
AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program
Who Can Participate?
All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome
to participate in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program. Dogs
must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as
rabies vaccines. Owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge
attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian
who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate plan and
schedule for vaccines and other health care procedures.
There is no age limit for the CGC test. A dog is never too old to be
a good citizen. Puppies who have completed all immunizations and
boosters may be tested, however, because we know that behavior and
temperament can change over time, when puppies pass the CGC test,
owners should have them re-tested as adults.
There are a few exceptions relating to participation in a CGC test.
If the CGC test is given at an AKC show, the age requirements for
the show apply to CGC also. Further, when the CGC test is
administered at an AKC show, the test may be restricted to only dogs
entered in the show or to purebred dogs.
Some dogs who are entered in CGC tests will have completed CGC
classes or basic obedience classes. Owners who have trained their
dogs themselves may also have their dogs tested. Clubs and training
programs in almost every city can provide CGC training to owners and
dogs who need to learn a few more skills before taking the test.
AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program
Therapy Dogs
Many dog owners complete CGC training and testing as a prerequisite
to therapy dog certification. While the AKC does not certify therapy
dogs, we are very proud that so many CGC dogs and their owners
volunteer their time to improve the lives of other people. There are
national therapy dog groups (and in some cities local groups) that
certify therapy dogs. Therapy Dogs International (TDI) uses the AKC
Canine Good Citizen test as a key component of its therapy dog
assessment. TDI can be reached at
www.tdi-dog.org
