American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy Testing
I am a certified AKC CGC/S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator (#82280)
What is the Canine Good Citizen Test?
The purpose of the CGC Program is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community.
The CGC certification program, which started in 1989, 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 CGC test are eligible to receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club and, as of January 1, 1999, they are automatically recorded in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Archive.
To receive the CGC award each dog must pass all 10 items of the Canine Good Citizen Test. Test items include:
Exercise 1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger
This demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.
Exercise 2. Sitting Politely for Petting
This demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. The handler will have the dog in a Sit, and the Evaluator will ask “May I pet your dog?” The Evaluator will then quickly but gently pet the dog on the head and body.
Exercise 3. Appearance and Grooming
This shows that the dog will welcome being groomed and will also permit a stranger such as a veterinarian, groomer, or friend of the owner to do so. A dog should be in proper weight and appear to be in good health.
Exercise 4. Out for a Walk (walk on a loose leash)
This demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may walk on either side of the handler for this portion of the test. A slack leash is more important than position in this exercise.
Exercise 5. Walking Through a Crowd
This shows that a dog is capable of moving politely through a small crowd of pedestrians and is under control of the handler in public places.
Exercise 6. Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training and will respond to the handler’s commands to Sit and Down, and will remain in the place commanded by the handler. The dog needs to 1) sit on command 20 down on command 3) then stay in either a sit or down (handler’s preference) while the handler walks to the end of a 15’ leash attached to the dog’s collar.
Exercise 7. Coming When Called
This shows that the dog will return to the handler when called.
Exercise 8. Reaction to Another Dog
Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of bout 15’, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on.
Exercise 9. Reactions to Distractions
This demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distractions.
Exercise 10. Supervised Separation
This demonstrates that that a dog an be left in the presence of a trusted person and will maintain its training and good manners.
Can My Dog Be Tested?
If a dog has been trained at home and is well-mannered, the owner may test his/her dog. I offer CGC training to owners and dogs who need to learn a few more skills before taking the test.
Who Can Take the Test?
All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the CGC program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines, and there is no age limit on the test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen.
Is the CGC An Official AKC title?
The CGC is an award, and not an official AKC title because the testing is not administered by AKC licensed judges. Owners should be proud of the award and recognize that the CGC is gaining credibility and recognition in our communities. Participating in this program helps spread the word about the importance of responsible dog ownership More information can be found on the AKC website, www.akc.org/cgc/
What to bring and what not to bring when you test:
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The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppysm is an exciting new program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppysm Program is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take their puppies through a basic training class.
The Benefits of Training
Training classes teach you how to best communicate with your puppy. Organized training classes also provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs. In classes aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction, you’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including housetraining, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training is a natural lead in to the AKC® Canine Good Citizen® Program.
How It Works
When you complete a basic training class (taught by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator) with your puppy (up to 1 year old) your puppy is eligible to be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.
You'll attend any puppy or basic training class at least 6 weeks. Your instructor will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test at the end of the course. Upon passing the test, you'll get an application to send to AKC® for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. All dogs are welcome to participate in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program including purebreds and mixed breeds.
Your puppy will receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal (for display or memento purposes; not suitable as a collar tag). You and your puppy will be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records. In addition, so that you can continue learning, you’ll receive our AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package that includes:
For more information, please contact :
Michel Berner, AKC CGC and S.T.A.R Puppy Program Evaluator #82280, at info@babybirddawgs.com