Canine Good Citizen


Preparing for the Canine Good Citizen test
Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. To find out about training your dog for the CGC test, contact Love Wags a Tail.Below is a brief outline of the process of the CGC test.
Good Canine Citizen Broward County, Fort Lauderdale

This is the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge owners must sign before taking the CGC Test.

AKC CGCsm Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge

CGC_Seal_BULLETI will be responsible for my dog’s health needs.
These include:

  • routine veterinary care including check-ups and vaccines
  • adequate nutrition through proper diet
  • clean water at all times
  • daily exercise and regular bathing and grooming

CGC_Seal_BULLETI will be responsible for my dog’s safety.

  • I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate, not letting my dog run loose, and I’ll use a leash in public.
  • I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification when appropriate (which may include collar tags, tattoos, or microchip ID).
  • I will provide adequate supervision when my dog and children are together.

CGC_Seal_BULLETI will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.

  • I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood.
  • I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard, in a hotel room, etc.
  • I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in all public areas such as on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, parks, etc.
  • I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in wilderness areas, on hiking trails, campgrounds and in off-leash parks.

CGC_Seal_BULLETI will be responsible for my dog’s quality of life.

  • I understand that basic training is beneficial to all dogs.
  • I will give my dog attention and playtime.
  • I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring.

This is an outline of the stations on the 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.

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.

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.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog.

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.

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).

Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.

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.

For detailed information on the test, click here. For information on the CGC as a title, click here.
Contact Love Wags a Tail to discuss training and/or testing your dog for the CGC.