Canine Good Citizen Certification

Put Your Pup’s Good Manners to the Test

What Is the Canine Good Citizen Evaluation?

The Canine Good Citizen program focuses on the practical skills dogs need to be well-mannered companions at home and in the community.
During the evaluation, our certified trainer will assess your dog’s ability to demonstrate appropriate behavior in a variety of real-life situations, including:
  • Greeting people politely
  • Remaining calm while being handled and groomed
  • Walking appropriately on leash
  • Following basic cues such as sit, down, stay, and come
  • Remaining composed around people and other dogs
  • Responding appropriately to everyday distractions
  • Remaining calm during a brief supervised separation
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Who Can Participate?

All breeds welcome

Open to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs.

No age limits 

Dogs of any age can participate, though puppies can start with the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program.

Registration for titles

Mixed-breed dogs need to be enrolled in the AKC Canine Partners Program to officially record the CGC title.
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The 10-Skill Evaluation Test

Dogs must successfully complete all 10 real-world exercises in a single evaluation. Treats are not permitted during the actual test.
  1. Accepting a friendly stranger: Remaining calm while a stranger approaches and speaks to the handler.
  2. Sitting politely for petting: Allowing a stranger to touch the head and body.
  3. Appearance and grooming: Permitting the ears and front feet to be examined and a brush or comb to run through the coat.
  4. Walking on a loose leash: Moving with a slack leash through turns and stops.
  5. Walking through a crowd: Staying controlled around multiple people and another dog.
  6. Sit, down, and stay on cue: Performing basic cues and holding position while the handler moves away.
  7. Coming when called: Returning reliably when called from a distance.
  8. Reaction to another dog: Showing calm, appropriate behavior when passing another handler and dog.
  9. Reaction to distractions: Remaining composed around unexpected visual or auditory distractions.
  10. Supervised separation: Staying calm for three minutes while the handler is out of sight.

Certification Evaluation

$50 per dog

The $50 fee includes the official evaluation with our certified trainer to determine whether your dog successfully meets the Canine Good Citizen requirements.

Dogs who successfully complete the evaluation can move forward with receiving their Canine Good Citizen certification.

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Benefits of Certification

Housing and insurance

CGC certification may be recognized or viewed favorably by some apartment communities and insurance providers.

Therapy dog preparation

Dogs of any age can participate, though puppies can start with the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program.

Advanced training

CGC can serve as a stepping stone toward advanced AKC programs such as Community Canine and Urban CGC.
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Ready to take the next step in your dog’s training journey?

The Canine Good Citizen Certification Evaluation gives pet parents the opportunity to demonstrate their dog’s good manners, responsible behavior, and ability to appropriately navigate everyday situations. Whether your pup has completed a training program, worked with a trainer, or simply developed a strong foundation of everyday skills, this evaluation is a rewarding way to recognize their progress and work toward earning their Canine Good Citizen certification.
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