Testing
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test
The Canine Good Citizen evaluation is designed to test for basic behaviors and manners that are desirable in your dog. It is also a prerequisite for many advanced activities such as a Therapy dog, entering some competitions, and enrolling in advanced classes. Passing the test lets everyone know that your dog has manners and will mind.
There is a one-time fee of $20 to take the test. Registration is necessary in order to take the test.
AKC Good Community Canine (CGCA)
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test
The Community Good Canine (CGCA) builds on the manners and behaviors learned by Canine Good Citizen (CGC).
This test evaluates public manners, like how to behave in dog-friendly restaurants, the start of off-leash manners, tests harder versions of basic commands, evaluates how well your dog listens with other dogs around, car safety, and dog-friendly public buildings.
There is a one-time fee of $20 to take the test. Registration is necessary in order to take the test.
AKC Urban CGC
AKC Trick Dog Title
AKC Trick Dog Title
This title takes the behaviors and skills in the CGC and CGCA tests and applies them to a city setting. The dog and handler must 10 skills that are needed when living in a city.
There is a one-time fee of $20 to take the test. Registration is necessary in order to take the test.
AKC Trick Dog Title
AKC Trick Dog Title
AKC Trick Dog Title
AKC has 6 levels for their Trick Dog Program. As approved CGC Evaluators, Cindy can test for all Trick dog titles. More information about the AKC's Trick Dog Program can be found on the AKC's website.
There is a one-time fee of $20 to take the test. Registration is necessary in order to take the test.
Benefits of Testing
Fight Breed Discrimination Laws
Unfortunately, more and more cities are passing laws that ban certain breeds. If you own one of these breeds of dogs that are unfairly labeled as dangerous, but your dog has passed the CGC test, you will have a better chance at proving your dog is harmless to others.
Some apartments only allow dogs that have a CGC certificate.
Certain apartment complexes, parks, and other public places will only allow dogs that have proof of passing the CGC test. If you own a larger breed like a Great Dane or Rottweiler, showing proof of CGC completion gives you a better chance of getting into an apartment.
It's a good test to see where you are at with training.
Who cares if you fail the test? I used the test as a way to see where my dog needs more practice. Exposing your dog to new environments and testing her skills as well as yours will only benefit you both. You can always retake the test.
The CGC test gives you a goal to work toward.
It's easier for me to train my dog when I have a specific goal in mind. I work better with a deadline. The same is true with dog training. Sign up to take the CGC test a month or two from now, and then practice with your dog until that date.
The Canine Good Citizen test is often one of the first steps to becoming a therapy dog.
The CGC test is used by Therapy Dogs International in its assessment of potential therapy dogs. The test is often a prerequisite for more advanced therapy dog training.
Visiting new places will not be such a big deal to your dog
A good way to prepare for the CGC test is to walk your dog in several new places, exposing her to many new situations. My dogs still respond much better to commands at home than anywhere else, but working with them in new environments really helps. Ben has also lost a lot of his fear of crowds having him away from the shop.
The Canine Good Citizen test is a good preparation for more advanced training and activities.
Once your dog has completed the CGC test, you will have a good base to start obedience competitions or any advanced activity.
Save money on Home Owner's and Renter's insurance
More and more insurance companies are seeing the benefits of a well-trained dog and are giving discounts to people that can prove their dog is well-behaved. They consider the CGC test the standard for manners.