Mary did! The Canine Good Citizen test involves ten different behaviors that demonstrate your dog is a pleasure to have in the public, and is an asset to the community. Contact me if you’d like help preparing for the test! Here are the test items:
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. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment orshyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.
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. The dog should sit at
the handler’s side as the evaluator approaches and begins to pet the dog on the head and body only. The dog may stand in place to
accept petting. The dog must not show any shyness or resentment.
TEST 3: APPEARANCE AND GROOMING
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger, 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.
The evaluator inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog, and lightly examines the ears and each front foot.
TEST 4: OUT FOR A WALK (Walking on a loose leash)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler, whichever the
handler prefers. There must be a left turn, a right turn and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and at the end. The dog
need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.
TEST 5: WALKING TROUGH A CROWD
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and
handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers, without
appearing overly exuberant, shy or resentful. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test.
The dog should not be straining at the leash.
TEST 6: SIT AND DOWN ON COMMAND/STAYING IN PLACE
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s command to sit and down, and will remain in the
place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The handler may take a reasonable amount
of time and use more than one command to make the dog sit and then down. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells
the dog to stay and walks forward the length of a 20-foot line. The dog must remain in place, but may change positions.
TEST 7: COMING WHEN CALLED
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face
the dog and then call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell the dog to
“stay” or “wait” or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog as the evaluator provided mild distraction (e.g.
petting).
TEST 8: REACTION TO ANOTHER DOG
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from
a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands, exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 5 yards. The dogs should show
no more than a casual interest in each other.
TEST 9: REACTION TO DISTRACTIONS
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations, such as the dropping of
a large book or a jogger running in front of the dog. The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and/or appear slightly
startled, but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.
TEST 10: SUPERVISED SEPARATION
This test demonstrates that the dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners.
Evaluators are encouraged to say something like “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash.
The owner will go out of sight for 3 minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position, but should not continually bark, whine,
pace or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness
susan clark says
Hi,
I have a one year old golden doodle named Buddy. We have been training and we are interested in completing the canine good dog. Buddy can do all the tests but is not always consistent. I am interested in working with you to nail down the training so he is consistent. I am open to all your various ways to work with him….online or boarding or in person which ever is most effective. Thanks! Susan Clark
Larissa Bohn says
Hey! I have a 2 year old dog I’ve had since 8 weeks. I have had a previous dog (Rottie) pass the CGC but it has been a while. Since puppyhood I’ve trained my current guy along the CGC test parameters. I am interested in signing up for the test only, and not the training course. I would be interested in a private or group lesson beforehand to confirm he is ready to take it. I am interested in him getting full therapy dog certification in the future, as he loves coming to work with me and meeting new people. Please let me know!