-AKC
Canine Good Citizen Program 
What is it?
Started in 1989, the
CGC Program 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 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American
Kennel Club.
Many dog owners
choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs.
The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities
such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with
your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of
training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog.
Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond
well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and
other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to
provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. We
sincerely hope that CGC will be only a beginning for you and your dog and that
after passing the CGC test, you'll continue training in obedience, agility,
tracking, or performance events.
AKC’s Canine Good
Citizen (CGC) Program is one of the most rapidly growing programs in the
American Kennel Club. There are many exciting applications of this wonderful,
entry level that go beyond the testing and certifying of dogs.
Many other countries
(including England, Australia, Japan, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and
Finland) have developed CGC programs based on the AKC’s CGC Program. A CGC
Neighborhood Model has been established, police and animal control agencies use
CGC for dealing with dog problems in communities, some therapy dog groups use
the CGC as a partial screening tool, and some 4-H groups around the country
have been using the CGC as a beginning dog training program for children.
A number of
specialty (one breed only) clubs give the CGC at their annual national dog
show. Dog clubs have discovered that the CGC is an event that allows everyone
to go home a winner. Veterinarians have recognized the benefits of well-trained
dogs and there are some CGC programs in place in veterinary hospitals. State
legislatures began recognizing the CGC program as a means of advocating
responsible dog ownership and 34 states now have Canine Good Citizen
resolutions.
In a little over one
decade, the Canine Good Citizen Program has begun to have an extremely positive
impact in many of our communities. This is a program that can help us assure
that the dogs we love will always be welcomed and well-respected members of our
communities.
