



CGC...Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that 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
and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test
receive the 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. Remember education enhances the bond between dog and man.
Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-graduates
respond quicker to household routines, have begun to learn the good manners
necessary when in the presence of people and other dogs, and more fully enjoy
the company of the owner who has taken the time to provide an on going
education, adds intellectual stimulation, and a higher 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 guiding the dog through the complexities
of life in the world of it's human family. With obedience, agility, tracking, or
performance events a bonus that further builds the bond between two and four
legged 'friends'.
AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) 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 22 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.
Note: The canine must be at least six months of age to take this test and even if
you choose to bring a younger pup home before we do any of the foundation
work, once you add the obedience and interaction experiences you only have to
check with the AKC to find an evaluator - remember these testers must be
registered with the AKC.
By the way there is no age limit once the pup passes it's six month birthday. We
understand most dogs are well over three years of age when they go for their
CGC but no matter what age, it is quite an accomplishment.