May I use physical corrections?
The Canine Good Citizen
Program is a program that encourages owners to have fun with their dogs. Harsh corrections are not permitted in the
test and are grounds for dismissal. Throughout the CGC test, evaluators can encourage handlers to PRAISE and interact
with their dogs. If beginning handlers are nervous, they may need to be reminded about the importance of communicating
with the dog.
My dog is disabled. Can my dog become a Canine Good Citizen?
Dogs with disabilities
such as the loss of a leg, deafness, or blindness in one eye are welcome in the Canine Good Citizen Test. Dogs must
perform 10 all of the 10 items to pass the test, however, handlers may use hand signals, gestures, or other cues to which
the dog has been trained to respond.
There
are no breed specific exceptions to the test requirements (e.g., dogs may not skip the sit exercise because “this breed
doesn’t like to sit.”)
I am a disabled handler. May I participate?
Handlers with disabilities are encouraged to participate in the Canine Good Citizen Test. Sometimes, it may
be necessary to make minor changes to standard procedures to accommodate handlers with disabilities.
May my dog eliminate (urinate/deficate) during testing?
Any dog that eliminates during testing should not
pass the test. The only exceptions to this are that elimination is allowed between exercises (e.g., the dog urinates
on a bush as he is being walked to the next test station) and in Test 10 when the test is held outdoors. When possible,
testing locations outdoors will be chosen carefully in order to prevent problems with elimination during testing.
When will I be given feedback?
Feedback will be given after the test is completed so
that you do not have to wait until the evaluator is done with all testing.
If a dog passed all 10 items, feedback
will be a big smile followed by "Congratulations, your dog passed all 10 tests."
Any person who
has taken the time and made the effort to bring their dog to the Canine Good Citizen Test should be commended. Do not
be discouraged if you fail simple or multiple tests. The handler and dog did not fail, they
may just need more training time. Continue to work hard and try the test again.
What fees are associated with this test?
There is a $5.00
recording fee that the participant will pay to the AKC when ordering the CGC certificate, in addition to the evaluator's
fee of $10.
When may I retest?
Dogs
who have only missed one test item may retake the entire examination, once per day of exam, at the end of the day's testing.
Please
check back on this website often for current testing dates.
May I use food as a reward during testing?
Handlers are not permitted to use food as a reward during the CGC Test. While we recognize that food can be effectively
used as a reinforcer during training, it is considered a training aid and should not be used in the CGC test. The purpose
of the CGC Test is to determine if the dog has learned all of the skills on the test and if the dog can be controlled by the
handler if no special incentives are offered.
Do you have any instructions for participants?
Let participants be reminded
that dogs are not required to perform with the precision required in formal obedience.
Multiple prompts
(two or three commands) are acceptable, talking to the dog throughout the test is acceptable, and body language on the part
of the handler is fine.
I encourage handlers to praise their dogs when it has successfully performed one of the
test items.
If you are nervous or a beginner, I remind you to TELL the dog what to do, not to ask.
Is CGC a title?
Canine
Good Citizen (CGC) is not an official AKC title like Ch. Or C.D. It is meant to reward dogs for having good manners,
which enhances the public acceptance of dogs. CGC may be used for advertising or pedigrees, but
the AKC does not add CGC to the dog’s official registration papers. “CGC” is an award
and not a title.
Are vaccinations required?
No
proof of vaccinations is required. Prior to testing you must sign a waiver stating your dog is in the care of a qualified
veterinarian.
This experience should be fun for the dog and handler,
as well as safe for all involved.
