Display the hard work and dedication that you and your dog have achieved with an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certificate.   In some areas of the U.S., this certificate is required to keep your dog in an apartment complex.  You do not need an AKC registered dog to participate, any dog is welcome.  It can also be particularly helpful in convincing neighbors that the stigma about your pit bull or other dangerous breed just isn't true. 

My application to becoming an official evaluator has been APPROVED and this program is now a permanent part of my services.  Check back for testing dates.


How it works:  Demonstrate proficiency in 10 testable items.  
   

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

This test demonstrates the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in an everyday situation.  The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting

This test demonstrates the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.  The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise.  The dog may stand in place as it is petted.  The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming

This test demonstrates the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, 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 to determine if it is clean and groomed.  The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert).  The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

This test demonstrates the handler is in control of the dog.  The dog does not need to be aligned with the handler nor sit when handler stops.

Test 5: Walking through a crowd

This test demonstrates the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.  The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment.  The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Test 6: Sit, down and stay

This test demonstrates the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).  The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay.  Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long.  The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down.  The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance.

Test 7: Coming when called

This test demonstrates the dog will come when called by the handler.  The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog.  The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come.  Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog

This test demonstrates the dog can behave politely around other dogs.  Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet.  The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other.  Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

This test demonstrates the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.

Test 10: Supervised separation

This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain 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 three minutes.  The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.

Do's

Do perform all tests on leash.  Dogs should wear fitting buckle or slip collars made of leather, fabric, or chain.  Pinch collars, head halters, choke chains and other harnesses are not permitted in the test.  The evaluator supplies a 20-foot lead for the test. The owner/handler should bring the dog's brush or comb to the test.

Do encourage and praise your dog.  The owner/handler may pet the dog between exercises, however food, treats and toys are not allowed. 


How to fail or be dismissed:

The dog may NOT eliminate during testing, the exception being it is allowable in test 10, but only when test 10 is held outdoors.

The dog may NOT growl, snap, bite, attack or attempt to attack a person or dog.