AKC CGC

The American Kennel Club has established the “Canine Good Citizen” program as a way of recognizing basic “good manners” in pet dogs. Dogs of any breed or of mixed breed, intact or neutered, are eligible for CGC certification. Canine Dimensions is an authorized evaluator for this program. Here’s some more information about the CGC program, courtesy of the American Kennel Club:

“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 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 Sponsored by K9 Advantix® 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.”

Canine Dimensions certified dog trainers provide CGC related dog training and CGC testing for the American Kennel club in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas, Georgia and Delaware:

NJ:       Atlantic County

            Burlington County

            Camden County

            Gloucester

            Monmouth County

            Middlesex

            Mercer

            Ocean County

            Somerset County

           

PA:      Bucks County

            Chester County

            Delaware County

            Montgomery County

            Philadelphia

 

DE:      New Castle County

 

FL:       Most of South Florida

 

GA:      Atlanta Metro Area

 

TX:       Dallas Metro Area

 

AZ:       Phoenix Metro Area, Serving the Entire Phoenix Valley Region

 

VT:       The entire state of Vermont

 

Click here to view the CGC test items.