This program is open for ALL dogs whether the dog is a purebred or a mixed breed!!

The 10 steps of the CGC test:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger
   Evaluator approaches, shakes hands with handler. Does not touch dog.
2. Sitting politely for petting
   Evaluator pets dog, dog must show no shyness or resentment.
3. Appearance and grooming
   Evaluator inspects dog, combs or brushes lightly, examines ears & each front foot.
4. Out for a walk
   Handler takes dog for a short walk including right turn, left turn, about turn, and stop.
5. Walking through a crowd
   Dog and handler walk close to several people; dog may show casual interst but not jump up.
6. Sit and down on command/Staying in place
   Handler shows dog can do sit and down, then chooses a position, leaves dog and goes to the end of a 20ft. line and returns immediately.
7. Coming when called
   With dog still on 10 ft. line from Test 6, handler walk out 10ft. and calls the dog.
8. Reaction to another dog
   Two handlers and dogs approach, shake hands, exchange pleasantries, move on. Dogs can show casual interest.
9. Reaction to distractions
   Distractions are presented; dog may not panic or show aggression.
10. Supervised separation
    Handler goes out of sight for 3-min. Dog is held on 6-ft. leash by an evaluator.

In addition to the dog passing the above 10 evaulations, the owner of the dog must sign a owner's commitment to responsible dog ownership. The commitment reads as follows:

I understand that to truly be a Canine Good Citizen, my dog needs a responsible owner, I agree to maintain my dog's health, safety, and quality of life. By participation in the Canine Good Citizen test, I agree:

I will be responsible for my dog's health need. These include:
• routine veterinary care including check-ups and vaccines
• adequate nutrition through proper diet, clean water at all times
• daily exercise and regular bathing and grooming.

I will be responsible for my dog's safety.
• I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate, not letting my dog run loose, and using a leash in public.
• I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification (which may include collar tags, tattoos, or microchip ID).

I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.
• I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood.
• I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard, in a hotel room, etc.
• I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog's waste in all public areas such as on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, parks, etc.
• I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog's waste in wilderness areas, on hiking trails, campgrounds and in off-leash parks.

I will be responsible for my dog's quality of life.
• I understand that basic training is beneficial to all dogs.
• I will give my dog attention and playtime.
• I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring.

I'm so excited that my girls have passed their CGC tests. This is the first step in their education/training. I hope there are many more steps we will climb together.

I also hope that you will look into the CGC for YOUR dog/puppy. I've heard that in some areas of the US...insurance companys offer discounts if your dog has their CGC. And some areas, off-leash dog parks are reserved for dogs with a CGC.

The benefits are many...the drawbacks??? I can't think of any!

Good luck!!!!