The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification is more than just a test. It’s a trusted way to show your dog’s good manners, reliability, and your commitment as a responsible owner. At Neuman K-9 Academy, we encourage every dog-owner team to pursue this milestone, not only for the recognition but for the lasting behavioral foundation it builds.
What Is the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program?
The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program was created by the American Kennel Club to recognize dogs that exhibit good manners at home and in the community.
The CGC test includes 10 core behaviors that reflect real-world skills, such as greeting strangers, walking calmly on leash, and responding politely to distractions.
Dogs who pass earn the official CGC certificate, proving they are confident, obedient, and socially responsible companions.
Why the CGC Certification Is Important
1. It Proves Your Dog’s Manners and Reliability
A CGC title demonstrates your dog’s ability to behave around people and other dogs, whether in the neighborhood, at the vet, or on public outings.
2. It Builds the Foundation for Advanced Training
The CGC is often a stepping stone to advanced obedience, therapy-dog certification, or service-dog programs. It shows your dog is ready for the next level of challenge and focus.
3. It Reflects Responsible Ownership
Earning the CGC highlights your dedication to proper training, socialization, and positive leadership, which are the key traits of a responsible dog owner.
4. It Can Open Doors
Some landlords, insurance providers, and local municipalities recognize CGC-certified dogs as safe and reliable companions, which can make housing, travel, and public access easier.
10 Canine Good Citizen Requirements
As mentioned earlier, there will be a 10-step test for the dogs while going through the CGC program. Below, we go through each of the tests so that you know the requirements for canine good citizenship if you decide to enrol your dog in this program:
1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger
To pass the test, your dog must be able to stay calm and allow a friendly stranger to approach. This means your dog should not show any form of aggression or fear. Your dog isn’t required to interact with the stranger, but it should maintain a calm manner.
2. Sitting Politely for Petting
Most of the time, when a stranger approaches your dog, they want to pet it. Your dog should not be too excited and jump around a lot while the stranger attempts to pet it. Instead, it should be sitting down politely, waiting without barking.
3. Appearance and Grooming
This will ensure that your dog practices good grooming manners. The evaluator will check the condition of your dog’s front paws and ears, similar to when being taken to a groomer or vet. If they show good manners, then it’s a good sign.
4. Walking on a Loose Leash
If your dog keeps pulling while on a leash, that’s not a good sign. It means that you don’t have good control over the dog. Through this test, you’ll be required to walk through turns and several stops to see how your dog behaves.
Also read How to Loose Leash Train Your Dog
5. Walking through a Crowd
During this test, you are required to walk through a crowd with your dog. It typically consists of a small group, while your dog has to avoid jumping or barking at them.
6. Sit and Down on Command, and Stay in Place
Your dog should be able to listen to basic dog commands such as sit or down. If your dog is able to stay still while you move away, it means that your dog is obedient.
7. Coming when Called
If you call out to your dog and it comes straight to you, it shows that it listens to you. This is especially useful during emergency situations or where safety is involved.
8. Reaction to Another Dog
There will be two other dogs passing by you and your dog that will stop, shake hands and walk away. During this brief interaction, your dog should maintain a calm manner without barking too much or reacting aggressively.
Also read about How to Socialize Your Puppy Properly
9. Reaction to Distractions
Your dog will be given several distractions, such as dropping an item on the floor or passing by with a roller skate. If your dog doesn’t show any aggression or become anxious, it’s a good sign.
10. Supervised Separation
A test that involves identifying if your dog has separation anxiety. The dog will be taken away from you for up to three minutes. If your dog doesn’t show any panic or excessive barking, it means that your dog is able to be separated from you.
How to Prepare for the CGC Test
1. Study the 10 Test Items
Review each component of the test so you know what to expect. These include skills like “Sit and Stay,” “Walking on a Loose Leash,” “Accepting a Friendly Stranger,” and more.
2. Practice in Real-World Environments
The CGC test is designed to assess behavior in everyday situations. Train in parks, sidewalks, and busy areas to help your dog stay focused and confident under distraction.
3. Reinforce Calmness and Confidence
Reward your dog for calm, steady behavior around new people and noises. The test rewards composure, not just obedience.
4. Polish Your Handling Skills
Remember: the CGC is a team effort. Your communication, leash handling, and timing matter as much as your dog’s responses.
5. Enroll in a Professional CGC Prep Course
At Neuman K-9 Academy, our trainers simulate real-test conditions and guide you through each requirement, ensuring you and your dog are fully prepared and confident on test day.
The Reward of Earning CGC
Achieving the Canine Good Citizen title is more than just earning a certificate. It reflects your hard work, leadership, and the strong bond you share with your dog.
It represents a foundation of trust and respect that will carry into all aspects of your dog’s life.
Whether you’re pursuing therapy work, advanced obedience, or simply a well-mannered companion, the CGC program helps your dog stand out as a true example of good citizenship.
Train With the Experts at Neuman K-9 Academy
Our experienced dog trainers offer CGC Preparation Programs that teach your dog the skills and manners needed to succeed in the test and in everyday life.
Through hands-on instruction, structured exercises, and real-world exposure, we help your dog perform confidently and calmly in any environment.
Conclusion
Join our CGC Preparation Program in Minnesota at Neuman K-9 Academy and train with experienced professionals who will help your dog succeed with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for the CGC test or looking to socialize and train your puppy for long-term success, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.