AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluation
Dog Training in Knoxville, Tenn.
Do you want your pup to become a therapy dog? Or do you want to help them work on their behaviors and manners, both at home and in public spaces? If so, Balanced Paws K9 Training can help you. Our dog training in Knoxville, Tenn., includes offering the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluation. This helpful test assesses a dog’s state of calmness, politeness and obedience in distracting or chaotic situations, such as walking through crowds or meeting new people. We can provide the test for your pup to ensure they are ready to take on the world with you.
What Is the CGC Evaluation?
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluation is a 10-skill behavioral test. Established by the American Kennel Club in 1989, it’s intended to promote responsible dog ownership and good manners. It assesses a dog’s ability to behave politely in everyday situations, including being friendly to strangers, walking on a loose leash, responding to basic commands and remaining calm around distractions. Upon completion, dogs who pass the evaluation will earn an official CGC certificate. Any dog, regardless of breed or registration status, can participate, making the evaluation a good springboard for continued therapy work and training.
The Requirements of a CGC Evaluation
The evaluation consists of 10 objectives that assess a dog’s behavior and manners in real-world social situations. Each objective must be completed satisfactorily, according to the rules and conditions of the test. Here’s what your dog must be able to do in order to achieve CGC certification:
Accepting a friendly stranger as they approach.
Staying calm while the stranger pets them.
Staying still while being brushed and groomed.
Behaving while being walked on a loose leash.
Behaving while walking through a crowd.
Sitting and lying on command and staying in place.
Coming to you when called.
Behaving appropriately when encountering another dog.
Reacting appropriately or staying calm after noises or sudden movements.
Calmly handling being alone during a brief separation from you.
Is My Dog Eligible for CGC?
The CGC test is unique in that it doesn’t disqualify any breed of dog from applying. And your dog doesn’t need to be registered with the American Kennel Club or any other canine organization. The CGC certification is often a prerequisite for therapy dog certifications. It serves as an introduction to more advanced dog sports and activities. Even if you’re not trying to turn your pooch into a therapy dog, the test can still be helpful in strengthening your bond because it allows you to work together to achieve common goals and work on improvement. If you’re interested in learning more about the CGC and what it can do for you and your dog, Balanced Paws K9 Training will be glad to help.