Canine Good Citizen Evaluation

What you need to know!

What is it?

The Canine Good Citizen evaluation (CGC) is sponsored by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and is used to assess whether or not a dog could be a potential therapy, service, or other kind of working dog. The test is comprised of a number of elements the evaluator will go through with the handler and dog team.

Why do it?

The Canine Good Citizen evaluation often serves as an assessment tool to see how a dog would handle specific situations and events that many service, therapy,, and other working dogs experience while working. The test is often the first step for most working dog teams.

Some landlords and house management companies may also recognize the Canine Good Citizen certification as proof that your dog has been through training.

Who is it for?

The Canine Good Citizen evaluation is for anyone who is interested in potentially doing service or therapy work with their dog. The evaluation will NOT certify your dog as a therapy or service dog. Any breed and any size of dog is welcome to take the evaluation with their owner. The human handler participating in the Canine Good Citizen evaluation must be 18 years or older.

Evaluation Test Items:

There are 10 test items for the evaluation and the dog must pass all 10.

1: Accepting a friendly stranger

2: Sitting politely for petting

3: Appearance and grooming

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

5: Walking through a crowd

6: Sit and down on cue and stay in place

7: Coming when called

8: Reaction to another dog

9: Reaction to distraction

10: Supervised separation

After all 10 test items are completed treats and food may be given to the dog but food and treats are not allowed to be used during the evaluation.

You can find full details on the test items at the AKC website.

How it works:

The first step is to fill out our inquiry form here. And then from there we will schedule a time for the evaluation to take place. Additional information will be provided during that time such as cost, location, and paperwork. The evaluation fee is to cover the time of the evaluator, cost of travel, preparation, and more. Payment will be completed after the evaluation is completed regardless on whether or not the owner and dog team have passed or failed.

There will be some paperwork the owner must submit to the AKC organization directly if they pass in order for them to receive the certificate for their dog.

Dog Requirements:

The dog participating in the evaluation must be completely vaccinated and up to date on vaccines as the evaluation will be help in a public location. The dog cannot have reactive behaviors towards strangers or other dogs as some of the test items include the evaluator interacting with the dog physically and also with another random dog in close distance.

For this evaluation, the dog is permitted to wear any type of body harness, flat collars or martingale style collars. Head halters are also acceptable if your dog is comfortable wearing one. You will also need a 6 foot lead, and a long line (minimum 15 - 20 feet) for distance work.

If you are unsure about any of the requirements or have questions please contact us here.