Canine Good Citizen Dog Training

Training for The Canine Good Citizen

Best For advanced Owners and Pups looking to go into therapy work or want a challenge!

What is the Canine Good citizen test?

The Canine Good Citizen Test is a 10 challenge test to identify dogs that fully understand and have mastered the basic dog training commands. This test is the first step to becoming a therapy dog, and is seen as a certification that your dog can be trusted in public settings. 

This training is more intense and requires more dedication as it will require the owner to train in public settings with their dog, have consistent training schedules, and work towards specific behaviors without the use of treats or pressure. 

What are the Ten Tests in the CGC?

Test 1 – Interaction with a stranger

The owner is approached by someone they and their pet have not met before. The owner must shake hands, greet the person, and have the person walk away while the dog is seated next to the owner. The dog may not say hi, sniff, or show signs of aggression to the new person.

Test 2 – Interaction with the dog

The owner is approached by someone they and their pet have not met before. The new person will ask to pet the dog and then once prompted, pet the dog. After about 2- 3 seconds, the new person will leave. The dog may not jump, mouth, or show signs of anxiety or aggression to the new person.

Test 3 – Grooming and Vet Handling

The owner will supply a brush to the trainer or trainer’s proxy. The trainer will then handle the paws, the ears, and the fur of the dog by brushing it. The dog cannot show signs of anxiety or aggression.

Test 4 – Walking on a Loose Leash

The owner will walk the dog in a predetermined pattern that includes a left turn, a right turn, a u-turn and a stop. The dog may not pull and the owner may not use force to keep the dog within heel range.

Test 5- Walking on a Loose Leash through a group of people

The owner will walk the dog in a predetermined pattern through a crowd (3 people or more) with distractions that includes a left turn, a right turn, a u-turn and a stop. The dog may not pull or interact with the crowd, and the owner may not use force to keep the dog within heel range.

Test 6 – Sit, Down, and Stay for 20 ft.

The owner will have the dog perform a sit, a down, and then a stay. The owner will walk 20 feet away, and then when prompted, return to the dog and release them. The dog may not get up early.

Test 7 – Coming when called at 20 foot distance

The owner will have the dog in a stay or give the dog to the trainer and walk 20 feet away. When prompted, the owner will call the dog. The dog must head directly to the owner and stop at them.

Test 8 – Interaction with other dogs present

The owner will be approached by another owner with a CGC certified dog. Both Owners will stop, shake hands, and then pass by with their respective dogs by their sides. Neither dog may greet each other, or show signs of aggression.

Test 9 – Reaction to distractions

The owner will have their dog by their side. The CGC evaluator will then have a distraction (either loud and startling or excitement inducing). Once the distraction is initiated, the dog needs to respond to the owner after being asked. The dog is not allowed to get overstimulated or approach the distraction

Test 10 – Being left alone for 3 minutes

The owner will give the dog to a new individual and disappear out of sight for 3 minutes. Once the three minutes are over, the owner will come back and retrieve the dog. The dog is not allowed to whine, pull or bark in regards to their owner’s disappearance.

Price List – Canine Good Citizen Lessons

Training Sessions at a location of the owners choosing (home or public place)

CGC/Therapy Private 1 on 1

Six weekly training sessions for the puppy curriculum

$140.00 USD

CGC/THERAPY PRIVATE 1 ON 1 – 4 pack

Six weekly training sessions for the adult curriculum

$490.00 USD

CGC/THERAPY PRIVATE 1 ON 1 – 6 PACK

Four sessions (one hour each) with a Barkology 101 trainer – Save $60

$700.00 USD