Training your dog to become a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is more than just teaching tricks; it’s about nurturing good manners and respectful behavior. The CGC program, developed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), recognizes dogs that demonstrate essential training skills and exhibit good behavior in their communities.
This guide provides a straightforward, comprehensive approach for pet parents to master these essential skills alongside their furry friends.
AKC Family Dog Program: Canine Good Citizen
The CGC program encompasses various behaviors that ensure dogs can be well-mannered in different environments. This includes basic obedience commands, as well as interpersonal skills when interacting with people and other animals.
The program not only benefits dogs but also gives pet parents peace of mind knowing their dogs can behave positively in diverse settings. Research shows that responsible pet ownership can reduce the rates of dogs being surrendered to shelters, which enhances community wellbeing. In fact, communities that promote such programs have seen up to a 20% decrease in shelter intakes over five years.
AKC's Family Dog Program is designed for pet parents, but sport dogs can (and do) play too. In addition to the CGC test, it also includes Trick Dog, Fetch and Fit Dog.
Step 1: Basic Commands
These commands set the groundwork for advanced training and are crucial for effective dog management.
Sit
Stay
Come
Down
Leave it
To teach these commands, use positive reinforcement techniques like small treats or enthusiastic praise. Aim for at least two 5-minute practice sessions per day, as consistency and repetitions are fundamental to learning.
For step by step video tutorials on how to train each skill, please visit my CGC Skills Training playlist on YouTube (please subscribe to my channel while you're visiting).
On test day, you and your dog will demonstrate each skill.
Step 2: Socialization Skills
Socialization is vital for your dog's growth and a crucial part of the CGC process. Dogs should be exposed to various environments, people, and animals. You can facilitate this by:
Visiting pet-friendly parks, stores and restaurants weekly.
Attending dog festivals or community events.
Research shows that dogs who socialize regularly are 70% less likely to develop behavioral issues. Pet parents should closely watch their dog's reactions during these outings and provide guidance as necessary to help the dog stay calm and confident.
On test day, you and your dog will walk by another dog.
Training tip: Reward your dog for calmness. When they are resting at home, drop a treat next to them and go about your day. Your dog will learn they get treats for not doing anything. Take this skill on the road and do it outside dog parks, at the park, and dog friendly stores and restaurants. Click here for a video demo of how to reward for calmness.
Step 3: Grooming and Handling
A critical CGC skill is the dog's ability to tolerate grooming and handling. This includes:
Brushing their coat without fuss.
Allowing inspection of ears and teeth comfortably.
Accepting friendly petting from strangers without signs of distress.
Introduce grooming tools slowly. Reward your dog for calm behavior, starting with brief handling sessions, and gradually increasing duration. Dogs introduced to grooming routines from a young age have shown a 50% reduction in anxiety during veterinary visits and grooming appointments.
On test day, your evaluator will approach you and ask to pet your dog. They touch your dog's ears, both front paws and lightly brush your dog for a few seconds.
Pro tip: if you dog is paw sensitive, teaching a high 5 is a fun way to pass this section.
Step 4: Walking on a Leash
Walking politely on a leash is fundamental to CGC skill. A well-trained dog should walk beside their owner without pulling or lunging. To teach this skill:
Use a comfortable leather, biothane or nylon leash and collar or nonrestrictive harness.
Start in a quiet area and gradually introduce more distractions.
Positive reinforcement remains key. Reward the dog with treats or praise for maintaining a loose leash. Consistent practice will lead to a well-mannered walking partner.
On test day, you and your dog will walk through a crowd of at least 3 people.
Pro Tip: Your dog should be in a flat buckle or martingale collar only. Prong collars, pinch collars, gentle leaders, head collars and e-collars are not allowed for testing.
Step 5: Reaction to Distractions
Your dog must learn to remain calm despite distractions, which may come from other animals, sounds, or movements. To practice:
Expose dogs to various sounds and environments in controlled settings.
Reward them for displaying calm behavior during these exposures.
Focused training sessions will strengthen your dog's ability to ignore distractions and stay engaged with you.
On test day, your evaluator will drop an aluminum can, cooking pot or something similar a few feet away from the dog during testing. It's sometimes happens when your dog is walking through a crowd.
Step 6: Acceptance of Strangers
A good dog should accept friendly strangers without fear or aggression. Train your dog to be comfortable around new people by:
Frequenting busy public places, like parks or dog-friendly cafés.
Asking friends to approach and greet your dog calmly.
When you approach a dog, approach from the side and not head on. Pet the dog on the shoulder or chest instead of on top of the head.
Use positive reinforcement when your dog behaves well during these introductions, which will encourage accepting new faces with confidence.
Step 7: Supervised Separation
Your dog should learn to stay calm without you for short amounts of time. Help your dog be polite to other people and dogs when you are not with them.
Practice leaving your dog with a person for a few seconds.
Increase the time you are away from your dog.
Vary your time away. Start with 10 seconds, then 30, then 5, then 25.
Stay calm when you approach your dog. If your dog is excited to see you, they may pull on the lead before you return to them. This is not polite for the person holding the leash. Severe separation anxiety is a complex issue and should be managed on a case by case basis with you, your vet, and your canine behaviorist.
On test day, you'll leave your dog with the evaluator or assistant for 3 minutes.
Step 8: Building Trust with the Trainer (that's you!)
A solid bond between the dog and trainer is essential throughout training. You're training your dog. Dog trainers and AKC Evaluators are here to help. Building this trust creates a positive learning environment. Consider these tips:
Keep a calm and positive demeanor during training.
Utilize treats and praise effectively to encourage learning.
Make training sessions fun and interactive.
When the dog trusts their trainer, they will be more open and responsive during learning.
Step 10: Practice, Patience, and Consistency
Achieving success in CGC training demands commitment and perseverance. Set realistic expectations and stay dedicated to practicing. Regular sessions foster improvement, and celebrating small achievements motivates continued effort.
Ensure that training doesn't overwhelm your dog to keep enthusiasm high. Short, enjoyable practice can yield better results over time than lengthy, tedious sessions.
Keep your eyes out for Echo's CGC Test Video Coming Soon!
Why is this important?
Passing the canine good citizen test is required for therapy dog and service dog training programs.
Some insurance companies give you a discount on premiums. Reach out to your insurance provider to see if you qualify!
I don't have a purebred.
I don't care about titles and ribbons.
That's OK!
You can still have a well trained dog. Hold on to the paperwork after the test, in case you need it for later. Nothing says you HAVE to register your dog with AKC or title your dog.
Note: if you do want the title, you will need to register your dog. Mixed breed dogs can register with the AKC Canine Partners program. Check AKC's website for more info.
Wrapping It Up
Mastering the skills needed for the Canine Good Citizen program is a fulfilling experience for both pets and parents. It cultivates good behavior while strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, pet parents can guide their dogs through the training process. This journey not only benefits the individual dog but promotes responsible ownership and community harmony.
Ultimately, mastering these skills leads to safer and more enjoyable outings, ensuring that every adventure with your furry friend is delightful.
Happy training!
Additional Resources:
Check out our Live Classes for upcoming CGC Training
Can't get out? Look at our Virtual Home Manners Online Course (Coming Soon) for More Info!
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