The Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC) is a certification program that tests dogs in simulated day-to-day situations. This program is open to all dogs. It was developed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to evaluate whether a dog is well-behaved and has good manners in public. It is a one time, pass or fail set of 10 tests demonstrating that your dog is a good companion.

This test of your dog's manners and training is not a competition, and does not require that you and your dog perform with precision.

To pass the CGC test, the dog must be socialized around other people and dogs. He must allow other people to touch him without jumping on them or trying to bite. The dog must also know basic commands such as sit, down, stay and come, as well as walking politely on a leash.

The CGC test is composed of 10 different tests, which are meant to simulate day-to-day life. All dogs passing the test are awarded a certificate from the AKC stating that they are a "Canine Good Citizen."

The purpose of the CGC Test is to ensure that the dog, can be an accepted member of the community because it has been taught to behave well in the home, in public places, and around other dogs.

This test is offered by several local dog clubs in the Albuquerque area throughout the year. For more information contact the Sandia Dog Obedience Club at (505) 898-0604/881-2456 or the Rio Grande Kennel Club at (505) 888-4447.

Test One: Accepting A Friendly Stranger

The dog must allow a friendly stranger to approach and speak with its owner without showing fear or aggression. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness.

Test Two: Sitting Politely for Petting

The dog must sit quietly and allow a stranger to pet it. While the dog is sitting at the handler's side, the stranger pets the dog on the head and body only, then circles the dog and handler completing the test. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness.

Test Three: Appearance & Grooming

This practical test shows that the dog will accept being handled by a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer, or friend of the owner. The dog must be clean and well-groomed since this test also considers the owner's care of the dog. The stranger inspects the dog, then combs and brushes the dog and lightly examines the ears and each front foot.

Test Four: Out For A Walk

This test determines whether the dog walks politely on a leash. The owner must be in control and able to walk the dog without the dog pulling on the leash. The dog may be on either side of the handler. There must be several turns and halts. The dog does not have to be line with the handler and does not have to sit when the handler stops.

Test Five: Walking Through A Crowd

This test demonstrates that the dog can walk politely around strange people in public places without pulling on the leash. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in strangers, without being over exuberant, shy or resentful.

Test Six: Sit & Down On Command/Staying In Place

This test demonstrates that the dog has training. The dog must be able to sit and down on command and be able to stay for a specified amount of time. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to make the dog sit and then down. When instructed, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length on a 20 foot line. The dog must remain in place, but may change positions.

Test Seven: Coming When Called

This test also requires some obedience training and demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and will call the dog. The handler may use body language or encouragement to get the dog to come.

Test Eight: Reaction To Another Dog

This test is designed to determine if the dog is well-behaved around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance, stop, shake hands, and exchange pleasantries, and continue. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. They should not try to greet, attack, or run from the other dog.

Test Nine: Reaction To Distractions

This test demonstrates that the dog can cope with common distracting sights and sounds, such as a person hammering a nail into wood or a jogger running in front of the dog. The dog may express interest and curiosity and may appear slightly startled, but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.

Test 10: Supervised Separation

This is another test that requires some obedience training. It is designed to see if the dog will accept being left briefly with a stranger. The instructor will take and hold the dog's leash while the handler goes out of sight. The dog must remain with the stranger for three minutes and may show mild agitation or worry. It does not have to stay in position, but should not continually make noise, pace, panic, or try to escape from the stranger.

This article was written by Catherine Waters, a volunteer for Animal Services Division.