A.K.C. CANINE GOOD CITIZEN CERTIFICATION:

Is YOUR dog a good citizen when he's out in public?

If he knows basic obedience commands, and is friendly around other dogs and people, he is a good candidate for this American Kennel Club sponsored certification program! 

All breeds of dogs (mixed or purebred) who have already had obedience training or are currently enrolled in a training class are welcome to try to earn their “Good Citizen” Certificate.  Your dog will be tested on all ten skills outlined in the A.K.C. Canine Good Citizen program, which evaluates his responses to basic obedience commands, as well as determining if he will behave in a well mannered way when out in public and in the midst of distractions.  Students who pass all ten parts of the test will receive paperwork needed to obtain their official certificate from American Kennel Club.   An embroidered patch (to put on your jacket or on your dog's bandana?) or a collar tag will be available for purchase to students who pass the certification.  A list of all dogs who earn their C.G.C. Certificate is sent to the American Kennel Club in New York to be recorded officially on your dog's records, and we also congratulate and list these commendable canines and their handlers on the "Awards" section of our "Wags & Brags" page of this website!

Listed below are the ten skills to be tested. 

SKILL 1:  ACCEPTING A FRIENDLY STRANGER

this test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.  The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries.  The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

SKILL 2:  SITTING POLITELY FOR PETTING

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.  The dog should sit at the handler's side as the evaluator approaches and begins to pet the dog on the head and body only.  The dog may stand in place to accept petting.  The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

SKILL 3: APPEARANCE AND GROOMING

This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so.  It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility.  The evaluator inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog, and lightly examines the ears and each front foot.

SKILL 4:  OUT FOR A WALK (WALKING ON A LOOSE LEASH)

This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog.  The dog may be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers.  There must be a left turn, a right turn and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and another at the end.  The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.

SKILL 5:  WALKING THROUGH A CROWD

This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.  The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three).  The dog may show some interest in the strangers, without appearing over exuberant, shy or resentful.  The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test.  The dog should not be straining at the leash.

SKILL 6:  SIT AND DOWN ON COMMAND/ STAYING IN PLACE

This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's command to sit and down, and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).  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 by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of a 20-foot line.  The dog must remain in place, but may change positions.

SKILL 7:  COMING WHEN CALLED

This test 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 call the dog.  The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come.  The handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instruction to the dog as the evaluator provides mild distractions (e.g., petting)

SKILL 8:  REACTION TO ANOTHER DOG

This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.  Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 5 yards.  The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other.

SKILL 9:  REACTIONS TO DISTRACTIONS

This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations, such as the dropping of a large book, something with wheels rolling by, or a jogger running in front of the dog.  The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and/or appear slightly startled, but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.

SKILL 10:  SUPERVISED SEPARATION

This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners.  Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash.  The owner will go out of sight for 3 minutes.  The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than a mild agitation or nervousness.

In most locations, we run this program as a two-week session, to allow for practice on skills if needed, however, some dogs may be able to pass all ten skills within one meeting.  If there are some skills you don't pass, your evaluator can give you some pointers on what to work on at home to prepare for passing the remaining skills to earn your certificate.  Those who do not pass all 10 skills and wish to to re-take the test may do so at a later test date for just $5.00. 

We offer the Canine Good Citizen Certification Test four times throughout the year in each of the following cities:  Mission Viejo, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, San Dimas, Irvine, and Yorba Linda.    See our class schedule (listed as “Good Cit”) to find the location or date most convenient for you.  The fee is usually about $20 to $25, depending on the city sponsoring the class. (they may have an extra surcharge or non-resident fee)  You may pre-register through Dog Services (Registration Form HERE) for just $20.

Please pre-register, and bring your dog to first meeting with a leash, collar, and vaccination records.  Also, bring his grooming brush or comb, and a 20’ or 30’ long line if you have one.  If your dog is registered with A.K.C., write down his A.K.C. number, so you’ll have it when filling out the form at class.  Also, decide ahead exactly how you’d like to have his name appear on your official Good Citizen certificate.

  DOG SERVICES UNLIMITED: (714) 532-3647 

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