Loving Guidance, LLC

What is the Canine Good Citizen program?

Started in 1989, the C.G.C. Program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step C.G.C. test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs.  As you work with your dog to teach the C.G.C. skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. 

All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines. Owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate plan and schedule for vaccines and other health care procedures. There is no age limit for the CGC test.....a dog is never too old to be a good citizen.

What is tested in the C.G.C. Evaluation?

1. Accepting a friendly stranger - The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.
2. Sitting Politely for Petting - The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.
3. Appearance and Grooming - The dog will permit someone to check it’s ears and front feet, as a groomer or veterinarian would do.
4. Out for a Walk (walking on a loose lead) - Following the evaluator’s instructions, the dog will walk on a loose lead 
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).
6. Sit and Down on Command and Staying in Place - The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay.
7. Coming When Called - This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler (from 10 feet on a leash).
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 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries.
9. Reaction to Distraction - The evaluator will select and present two distractions such as dropping a chair, etc.
10. Supervised Separation - This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators will take hold of the dog's leash while the owner goes out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. 
    

What do you charge for the CGC Certification?

I charge $25 per dog's evaluation.

Does my dog have to go through training prior to the Certification?

If you feel your dog is ready to take the CGC certification without any training by myself, I would be happy to set up a time to meet you at a local park to conduct the certification. However, I would be more than happy to schedule an evaluation first, where I can run through all the test items of the CGC to determine if there are any areas you need to fine-tune to pass. If everything goes well during the evaluation, we can proceed to conducted the certification at the same time.