Canine Good Citizen Testing

Join the ranks of responsible dog owners by earning the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. Test in person in the Greater St. Louis area. Schedule your test today and showcase your dog’s exemplary behavior!

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Happy dog and his owner

What is the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program?

The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is a widely recognized title that promotes responsible dog ownership and encourages training well-mannered dogs. This program is open to all dogs, purebred or mixed-breed, and evaluates their behavior and obedience in various everyday situations. Earning the CGC certification demonstrates that your dog is a well-behaved member of the community and a joy to live with.

Ready to Test for Canine Good Citizen?

$20 per test

CGC testing is available for in-person sessions in the Greater St. Louis area, including Mascoutah, New Baden, O’Fallon, Fairview Heights, and Belleville.

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CGC Test Sections

  • Accepting a Friendly Stranger: Your dog must show that it can allow a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the handler without showing any signs of aggression or shyness.
  • Appearance and Grooming: Your dog must allow someone to check its ears and feet, as a groomer or veterinarian would do.
  • Walking Through a Crowd: Your dog must show that it can move politely in pedestrian traffic and remain under control in public places.
  • Coming When Called: Your dog must come to the handler when called from a distance of 10 feet.
  • Reaction to Distractions: Your dog must remain calm and well-behaved when faced with common distractions such as a loud noise or a moving object.
  • Sitting Politely for Petting: Your dog should remain calm and allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it remains under control.
  • Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Leash): Your dog must demonstrate that it can walk on a loose leash while keeping pace with its handler.
  • Sit and Down on Command and Staying in Place: Your dog must respond to the handler’s commands to sit and down and must remain in the place directed by the handler.
  • Reaction to Another Dog: Your dog must demonstrate that it can behave politely around other dogs.
  • Supervised Separation: Your dog must be able to stay with a trusted person while the handler is out of sight for three minutes.

Why Get CGC Certified?

  • Builds Trust: Demonstrates that your dog is a well-behaved member of the community.
  • Enhances Training: Encourages continued training and good behavior.
  • Increases Opportunities: Many landlords and property managers consider CGC certification when renting to dog owners.
  • Prepares for Advanced Training: The CGC certification is a great foundation for advanced training and therapy dog certification.

Ready to Take the Test?

Reach out to schedule your CGC test and take the first step towards titling your dog as a Canine Good Citizen.