Is YOUR dog a Canine Good Citizen?

What is Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and why would you consider this distinction for your family pet?

Developed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the CGC has become a valuable program utilized by individual pet owners and the rescue community alike.

The advantages can be very personal for you, your family, and your pet. Plus, it can actually provide your pet with skills that could ultimately keep it safe from falling into the rescue system one day! It also helps them in their confidence and emotional well-being, so CGC training can serve your dog and you on so many levels.

CGC program offerings include:

AKC S.T.A.R Puppy

AKC Community Canine (GCC-A)

AKC Urban CGC

Canine Good Citizen

According to the AKC:

“Started in 1989, the CGC 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 CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.”

On the AKC’s website they note:

“As you work with your dog to teach the CGC 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.”

Below are the items required and here’s a link with full details.

Accepting a friendly stranger
Sitting politely for petting
Appearance and grooming
Out for a walk (waling on a loose lead)
Walking through a crowd
Sit and down on cue and stay in place
Coming when called
Reaction to another dog
Reaction to distraction
Supervised separation

4 on the Floor Dog Training's Perspective on CGC Training

Kelly Citrin, founder and lead trainer at 4 on the Floor Dog Training in Rockville, Maryland explains that the CGC program was founded to answer the question of how we ensure that dogs are well behaved, welcome members of any community.

Owners are required to sign a CGC responsible dog owners’ pledge. When dog has passed it shows:

CGC training displays an owner’s commitment to responsible dog ownership.

Passing CGC requires that your dog:

– is under basic instructional control

– can respond to simple verbal cues while on leash

– is reliable when in the presence of people and other animals.

Overall, CGC Proves owner’s commitment to having a well-mannered dog.

If want to go onto therapy work, service dog work or dog sports. Beneficial for all of these things and more!

CGC skills are great for any pet owner to have a dog that is well adjusted and comfortable in social settings for every day life.

CGC skills can go a long way when it comes to housing situations, etc. where a dog’s behavior may be considered.

Pet owners who may find travel is a necessary part of their lifestyle will find dogs with CGC skills will make their movements less stressful for themselves AND their dog!

Photos provided by 4 on the Floor

For puppies, Citrin utilizes CGS as essentially an “end cap” after 8-9 months of other training.

CGC training sets dogs up for success.

Need to be pretty well socialized.

Adult dogs can go into CGC directly If they have reliable sits, downs, recalls and a stay can go right into CGC The program includes 6 weeks. with the 7th week the week of testing.

Classes help strengthen the skills necessary to pass the Canine Good Citizen evaluation and for real life.

4 on the Floor offers several different CGC classes and teaches them throughout the year including Advanced about 5x a year and urban CGC 3 times a year.

In addition to prepping for CGC test, the training helps strengthen your dog’s focus on you and is a perfect doorway to Therapy Dog work.

When selecting which trainer/evaluator you choose for your dog’s CDC training review the methods that trainer uses.

Citrin suggests that you choose providers who do not use aversive tools or techniques that are scientifically proven to cause more problems for your pet in the long run.

Find an experienced fear/force free trainer who will teach beyond the test and prepare for the real world.

CDC training does not always result in a pa4 ssing score the first time around, but Citrin notes “that’s ok!”

Owners and their dogs are encouraged to work on the skills that need to be refined and repeat/take the class again!

CGC class video!

Pictures from 4 on the Floor Canine Good Citizen class below!

Citrin’s personal journey working with rescues has led her to integrate discounted CGC training for some local rescues in order to assist them in prepping their rescue dogs for improved chances for adoption and a happy ever after that will reduce returns.

These local rescues she has worked with includes:

4 on the Floor also has a special scholarship fund to assist other pets in need. Learn more about their Cooper Fund program.

CGC used in preparing dogs for veteran related programs

CGC skills used in preparing dogs for veteran companion type ownership situations

The Rescue for PTSD

The Rescue interfaces with shelters and rescues to help homeless pets in their care get trained as dogs to assist veterans and first responders with PTSD.

Paws for Heroes

Paws for Heroes rescues homeless dogs and professionally train them to serve as companion dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD, at no cost to the veteran.

Setting up shelter/rescue dogs for success

Rescue programs directly have utilized CGC training to assist in making their adoptables easier to adopt.

In fact, Austin Pets Alive! introduced the CGC prep in 2014 with the help of Best Friends Animal Society. The video below shares the benefit of CGC training within the shelter/rescue community.

Recap

Setting dogs up for success

The CGC is a great training tool for the typical dog owner as well as serving a great role within the shelter/rescue and service animal world. This training sets up dogs for success, improves the owner/dog bond and ultimately can provide dogs with increased safety and opportunities within the community.