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Accepting a Friendly Stranger

The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler.

Sitting Politely for Petting

The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.

Appearance and Grooming

The dog will permit someone to check its ears and front feet, as a groomer or veterinarian would do.

Out for a Walk (walking on a loose lead)

Following the evaluator’s instructions, the dog will walk on a loose lead (with the handler/owner).

Canine Good Citizen Test Requirements

Please call to schedule your CGC Test

The American Kennel Club developed the Canine Good Citizen test to demonstrate to the general public that any dog can learn good manners and behavior. The test is available to all dogs - old or young, large or small, purebred or mixed breed, registered or non-registered. It is administered by certified evaluators, who then give the owner a form which may be mailed to the AKC, which issues the CGC certificate. Recently they added another option for AKC registered dogs -- for an additional fee the CGC may be added to the dog's performance records, and "CGC" will be included in the dog's registered name, as are any other performance titles the dog has earned.

Oakhurst Obedience Classes offers the CGC test by appointment The test is free to our current students, but is open to others for a modest fee. Below are brief descriptions of the behaviors tested. To register for the next test, click the button to download a registration form. (If you have difficulty downloading the form, e-mail Chris at cclaussen1@tampabay.rr.com and we will e-mail you a form.)

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).

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.

Coming When Called

This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler (from 10 feet on a leash).

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.

Reaction to Distraction

The evaluator will select and present two distractions such as dropping a chair, etc.

Supervised Separation

This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. The owner will go 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.

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