Canine Good Citizen
“Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program: a two-part course designed to help you and your dog be the best you can be–together. Since 1989, over 1 million dogs and their owners have participated in CGC, mastering ten basic skills that instill confidence and good manners in and out of your home.
Not only does CGC training create long-lasting trust between you and your pup, but also ensures you’ll be good neighbors and friends to everyone around you—and, if you’re interested in going beyond the basics, CGC also lays the foundation for other AKC sports and activities like obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events.”
Who can participate?
“There are no age minimums or limits for participating in the Canine Good Citizen program, because yes, you actually can teach an old dog new tricks! And, both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome.
With that being said, we also know that training a puppy is different than training an adult dog, so we have special training, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, that teaches the starting points of CGC skills for young dogs. Additionally, we have the CGC-Ready program prepares dogs in special situations to take the CGC test. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, and AKC Urban CGC. AKC Family Dog.”
The Benefits of CGC.
“For starters, we know it’s up to us as humans to lead the charge and promote responsible pet ownership, so our skills are based on learning how to better understand and communicate with each other. Through the hours of training and practice, you’ll deepen your bond and become a more connected pair. This bond allows you to become the best companions for each other, and great neighbors to those around you. It’s a win, win, win!
Beyond the bonding, there are practical benefits to CGC training, too. Not only will you and your dog understand the basics of dog training, and master skills like sit, down and stay, but you’ll know your dog will be able to handle herself with grace in a crowd and be a welcomed client at the vet or groomer. The CGC title is also a prerequisite for many therapy dog certifications, as well as a great introduction to more advanced dog sports and activities. Some homeowners’ insurance programs even offer discounts for CGC dogs, and an increasing number of apartments and condos see CGC awards as a major bonus for becoming a resident.”
A.K.C Star Puppy.
“Even though a dog may start CGC at any age, puppies are sometimes developmentally more suited for getting their AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy award first, then moving up to CGC after graduation. Although AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is not a mandatory requirement to participate in CGC, it creates a solid foundation for puppies who continue on to additional training.”
AKC Canine Good Citizen
