How To Pass AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

While the term “good citizen” might bring to mind opening doors for strangers or serving on a jury of your peers, the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test measures a dog’s ability to remain calm and compliant when confronted with unfamiliar people, environments, and distractions—a skill that’s hard to achieve without months of training and dedication.

Dogs that pass the CGC test not only earn bragging rights, but the certification can be used to help negotiate pet fees with travel companies and landlords. It can also be the first step towards becoming a therapy dog or earning more advanced training certificates.

To learn more about the Canine Good Citizen test and what it takes for a dog to pass it, we reached out to certified dog trainer Siddhika Bhat at Wagabonding.

Who Can Take the Canine Good Citizen Test?

Since every dog, regardless of age or breed, is capable of good manners, the Canine Good Citizen test is open to any dog and dog parent who would like to take the test. There are no minimum or maximum age limits or prerequisites, and you can re-take the test if the first try isn’t a success. In fact, it’s completely normal not to pass it the first time.

That said, as Bhat explains, not every dog is well-suited for the Canine Good Citizen test. “The CGC test can be particularly challenging for reactive, fearful, and anxious dogs, as it requires them to remain calm around strangers, other dogs, and unpredictable stimuli, which could end up being a potential trigger,” she says.

The 10 CGC Items To Practice

The CGC test is a brief evaluation that takes about 15 minutes to complete. It consists of 10 tasks related to good manners, such as walking through a crowded area and coming when called. Here’s a closer look at each test item, examining what it entails and its purpose.

1. Accept a friendly stranger

• Why: This CGC test item shows that your dog is calm and not a threat when people approach you in public.
• The test: The CGC evaluator will walk up to you, greet you, and pretend to give you a handshake while ignoring your dog. In return, your pup must stay calm and friendly, showing no signs of aggression or shyness.

2. Sit politely for petting

• Why: This task assesses whether your dog can tolerate being touched by a friendly stranger while out in public.
• The test: Your dog will be sitting or standing at your side. The evaluator will then start petting your dog on their head and body. Your dog should readily accept the physical touch without hesitation.

3. Stay calm during a grooming session

• Why: This task shows that your dog can keep cool while being handled or examined by someone like a friend, vet, or groomer. It’s also an examination of their overall physical appearance.
• The test: The CGC evaluator will first ensure that your dog appears healthy, considering criteria such as cleanliness, grooming, and weight/body condition. You’ll then give the evaluator a comb or brush. They will take it from you and gently examine your dog’s ears and each front paw.

4. Walk on a loose leash

• Why: This CGC item showcases your dog’s loose-leash skills and your ability as a handler to control walks.
• The test: For this part of the test, you’ll begin walking with your dog on either side of you. Your dog should be engaged and responsive to your movements and direction changes. You may have to walk on a pre-determined course, or the evaluator may issue you instructions as you walk. Regardless, you’ll have to make a right turn, a left turn, an about turn, and at least two stops.

5. Walk through a crowd

• Why: This test proves your dog can politely navigate pedestrians while walking on a leash in public.
• The test: You and your dog will walk around and near a group of people (at least three). Your dog can show interest in the strangers but can’t jump, pull on the leash, or become overly excited.

6. Sit and stay on cue

• Why: This CGC item shows your dog is well-trained and can respond to your cues to sit, lie down, and remain in a stay.
• The test: Before this task, you’ll switch your dog’s leash to a 20-foot-long lead. When the test begins, you must successfully cue your dog to both sit and lie down. Next, you’ll decide which position to put them in before cueing a stay. You’ll turn your back toward your dog and walk the length of the 20-foot line, then turn around and walk back. Your dog must remain in place until the CGC evaluator tells you to release them.

7. Come when called

• Why: This item shows your dog has a solid recall and will come when called.
• The test: Keeping your dog on the 20-foot line from the previous task, you’ll walk ahead 10 feet and then turn around and call your dog to you. Before you walk away, you can cue a “stay” or “wait” or simply teach your dog to do it automatically ahead of time (e.g., turning your back becomes the cue to stay).

8. Behave politely around other dogs

• Why: This task shows that your dog is well-behaved around strange dogs and can successfully navigate public encounters.
• The test: For this item, you and your dog will walk toward another handler and their dog about 20 feet away. You’ll stop, act like you’re shaking hands with the other handler, and exchange greetings. You will then continue past the handler and their dog for about 10 feet. Your dog should remain by your side and show minimal interest in the other dog and handler.

9. Stay calm during distractions

• Why: This item demonstrates that your dog is confident around common distractions and can remain calm in unexpected situations.
• The test: The CGC evaluator will cause two distractions. These distractions could be dropping a chair or crutch, rolling a crate dolly past your pup, or jogging in front of your dog. While your dog may show general interest and curiosity, they should not panic, run away, bark, or show aggression.

10. Remain calm even when separated

• Why: This task showcases your dog’s ability to be left with a trusted person without any signs of stress.
• The test: Many dogs find this item the most difficult on the CGC test. To complete it, you’ll hand your leash over to the evaluator. Next, you’ll leave the room and be out of sight for 3 minutes. Your dog doesn’t have to stay in position, but they should be able to remain calm while you’re away without showing signs of agitation like barking, whining, or pacing.

If your canine companion could ace all these skills, you may be only a test away from officially proving their good citizenship to the world. However, most of us probably see an area or two—or ten—where our dog might need to improve.

To see all ten official CGC skills in action, check out this video and watch Skya pass her certification. It’s not as easy as she makes it look!

What Behaviors Will Evaluators Expect?

Now that we understand what dogs should do for each task, we can look at how they should behave. Here are some behaviors dogs should avoid while completing their CGC test.

• They can’t ignore their guardian or any given cues. To pass the CGC test, a dog must remain engaged and responsive to their handler the entire time.
• They can’t display any aggressive, fear-based, or reactive behavior. Aggressive or reactive behavior, like excessive barking or trying to escape, will cause a dog to fail the test.
• They can’t show any shyness or nervousness. Hiding behind their guardian or cowering also shows that a dog is not well-socialized, which is an essential skill for the CGC test.
• They can’t pull or lunge on the leash. A dog should be able to walk calmly on lead, even in new or distracting environments.
• They can’t be given any treats during the test. While verbal praise is permitted during the CGC test, handlers are not allowed to reward their pets with edible treats.

Training Your Dog for the CGC Test

To prepare for the Canine Good Citizen test, pet parents can seek out group training classes or a private trainer.

Group training classes are typically the most affordable option, costing around $150-$250 for 8 to 12 weeks of group training. These classes often also cover basic obedience and include the CGC test in the overall price.

Private training is a pricier option, costing around $100-$150 per hour or per session. However, this option comes with quite a few perks. First, it’s more convenient, as your trainer can come to your home or meet you at another convenient location. A private session will also be entirely focused on your dog. This means that the trainer can work on the specific skills your dog needs to improve for the CGC test, making the training session as efficient as possible.

Whether in a group class, private lesson, or training your pet on your own, the most important skill that pet parents can reinforce is for their dog to remain calm and stay focused. If you have a dog with mild reactivity that you think could still pass the CGC test, Bhat points out that it will require a lot of extra work.

“Reactive dogs need proactive pet parents who can help their dogs progress through desensitization, confidence-building exercises, and positive reinforcement training tailored to their needs,” she says.

Canine Good Citizen Test FAQs

Read on for some commonly asked questions about the CGC test, along with their respective answers.

What is the purpose of a CGC certification?

The American Kennel Club created the Canine Good Citizen Award in 1989 to recognize trained and tested dogs through evaluation and certification. Just like some professionals earn a Ph.D or M.D. after their names, a dog that passes the CGC test can add the recognition to their AKC title record. The award signifies that your dog is well-behaved in public, even in unfamiliar situations or environments.

How much does a CGC test and certification cost?

The cost of the test varies by location and the individual or company administering the test, ranging anywhere from $20 to $85. Get in touch with a local CGC evaluator on the AKC website to find out the price in your area.

What is a CGC evaluator?

A CGC evaluator is a person with at least two years of experience working with dogs and pet parents who has been approved by the AKC to evaluate dogs that take the Canine Good Citizen test.

Where do I get my dog tested for CGC?

According to the AKC website, the CGC test can be taken at Petco stores nationwide, as well as at many AKC Training Clubs.