Canine Good Citizen title:
Welcome to the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program Sponsored by K9 Advantix®.
Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that 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.
Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good
Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and
performance events. 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. We sincerely hope that CGC will be only a beginning for
you and your dog and that after passing the CGC test, you'll continue training in obedience, agility, tracking, or
performance events.
AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program Sponsored by K9 Advantix® is one of the most rapidly growing
programs in the American Kennel Club. There are many exciting applications of this wonderful, entry level that go
beyond the testing and certifying of dogs.
Many other countries (including England, Australia, Japan, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and Finland)
have developed CGC programs based on the AKC's CGC Program. A CGC Neighborhood Model has been
established, police and animal control agencies use CGC for dealing with dog problems in communities, some
therapy dog groups use the CGC as a partial screening tool, and some 4-H groups around the country have
been using the CGC as a beginning dog training program for children.
A number of specialty (one breed only) clubs give the CGC at their annual national dog show. Dog clubs have
discovered that the CGC is an event that allows everyone to go home a winner. Veterinarians have recognized
the benefits of well-trained dogs and there are some CGC programs in place in veterinary hospitals. State
legislatures began recognizing the CGC program as a means of advocating responsible dog ownership and 22
states now have Canine Good Citizen resolutions.
In a little over one decade, the Canine Good Citizen Program has begun to have an extremely positive impact in
many of our communities. This is a program that can help us assure that the dogs we love will always be
welcomed and well-respected members of our communities.
This information was obtain from the official AKC Web Site.