(877-858-8738)
Call today and schedule a free in-home interview with you and your pet(s)!

AKC C.G.C. & S.T.A.R. PROGRAM

C anine
G ood
C itizen

Welcome to the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program. The CGC Test is a certification program that tests dogs in simulated everyday situations in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere. The CGC Program rewards dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable family members as well as community member in good standing.

The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen Test is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community. Dogs become respected members of their communities when they are trained to act mannerly in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. All dogs including purebreds and mixed breeds are embraced by and welcomed in the Canine Good Citizen Program.

Canine Good Citizen training is fun, useful, and will help you and your dog establish a closer bond. The American Kennel Club urges all dog owners to participate in this program, thereby assuring that our beloved dogs will be welcome and respected members of the community.

What does the test consist of?

Accepting a Friendly Stranger. This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.
Sitting Politely for Petting. This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.
Appearance and Grooming. This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern and sense of responsibility.
Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Leash). This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers.
Walking through a Crowd. This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.
Sit and Down on Command/Stay in Place. This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).
Coming when Called. This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come.
Reaction to Another Dog. This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.
Reaction to Distractions. This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.
Supervised Separation. This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners.

What the Test Procedures?
Your dog will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. A score is not given in CGC as in formal obedience. No dog “fails” the Canine Good Citizen Test. If a dog has not yet learned a skill, it simply needs a little more training. To pass the CGC Test, your dog must pass all 10 items of the test. You will be allowed to talk to your dog during testing and you may offer praise and encouragement. Food can not be used as a reward and your dog must be on a flat collar (no training collars).

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy

S ocialization
T raining
A ctivity
R esponsibility

How does it work?
When you complete a basic training class (taught by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator) with your puppy (up to 1 year old) your puppy is eligible to be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.

You’ll attend any puppy or basic training class at least 6 weeks. Your instructor will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test at the end of the course. Upon passing the test you’ll get an application to send to AKC for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. All dogs are welcome to participate in the program including purebreds and mixed breeds.

Your puppy will receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal (for display or memento purpose; not suitable as a collar tag). You and your puppy will be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records. In addition, so that you can continue learning, you’ll receive our AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package that includes:

A beautiful, frameable certificate designating your puppy is in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records at AKC
AKC Puppy Handbook, a valuable resource
Discount to enroll in AKC Companion Animal Recovery Corporation, a 24-hour recovery service.
Ongoing Monthly Email Newsletter: Your AKC. This includes training tips and up-to-date information every dog owner needs to know. We want you and your puppy to continue learning beyond puppy classes.

AKC CGC Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge applies to the S.T.A.R. Puppy owner as well.

I will be responsible for my dog’s health needs. These include:
1. Routine veterinary care including check-ups and vaccines
2. Adequate nutrition through proper diet; clean water at all times
3. Daily exercise and regular bathing and grooming
I will be responsible for my dog’s safety.
1. I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate, not letting my dog run loose, and using a leash in public.
2. I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification when appropriate (which may include collar tags, tattoos,k or microchip ID).
3. I will provide adequate supervision when my dog and children are together.
I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.
1. I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood.
2. I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard, in a hotel room, etc.
3. I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in all public areas such as on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, parks, etc.
4. I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in wilderness areas, on hiking trails, campgrounds and in off-leash parks.
I will be responsible for my dog’s quality of life.
1. I understand that basic training is beneficial to all dogs.
2. I will give my dog attention and playtime.
3. I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring.