canine good citizen
K9 University’s Canine Good Citizen® (CGC®) and Therapy Dog Training
Among the rest of our great curriculum that you’re used to receiving here at K9 University, we also offer Canine Good Citizen® Training (CGC), a required step in preparing your dog for its Therapy-Dog career.
The Therapy Dog Training (Canine Good Citizen training – CGC®) program, is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet image of the CGC logo 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. This certificate is not a title, but rather a symbol that the team passed the requirements of the program, and is, therefore, a good citizen.
The Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC®) lays the foundation for other AKC activities, as well as being a basic requirement to a Therapy Dog career. This type of training enhances the bond between the owner and dog, plus enhances the satisfaction level of the dog team.
Look up the CGC® Approved Evaluators list.
Prerequisite: Current vaccinations; K9 University trainer evaluation.
Our CGC / Therapy classes are done on a private one-on-one setting, as well as group classes. You may call or Contact Us for additional questions.
Prerequisite: Reasonable obedience is required, as well as a dog that is good with people and dogs. Current vaccinations need to be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

The AKC CGC program has ten skills that must be mastered by all dogs that successfully complete it.
These skill exercises are done on leash, and consist of the following:
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three) to demonstrate that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
Test 7: Coming when called
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.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
To demonstrate the dog is confident when faced with common distracting situations, the evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane.
Test 10: Supervised separation
good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes.