Canine Good Citizen

About the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program

The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test is a certification program that test 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 members 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 welcomed and respected members of the community. 

Creating A Canine Good Citizen

Centuries ago, when dogs were taken from the wild to serve as companions, early dog owners began the process of assuming responsibility for each dog's care and training.  Over time, dogs were trained to obey household rules so they would be welcome family members. Today more than ever, dogs must also have good manners in public to live harmoniously within communities and survive the increasing challenges of anti-canine advocates. 

Every dog should respond to at least four basic commands to function acceptably in public "heel," sit," "down," and "stay."  Response to these commands gives dogs the social skills that defuse anti-canine feelings and foster good citizenship.  However, your dog is not capable of training itself.  It needs your help to become a Canine Good Citizen.

Training results in a controlled dog, one that does not bother the neighbors or their pets.  Trained dogs do not bark at grooming procedures or a veterinarian's examination.  Training stimulates your dog's intelligence and gives its life meaning by letting it know how to please you.   In an emergency, training can save your dog's life.

A trained dog has good manners, which reflect favorable on its owner, its breed and its species.  The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program will help you and dog owners everywhere achieve this goal.  In addition, the AKC recognizes your accomplishment.   

CALL 713-413-1633 TO MAKE YOUR DOGS'S RESERVATION! 

If you are a first timer, please complete an Owner's Agreement and bring it with you as well as a Training Registration form.

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