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What are the AKC CGCs?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen program is one of the most widely recognized dog training and behavior programs in the United States. Designed to encourage responsible dog ownership and well-mannered companions, the CGC program helps dogs develop the skills needed to safely and confidently navigate everyday life.

The program is open to all dogs, including purebred dogs, mixed breeds, rescues, and adopted dogs. Dogs do not need to be AKC registered to participate or earn titles. Any breed, size, or background can work toward

 

CGC titles with proper training and consistency.

The AKC Good Citizen program is made up of three primary title levels:

  • CGC (Canine Good Citizen) – Foundational manners and obedience

  • CGCA (Advanced Canine Good Citizen) – Advanced skills in more distracting environments

  • CGCU (Urban Canine Good Citizen) – Public and city-based behavior skills in real-world settings

 

These titles are designed to evaluate and promote:

  • Calm, stable temperaments

  • Reliable obedience and handler focus

  • Appropriate public behavior

  • Confidence in unfamiliar environments

  • Neutrality around people, dogs, and distractions

 

CGC titles are commonly used as a foundation for:

  • Therapy dog work

  • Service dog training

  • Advanced obedience and sport training

  • Public access preparation

  • School, hospital, and community visitation programs

 

Many landlords, training facilities, therapy organizations, and service dog programs recognize AKC CGC titles as evidence of responsible ownership and advanced behavioral training.

The CGC program emphasizes positive training methods, consistency, and real-world reliability while helping strengthen the bond between dogs and their handlers. Whether a dog is training for public work or simply becoming a well-mannered family companion, the CGC program provides a respected national standard for canine behavior and obedience.

AKC CGC Test

CGC Test Items (10 Skills Evaluated)
The CGC test includes ten specific exercises that measure a dog’s behavior and reliability in everyday situations:

 

  • Accepting a friendly stranger

  • Sitting politely for petting

  • Appearance and grooming (tolerating handling)

  • Walking on a loose leash

  • Walking through a crowd

  • Sit and down on cue, and staying in place

  • Coming when called

  • Reaction to another dog

  • Reaction to distractions

  • Supervised separation from handler

Each item must be completed successfully to pass, demonstrating that the dog is well-mannered, controlled, and socially appropriate.

 

What the CGC Evaluates
The CGC tests focus on practical, real-world behaviors that reflect a well-trained and stable dog. Skills evaluated include:
Polite and controlled interactions with people
Neutral behavior around other dogs
Reliable obedience and responsiveness
Calmness in unfamiliar or distracting environments
These evaluations ensure that dogs are safe, predictable, and appropriate for public and therapy settings.

 

Testing & Cost
CGC evaluations are available to both program participants and outside clients:
Each CGC test is $20 per evaluation
All CGC testing is included at no additional cost for current service dog and therapy dog clients
This allows enrolled clients to progress through each level without additional testing fees while still earning nationally recognized certifications.

AKC CGCA Test

CGCA Test Items (10 Skills Evaluated)
The CGCA test includes ten exercises designed to evaluate a dog’s behavior and reliability in advanced environments:

 

  • Dog stands, sits, or lies down and waits under control

  • Walking on a loose leash through a natural setting (not a ring)

  • Walking through a crowd on a loose leash

  • dog remains composed when briefly left with another person

  • Sit or down stay at a distance

  • Recall (coming when called) with distractions present

  • Dog remains calm around food and does not beg

  • Dog ignores distractions such as dropped items or sudden noises

  • Dog behaves politely around other dogs

  • Dog allows friendly strangers to approach and interact appropriately

Each item must be completed successfully to pass, demonstrating advanced control, focus, and stability in public environments.

 

What the CGCA Evaluates
The CGCA focuses on a dog’s ability to maintain training and composure beyond basic obedience. Skills evaluated include:
Consistent obedience in real-world environments
Calm, neutral behavior in crowded or distracting settings
Reliable responses without constant handler guidance
Appropriate social behavior with people and other dogs
These evaluations ensure the dog can function confidently and appropriately outside of controlled training environments.

 

Testing & Cost
CGCA evaluations are available to both program participants and outside clients:
Each CGCA test is $20 per evaluation
All CGCA testing is included at no additional cost for current service dog and therapy dog clients
This allows enrolled clients to continue progressing through advanced levels without additional testing fees while earning nationally recognized certifications.

AKC CGCU Test

CGCU Test Items (10 Skills Evaluated)
The CGCU test includes ten exercises to evaluate a dog’s behavior in urban and public settings:

 

  • Dog stands, sits, or lies down and waits under control in a busy area

  • Walking calmly on a loose leash through crowded spaces

  • Walking past distractions, such as bicycles, carts, or strollers

  • Dog remains calm when briefly left with another person

  • Sit or down stay at a distance with distractions present

  • Recall (coming when called) in a busy environment

  • Ignoring dropped food or tempting items

  • Ignoring loud or sudden noises

  • Polite interactions with strangers and small groups of people

  • Appropriate behavior around other dogs in public

Each item must be completed successfully to pass, demonstrating advanced reliability, calmness, and public readiness.

 

What the CGCU Evaluates
The CGCU evaluates a dog’s ability to function in everyday, urban environments while maintaining composure and obedience. Skills assessed include:
Reliable obedience under real-world distractions
Calm and neutral behavior in public areas
Ability to remain focused on the handler despite environmental stimuli
Appropriate social interactions with people and dogs
These evaluations ensure the dog is prepared for therapy visits, public outings, or other situations requiring consistent, professional behavior.

 

Testing & Cost
CGCU evaluations are available to both program participants and outside clients:
Each CGCU test is $20 per evaluation
All CGCU testing is included at no additional cost for current service dog and therapy dog clients
This allows enrolled clients to demonstrate readiness for public work without additional testing fees while earning the final nationally recognized certification in the AKC Good Citizen program.

AKC CGC TITLES & TESTING

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