Canine Good Citizen™ Test

Hudson’s Hounds NYC is excited to offer Canine Good Citizen™ testing!

The Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program was designed by the AKC to promote responsible dog parenting. It provides the opportunity for dogs to be certified as “good citizens” within their communities. 

The test is accessible to dogs of all ages and breeds, including mixes. It consists of 10 core skills, which should be practiced and mastered before the test is administered. While no formal training is required, we suggest scheduling training sessions with us to hone your skills.

The 10 skills on the test are:

  1. Accepting a friendly stranger 

  2. Sitting politely for petting 

  3. Appearance and accepting basic grooming 

  4. Loose-leash walking 

  5. Walking through a crowd 

  6. Sit, down, and stay

  7. 10-foot recall 

  8. Polite behavior around another dog

  9. Appropriate reaction to distractions 

  10. 3-minute supervised separation

 
 

Your dog may exhibit natural behaviors throughout the test (sniffing, general interest, occasional distracted behavior) but may not be overly excited, overly fearful, or aggressive in any way. Treats and toys may not be used, but verbal praise is welcome!

The test is performed entirely on leash. You should bring a long leash (at least 10 feet) in order to perform the 10-foot recall. Specialized training collars, such as e-collars, prong collars, and head halters, may not be used. Be sure to bring a brush your dog is comfortable with for the grooming assessment.

Additional details can be found on the AKC’s website: https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/

Please note that you must travel to the FInancial District of Manhattan in order to take this test. 

You may retake the test if necessary.

Upon passing, you’ll receive paperwork from the evaluator. This paperwork must be mailed to the AKC, along with a small fee, in order to receive your certificate. 

**Hudson’s Hounds advocates for dog adoption. As such, we are proud to offer a recent rescue discount for all of our training services.