What Is the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program?
The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is one of the most widely recognized dog behavior certifications in the United States. Launched in 1989, CGC promotes responsible dog ownership and encourages basic manners training for all dogs, regardless of breed, size, or whether they are purebred or mixed breed. The program evaluates whether dogs behave politely in everyday public situations and respond to fundamental obedience cues from their owners.
More than just a test, CGC has become a foundation for many higher levels of dog training, including therapy dog certification, advanced obedience competition, and breed-specific distinction programs. Many landlords, apartment complexes, and insurance companies have begun accepting CGC certification as proof of a dog’s good behavior — a practical benefit that goes beyond the pride of the certificate itself.
The test is administered by AKC-approved CGC evaluators, who are typically certified dog trainers, veterinarians, or members of dog clubs. Testing is conducted at dog training schools, kennel clubs, pet expos, and other community events. Both dogs and owners participate — the program explicitly evaluates the human-dog team, not just the animal.
The 10 CGC Test Items
The CGC test consists of 10 standardized exercises, all evaluated by the CGC evaluator in a single session. Failure of any item means the dog does not pass that evaluation, though dogs can re-test without a waiting period. The 10 items are: accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, appearance and grooming, walking on a loose leash, walking through a crowd, sit/down/stay on cue, coming when called, reacting politely to another dog, reacting politely to distractions, and supervised separation from the owner for three minutes.
The loose-leash walk evaluates whether the dog walks without pulling — it’s a skill many owners find challenging but foundational to enjoyable walks. The reaction to another dog tests whether your dog can greet a stranger’s dog politely without lunging, barking, or growling. The distraction test evaluates whether the dog remains calm when confronted with sudden sounds or visual stimuli, like a dropped book or a bicycle passing by.
The supervised separation tests the dog’s ability to be left with a trusted stranger while the owner moves out of sight for three minutes. The dog should not bark excessively, whine continuously, pace, or show signs of extreme panic. This item is particularly important for evaluating separation anxiety and suitability for therapy dog work. Dogs do not have to be perfectly calm — mild whining is acceptable — but should not show extreme distress.
How to Prepare Your Dog for the CGC Test
Preparation for the CGC test is straightforward but requires consistent training over weeks to months. The good news is that CGC skills are the same basic manners most responsible owners want their dogs to have anyway. Working toward CGC is really just structured, goal-oriented obedience training — any solid basic obedience class covers most of the required skills.
Focus particularly on the skills that require real-world practice: loose-leash walking needs repetitions on different surfaces and in different environments before it becomes reliable. Meeting strangers and other dogs calmly requires controlled socialization practice. The three-minute stay in the owner’s absence is best prepared by practicing short departures and gradually increasing duration at home, then replicating the exercise in a public or class environment.
Consider enrolling in a formal CGC preparation class, which many training schools offer. These classes walk through each test item and give dogs practice in a group setting that mimics actual testing conditions. Practice in multiple locations — not just your backyard — because dogs don’t automatically generalize skills from familiar environments to new ones. The more varied your training locations, the more reliably your dog will perform on test day.
CGC for Specific Goals: Therapy Dogs, Housing, and Beyond
Passing the CGC test is a prerequisite for several therapy dog certification programs, including Pet Partners and Therapy Dogs International. While therapy dog certification requires additional evaluation (including a supervised visit to a healthcare or educational facility), the CGC is a recognized foundation. Many therapy dog handlers consider the CGC the “entry point” to a fulfilling volunteer career with their dogs.
For dog owners in rental housing or apartment living, CGC certification can be genuinely valuable documentation. Some landlords and HOAs accept it as evidence that a dog is well-trained and safe. Insurance companies that have restrictions based on breed may weigh CGC certification positively, though policies vary. If you’re moving with your dog, CGC certification is worth having on hand as part of your application.
The AKC also offers higher-level programs that build on CGC: the Community Canine (CGCA), which tests in a real-world community setting, and the Urban CGC (CGCU), which tests in an urban environment with specific challenges like elevators, crowds, and cyclists. These advanced titles are meaningful achievements and give dog-handler teams continued goals to work toward after earning the foundational CGC.
What to Expect on CGC Test Day
Testing typically takes 15–30 minutes per dog, depending on how many evaluators are available and how many dogs are testing. Bring your dog on a regular collar or harness (no special equipment that suppresses behavior is allowed during the test), bring water, and arrive with time to let your dog settle and sniff around. Dogs often perform better if they’ve had a recent walk to burn off some energy before the test begins.
Food treats may or may not be allowed depending on the evaluator and event — some CGC testing permits treat-luring for certain items while others do not. Ask in advance so you know what to expect. If your dog relies heavily on treat motivation, practice performing each skill with and without treats before the test so the absence of food rewards doesn’t throw them off.
If your dog fails, don’t be discouraged. The CGC test can be taken as many times as needed, and many dogs fail initially on specific items before passing on a retry. Use the feedback from the evaluator to identify exactly what needs more work and return to targeted training for those specific skills. The process of preparing for CGC is itself valuable — the test result matters less than the training it motivates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my dog need to be to take the CGC test?
Dogs must be old enough to have their full set of adult vaccinations — typically 4–6 months for core vaccines. The AKC recommends dogs be at least 4 months old to participate, though most dogs are better prepared at 6+ months when they’ve had more training time. There is no upper age limit.
Does my dog need to be AKC registered to take the CGC test?
No. The CGC program is open to all dogs, regardless of breed, mix, or registration status. Mixed-breed dogs and dogs without papers are fully eligible and test under the exact same standards as purebred registered dogs.
How much does the CGC test cost?
Testing fees vary by location and evaluator but typically range from $10 to $20. Some community events offer it for free or as part of a training class package. Check the AKC website for a list of upcoming CGC test events near you.
What happens if my dog fails the CGC test?
There is no penalty for failing — the dog can re-test as many times as needed with no waiting period required. The evaluator will note which items were not passed, giving you clear targets for additional training. Most dogs that fail initially pass within a few months of targeted work on the specific weak areas.
Is CGC certification the same as therapy dog certification?
No. CGC is a basic behavior evaluation administered by the AKC. Therapy dog certification is granted by separate organizations (Pet Partners, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, etc.) and involves additional evaluation including supervised visits to facilities. CGC is often a prerequisite for therapy dog programs but is not sufficient on its own.