Canine Good Citizen
In this class, we will practice the behaviors required to pass the Canine Good Citizen test. The test will be given on the last class day.
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It is open to all dogs, purebred or mixed breeds. Dogs must already have good basic obedience skills.
Even if people don’t care about the award, it’s still great to have a dog that can demonstrate these Canine Good Citizen skills:
Sitting Politely for Petting
The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.
Coming When Called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler (from 10 feet on a leash).
Supervised Separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners.
Reaction to Another Dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries.
Sit and Down on Command and
Staying in Place
The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay.
Reaction to Distraction
The evaluator will select and present two distractions such as dropping a chair, etc.
Out for a Walk (walking on a loose lead)
Following the evaluator’s instructions, the dog will walk on a loose lead (with the handler/owner)
Appearance and Grooming
The dog will permit someone to check its ears and front feet, as a groomer or veterinarian would do.
​Walking Through a Crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three).
