Guiding Eyes is proud to be a certified Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluation location. The American Kennel Club’s CGC program tests dogs in simulated everyday situations in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere. The purpose of the test is to ensure that your dog can be a respected member of the community by acting mannerly in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs.

Dogs that have passed the CGC Test are not considered service dogs and do not have the same access to public places. The CGC test can be considered a stepping stone to therapy certification.

Is your dog eligible?

• Any breed of dog is welcome to participate in CGC testing.
• There is no age limit for dogs taking the test, as long as they are fully vaccinated. Puppies that pass the test should be retested as adults.
• Dogs should understand and obey the commands “sit”, “down”, “stay”, and “come”.
• Dogs should walk politely on leash and respond appropriately to strangers, crowds, other dogs, loud noises, and other stimuli.

The Test

The CGC Test consists of ten separate points; your dog must pass all of these in order to become a Canine Good Citizen. If you have minor problems with an item during the test, the evaluator may choose to allow you to retake the test at the end of the testing day. If the evaluators do not feel that your dog has an adequate amount of training, he or she will not pass, and will not be certified as a Canine Good Citizen.

1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger – demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the handler. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the handler.
2. Sitting Politely for Petting – demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet its head and body.
3. Appearance and Grooming – demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined by someone other than the handler. Dog must appear to be in healthy condition (clean, alert, proper weight, etc.) Handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog.
4. Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Leash) – demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog’s position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler’s movements and changes of direction.
5. Walking Through a Crowd – demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.
6. Sit and Down on Command/Stay in Place – demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s commands to sit and down, and will remain in the place commanded by the handler.
7. Coming when Called – demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.
8. Reaction to Another Dog – demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other.
9. Reaction to Distractions – demonstrates that the dog is confident when faced with common distractions such as a loud noise or moving object.
10. Supervised Separation – demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners.

Testing Rules

• Dogs should wear a well fitting buckle or slip collar. Special equipment such as head collars, pinch collars, or harnesses are not permissible.
• Food treats my not be used as rewards during the test. The handler may not have any food on their person during the test.
• Handlers should supply a comb or brush commonly used on their dog for the Appearance and Grooming portion of the test.
• Handlers will be required to sign the Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge indicating that the dog has a veterinarian who provides guidance, care, and recommendations on routine health matters such a rabies vaccines, etc.
• Any dog that growls, snaps, bites, or attempts to attack a person or another dog will be dismissed from the test immediately. Dogs may be dismissed from the testing venue at any time for inappropriate behavior.
• The Test Evaluator will have the final decision on whether a dog passes each item of the test.

Registration

• We require pre-registration for all tests, as space is limited. Registration is $20, which may be paid online. This fee is non-refundable and a portion of it supports the work of Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
• To receive your Canine Good Citizen certificate, you will have to send $8 to the American Kennel Club. Information regarding claiming your certificate will be distributed upon completion of the test.

Upcoming test dates and times will be posted soon.

For more information, please contact Danielle Whitmarsh at dwhitmarsh@guidingeyes.org.