At Alaska Dog Works we are certified evaluators for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program. This a great place to start if you want a well behaved dog or possibly moving on to therapy, service or other work.
What is CGC?
CGC is a ten-skill training program that’s open to all dogs–purebred and mixed breed–that focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community.
After mastering the ten skills, passing the CGC test together, and taking the Responsible Dog Ownership pledge, you and your pup will join the proud ranks of over 1 million dogs who have earned their Canine Good Citizen award– accomplishment that’s definitely worthy of extra belly rubs!
The Benefits of Canine Good Citizen
For starters, we know it’s up to us as humans to lead the charge and promote responsible pet ownership, so our skills are based on learning how to better understand and communicate with each other. Through the hours of training and practice, you’ll deepen your bond and become a more connected pair. This bond allows you to become the best companions for each other, and great neighbors to those around you. It’s a win, win, win!
Beyond the bonding, there are practical benefits to CGC training, too. Not only will you and your dog understand the basics of dog training, and master skills like sit, down and stay, but you’ll know your dog will be able to handle herself with grace in a crowd and be a welcomed client at the vet or groomer. The CGC title is also a prerequisite for many therapy dog certifications, as well as a great introduction to more advanced dog sports and activities. Some homeowners’ insurance programs even offer discounts for CGC dogs, and an increasing number of apartments and condos see CGC awards as a major bonus for becoming a resident.
Beyond Your Backyard
In just over a decade, the CGC Program has had an extremely positive impact in communities across the country. As part of AKC’s commitment to protecting the safety of dogs and their owners through education and legislation, many state governments have started recognizing the CGC program as a means of advocating responsible dog ownership, and 48 states now have Canine Good Citizen resolutions, endorsing the program on a state-wide level.
By participating in a CGC program in your neighborhood, and spreading the word to others around you, you can help ensure the dogs we love will always be welcomed and well-respected members of our communities.
Who Can Participate?
There are no age minimums or limits for participating in the Canine Good Citizen program, because yes, you actually can teach an old dog new tricks! And, both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome.
With that being said, we also know that training a puppy is different than training an adult dog, so we have special training, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, that teaches the starting points of CGC skills for young dogs. Additionally, we have the CGC-Ready program prepares dogs in special situations to take the CGC test.
