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Canine Good Citizen Test Items

  1. Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

    This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

  2. Test 2: Sitting politely for petting

    This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.

  3. Test 3: Appearance and grooming

    This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility.

  4. Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

    This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction.

  5. Test 5: 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).

  6. Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place

    This test 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. Test 7: Coming when called

    This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.

  8. Test 8: 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, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other.

  9. Test 9: Reaction to distraction

    This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.

  10. Test 10: Supervised separation

    This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners.

"This program gives your dog a chance to learn all the necessary mannerisms needed to operate in a human world. It allows your dog to be a bigger part of your life because you have the confidence that your dog knows how to behave in any situation. A Canine Good Citizen is a dog that is well behaved, well mannered and knows how to listen."

-Eric Pliner

CGC Evaluator #95477

CGC Bark-cademy Awards

Jane and Bark-cademy
Graduate, Cody

Jennifer and Bark-cademy Graduate Spike

Hillary and Bark- cademy Graduate, Bernie.

Kambria and Bark-cademy Graduate, Ivan

Liz and Bark-cademy Graduate, Kallie

Adam and Bark-cademy Graduate, Lucille

Marco and Bark-cademy Graduate, Larry

Lisa and Bark-cademy Graduate, River
Tom and Bark-cademy Graduate, Wilbur

Don and Bark-cademy Graduate, Stevie

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Lisa, Steve and

Bark-cademy Graduate, Lola

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Tracy and Bark-cademy

Graduate, Bentley

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Mike and Bark-cademy

Graduate, Elvis

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Charlie, Carrie and

Bark-cademy Graduate, Willa

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Robin and

Bark-cademy Graduate, Charley

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Jim and Bark-cademy

Graduate, Reeces

Shelby and Bark-cademy

Graduate, Hazel

Jorgen and Bark-cademy

Graduate, Bella

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Katherine and Bark-cademy Graduate Rudy.

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