As dog owners, we all want our pets to be well-mannered, sociable, and a positive presence in our lives and communities. The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification is a valuable way to demonstrate your dog’s reliability and good behavior in various situations. It’s more than just a certificate—it provides peace of mind for pet owners, reassurance to the public, and can even open doors to opportunities like therapy dog work and easier access to dog-friendly spaces. The CGC certification proves that your dog is not only a great companion but also a responsible member of the community.
What Is Canine Good Citizen Certification?
The Canine Good Citizen program was created by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to encourage responsible pet ownership and to promote good manners in dogs. It’s open to all dogs, regardless of breed or age, and consists of a series of tests that demonstrate the dog’s ability to remain well-mannered in various situations.
The test includes 10 different areas of behavior, such as:
- Sitting politely for petting
- Walking through a crowd
- Coming when called
- Reacting calmly to distractions
Dogs must pass all 10 test items to earn the CGC certification. Once they do, they become official “Canine Good Citizens,” and you can proudly show off your dog’s certification!
The Benefits of Canine Good Citizen Certification
Improved Behavior: The training involved in preparing for the CGC test encourages obedience and good behavior in your dog. From walking on a loose leash to sitting politely for strangers, the skills learned will make daily interactions with your dog more enjoyable and stress-free.
Strengthened Bond: Training for the CGC test isn’t just about your dog; it’s also about building a stronger connection with your pet. The process requires trust, communication, and consistency, all of which deepen the bond between you and your dog.
Therapy Dog Work: Many organizations require a CGC certification as a prerequisite for therapy dog certification. If you’re interested in having your dog work in hospitals, schools, or nursing homes as a therapy animal, passing the CGC test is a great first step.
Access to More Opportunities: CGC certification can open doors for your dog. Some apartments, housing complexes, and even hotels are more likely to accept dogs that have earned their CGC due to the guarantee of good behavior. It also serves as a foundation for further training programs, such as therapy dog work or advanced obedience training.
Liability and Insurance Benefits: Having a well-behaved dog is not only beneficial for you but can also reduce potential liability issues. In some cases, insurance companies may even offer discounts for dog owners who can prove their pets have passed CGC testing, as the certification provides evidence of your dog’s good behavior.
How to Get Started
The first step in the process is enrolling your dog in a training program. Elements of CGC testing include basic obedience skills, and certification depends on the mastery of these skills. Socialization is the foundation of being a Good Canine Citizen.
Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center offers a weekly Puppy Social Hour for free. Socialization is a broader process than just a puppy play date, but playing with other puppies and people—away from mom or dad—in a safe and supervised setting is a great start to building confidence and trust.
The resort offers two comprehensive dog training programs (that puppies can start): Stay & Learn and Play & Learn. The Stay & Learn program includes lodging and resort activities with multiple daily sessions with the trainers. The Play & Learn program includes participation in one of the resort’s daycare programs that feature, socialization, enrichment, and play. An evaluation with their lead trainer helps design a custom training plan based on your goals and the needs of the dog.
To make CGC certification convenient, Holiday House Pet Resort has partnered with AKC evaluator, Robert Wharton, to offer a four-week, small-group preparatory class and testing at the resort. For clients interested in pursuing additional certification for therapy dog work, Mr. Wharton, who is involved with Angel On A Leash Therapy Dogs, is a knowledgeable resource and testing evaluator.
The resort’s fall CGC prep and testing course starts on Sunday, October 6. For more details and to register, call 215-345-6960.
The Canine Good Citizen certification is not just a piece of paper—it’s a commitment to responsible pet ownership and a happier, well-behaved dog. CGC certification offers numerous benefits making the process worth the time and effort. CGC certification is more than just a test—it’s a lifestyle that enhances the lives of both dogs and their owners!