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Canine Good Citizen (CGC): The 10-Item Test

The Canine Good Citizen test is the most recognized manners title in American dog ownership. Created in 1989, it's a 10-item evaluation that answers one question: is this a dog you can take anywhere?

Passing means your dog accepts strangers, walks politely on leash, stays calm around other dogs and distractions, and can handle being briefly separated from you. It's the foundation that therapy dog programs, advanced CGC titles, and even some housing and insurance situations build on.

Any dog can earn it — purebred or mixed breed, any age, no AKC registration required for the certificate. If your dog has basic training, you're closer than you think.

Earning this title? Create your free ThePetAdvisor account — log it, track your dog’s progress, and find testing near you.

Requirements

• Test 1 – Accepting a friendly stranger: the dog allows a stranger to approach and shake the handler's hand without shyness or aggression.
• Test 2 – Sitting politely for petting: the dog sits calmly while a stranger pets it.
• Test 3 – Appearance and grooming: the dog stands for a brief exam — the evaluator checks ears and front feet and runs a brush over the coat.
• Test 4 – Out for a walk: loose-leash walking with turns and stops, no pulling.
• Test 5 – Walking through a crowd: the dog walks calmly past several people without jumping or pulling.
• Test 6 – Sit, down, and stay: the dog sits and downs on command, then stays while the handler walks to the end of a 20-foot line.
• Test 7 – Coming when called: from 10 feet away, on the long line.
• Test 8 – Reaction to another dog: two handler-dog teams approach, greet briefly, and move on — the dog stays neutral.
• Test 9 – Reaction to distractions: the dog remains calm when distractions are presented (dropped items, noises).
• Test 10 – Supervised separation: the handler leaves the dog with the evaluator for 3 minutes, out of sight. The dog must not panic, bark excessively, or show distress.
• All 10 items must be passed. One failure means a retake — but you can retake as many times as needed.

Test items can be updated by AKC — confirm the current list with your evaluator before test day. Source: AKC official page.

How to earn it

1. Step 1: Train the basics: sit, down, stay, come, and loose-leash walking. A group class helps enormously — especially for the crowd and dog-distraction items.
2. Step 2: Find an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator — many training clubs, kennel clubs, and even pet stores host test days. Conformation dog shows frequently offer CGC testing on the grounds.
3. Step 3: Show up with your dog on a flat buckle collar or harness (no prong, e-collar, or head halter for the test), a 6-foot leash, and a brush.
4. Step 4: Take the 10-item test — it takes about 20–30 minutes.
5. Step 5: If you pass, submit the paperwork and fee to AKC. You can use “CGC” after your dog's name.

Frequently asked questions