The canine good citizen test came about as an effort by the AKC to promote responsible dog ownership. The test consists of 10 components. If the dog successfully completes all 10, then a Canine Good Citizen certificate is issued.   
   If not, the dog can reenter another CGC test and try again at another time. This is not an official title such as a breed championship or an obedience title. It is regarded as a sign that the dog has excellent manners and is under his handler's control and a pleasure to be around. It can be regarded as a step towards more advanced training or a short-term goal. It is important to keep in mind that a CGC test is not a test of your dog's formal obedience but of his control and manners.
The class covers:
1. Accepting a friendly stranger. This demonstrates that the dog will allow a stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural everyday situation. Evaluator approaches and shakes hands with the handler and does not touch the dog.
2. Sitting politely for petting. This demonstrates that dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while out with it's handler. The evaluator pets the dog and then leaves. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
3. Appearance and grooming. This demonstrates that the dog will allow grooming or examination by a stranger. Evaluator inspects the dog, lightly combs or brushes and examines each foot.
4. Out for a walk. This demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. It is a simple heeling pattern. It is not expected to be precise and the dog does not have to sit at each stop. If your dog can walk calmly on lead, he can pass this.
5. Walking through a crowd. This demonstrates that the dog can move politely in pedestrian traffic.
6. Sit and down on command/staying in place. This is very basic for most of us. It is a very short stay (You can either use a sit or a down stay. I always recommend a down.)
7. Coming when called. This demonstrates that the dog will come directly to you when called. He must not come before called. He does not have to do a perfect front and a finish is not asked for. Both the come and stay are done on a long line.
8. Reaction to another dog. This demonstrates the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two dogs and handlers approach each other, exchange pleasantries and continue on.
9. Reaction to distractions. This shows confidence. The dog may show interest or startle. He should not show aggression, bark or panic.
10. Supervised separation. This test shows that the dog can be left with a trusted person and will maintain its good manners. Dog will be on a 6-foot lead and held by an evaluator while the handler is out of sight for three minutes.

2010 CGC class and testing

CGC class sign up: Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sinking Spring Fire Company.
Cost: Club members pay $35 for class and test; $10 for test only; Non members pay $20 for the test only.

Class and test will be held indoors at the 4-H center in Bern Township.

Class dates:

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 at 8:00 P.M.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 at 8:00 P.M.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7  at 8:00 P.M.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 at 8:00 P.M.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28 at 8:00 P.M.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 at 8:00 P.M.  TEST NIGHT  

THE CGC COURSE/TEST PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU AS A DOG OWNER TO ACHIEVE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATION FOR YOUR PET.  IT ALSO SERVES AS A GOOD BASELINE TEST IF YOU DECIDE TO PROGRESS TO OTHER ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR DOG, SUCH AS ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY, OBEDIENCE, AGILITY, RALLY, TRACKING  OR PERFORMANCE EVENTS.