AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test
By OwnedByPugs.com
August 1st, 2006
I like to think that my pugs are well behaved and that they do well when they meet new people and dogs. They handle almost any social situation with the grace of a Pug, but after meeting a very well behaved Collie that was certified as an Canine Good Citizen, I started thinking. Just how well behaved is my gang and would they be able to pass the AKC's Good Citizen Test?
So began my quest to find out what the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test (CGC) was all about. Here is what I found while doing my research.
What is the AKC's Canine Good Citizen test?
The CGC test is a two part program. The first section of the program focuses on responsible pet ownership. This section is the responsibility of us pug owners and requires that we make sure our pugs are up to date on their shots, well groomed and receiving proper veterinary care. The second part of the program focuses on the manners of our pugs and stresses the importance of good manners in a variety of social settings.
Almost any dog is eligible to take the CGC test, but there are a few requirements. While there are no age requirements for the test, puppies must have received all immunizations and boosters before they may take the test.
What does the test entail?
The thought on everyone's mind probably is what does my pug have to do to be able to pass the test? Here is a rundown of all the items that your pug will be tested on on exam day.
Accepting a friendly stranger
In this test, your pug must maintain its position while a stranger walks up to you and your pug and greets you. The stranger will ignore your dog while you and the stranger exchange pleasantries and shake hands. In this situation, evaluators are looking to make sure your pug does not show any signs of resentment or shyness and most of all that your pug does not break its position to give the stranger a nice, big pug hello.
Sitting politely for petting
This test item starts with your pug sitting at your side. A stranger will approach both of you and will pet your pug on its head and body. Evaluators are looking to make sure your pug calmly remains at your side while receiving attention from the stranger and does not show any resentment or shyness.
Appearance and Grooming
During this test item, the evaluator is looking to make sure your pug is well groomed and in good health. Also, the evaluator will brush your pug with a brush that you bring with you. The evaluator is looking to make sure that your pug can handle being groomed. In addition to brushing your pug, the evaluator will pick up each one of your pug's front paws. Luckily for us pug owners, they will not attempt to trim your pug's toenails.
Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This item tests to make sure you are in control of your dog and that your pug is not walking you. During this item, the evaluator will look to make sure that your pug is following your lead and is attentive. You will be required to make at least one right turn, one left turn, an about face and to stop at least twice during your walk. During the direction changes your pug must follow your lead.
Walking through a crowd
This item tests your pug's ability to behave itself in an area where there are many people. During testing for this item, you and your pug must walk closely to at least three people. Your pug may show natural interest in these people but they may not jump up on them or exhibit any signs of resentment or shyness. Also, while walking through the crowd, your pug should not be tugging on the leash.
Sit and down on command and Staying in place
Before beginning this item, the evaluator will give you a 20 foot lead to use in place of your normal leash. You must have your pug perform both the Sit and Down command. Then you must have your pug stay in either a sit or down position while you walk the length of the 20 foot lead and return to your pug. The evaluator will then tell you when to release your pug from the stay position.
Coming when called
This item ensures that you pug comes when called. From 10 feet away you must call your pug and have him come to you.
Reaction to another dog
In this item you will approach another handler and dog, stop, shake hands and briefly exchange pleasantries. While you are speaking with the other handler your pug may show casual interest in the other dog, but it may not approach the other dog or the other handler.
Reaction to distraction
In this test, the evaluator will attempt to distract your dog. Common types of distractions used include: a runner passing by you and your dog, someone dropping a cane, a shopping cart passing by, or a chair or object falling. The main purpose of this item is to make sure that your pug does not run away, show aggressiveness at the object or bark. Your pug may be startled but they must remain calm in their reaction.
Supervised Separation
During this item, you must leave your dog's sight for 3 minutes. During that time the evaluator will watch your pug and evaluate your pug's behavior. You pug should not whine, bark, tug at the leash or try any other clever pug tactic to try to find you. The evaluator may talk to your dog, but they can not offer excessive reassurance to your pug.
Would my pugs pass?
After reading up on the CGC test, I don't think my pugs would pass without us doing any extra training. But luckily, there are CGC test training classes available. Check with your local pug club to find training classes in your area. The training classes are a great opportunity for you to bond with your pug. Plus, your pug will learn many things in the class that will help him be a model pug citizen.
Once you and your pug are ready for the CGC test you can find the upcoming test dates and locations here.
