Should Your Dog Take The CGC Test?
You may have heard of the AKC CGC test. It is the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test, and ALL dogs (mixed breed and purebred) are eligible to take it.
As a CGC evaluator, I see many benefits for training your dog for this test. In fact, for anyone who comes to me looking to “train their dogs to be good” but with no specific problems or goals, I suggest using the test as their training goal guidelines.
The CGC test is often a first requirement for anyone looking to do Therapy Dog work, and is a good goal for anyone using their pets as an ESA. I also suggest anyone who has a small dog they fly in cabin have their dog tested as well.
This test requires your dog to do basic “good manners” tasks. This includes things like sitting nicely while people approach the owner and then pets the dog, ignore other dogs, walking nicely without pulling when going through a crowd, and basic obedience such as Sit, Down, Stay and Come.
There are also more advanced tests your can train for and study for, such as the Urban CGC test, or Trick Titles. It is a great way to continue training with direction and goals, and will help increase the bond and understanding between you and your dog.
Do I suggest all dogs take this test? NO!
I think this test is great, but in general will not suggest it to anyone who has a very shy dog, or a dog that does not like to be pet or touched. While you SHOULD work on your dogs comfort in these areas, its important not to rush this type of training. The pressure of wanting to take the test can cause owners to rush this process, which leaves the dog uncomfortable and unhappy in situations they would prefer to avoid. As guardians of our dogs, part of our job is to keep our dog away from overly stressful situations.
I also do not suggest taking this test unless you have trained specifically all items the test covers and feel confident your dog can perform them in multiple locations. Too many people show up and tell me “Well, I’ve never trained Fido to to X,Y, or Z, but I think he will do it, sometimes he does it at home”. Most of the time “at home” the dog has figure out what we want based on context, not actually based on knowing the cue.
In most of these situations, the dog ends up being confused and not doing what the owner wants. This is because if the dog has never trained for something, they do not actually know what you want. They also have the added pressure of a “weird” test environment making it less likely for them to figure it out based on context.
Are there other situations or dogs I do not suggest the test for? Probably! Every dog is an individual, and their ability and whether or not they should take the test will be based on individual personality and training history.
Curious if your dog should or could take the AKC CGC test? Mountain Mutt Dog Training can help you with that!