Originally posted by Ann
Sorry for being stupid here, but just what exactly is an "A.K.C. CANINE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD"?
CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the CGC test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club and are automatically recorded in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Archive. You do not need to have a purebred dog in order to get this certification.

Evaluators must pass AKC criteria in order to test a owner and their dog. There are 10 steps the handler and dog are tested for. They are:

1: Accepting a friendly stranger

2: Sitting politely for petting

3: Appearance and grooming

4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

5: Walking through a crowd

6: Sit and down on command - staying in place

7: Coming when called

8: Reaction to another dog

9: Reaction to distraction

10: Supervised separation

My Dusty got his CGC when he was only 6 months old! If your dog has basic manners then sign them up! You will receive a certificate suitable for framing so you tell the world your pup is a CANINE GOOD CITIZEN!