Started in 1989, AKC CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program®, sponsored by K9 Advantix®, is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program Sponsored by K9 Advantix®

There are 10 tests in the AKC CGC program that your dog must pass to earn his or her CGC certification. Over the next few months, we'll be providing tips on mastering the ten steps. (See tips for Test 1 and Test 2.) The following is the third test in the 10-step series and some training tips:

Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as veterinarian or groomer, to do so.

Training for Test 3:
Gentle combing and brushing are a natural extension of petting and stroking.  Your dog should receive gradual, positive conditioning to being groomed and examined from puppyhood on.  You should begin gentle combing and brushing right away if you acquire an adult dog.  If your dog fears this type of handling or becomes uncertain when its ears and feet are touched, spend time allowing it to associate grooming and human touch as a happy experience when it gets the slightest positive response.  Pleasant daily handling and grooming will help you recognize physical problems early on.  Once your dog is comfortable being groomed and examined by you, ask someone else to do the same.

Look out for information on AKC CGC Test 4 in an upcoming issue of YourAKC! In the meantime, you can find more on the program here.

Show off your dog's new CGC award with an AKC CGC Visa Rewards Card. Click here to apply now!