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, Test 2, Test 3, Test 4, and Test 5.) The following is the sixth test in the 10-step series and some training tips:

Test 6: Sit and down on command & Staying in place
This test ensures that the dog has had training, will respond to the handler’s commands and will remain in position (sit or down) as commanded by the handler.
           
Training for Test 6:
One method to teach your dog to sit is to place the dog at your side, grasp the leash close to the collar with one hand and use the other hand to tuck the dog’s back legs into a sit as you say, “sit.”  Praise the dog when it sits.  As soon as your dog learns sit, you can start working on down.  With your dog seated say, “down,” and lightly push on the shoulders with one hand while your other hand pulls down on the collar or moves behind the front legs and slides them forward.  Always praise your dog as soon as it responds.

With your dog at your side, command it to sit or down.  Once it is in position, you are ready to give a “stay” command.  Lower your hand, palm towards the dog’s face, as a signal to stay as you say the word, “stay.”  Then, position yourself so you are standing directly in front of the dog.  Remain there for only a few seconds, then return to the dog’s side and praise it.  If the dog breaks the stay, put it back in place and give the reminder, “stay.”  As soon as your dog is reliable on this short stay, start adding time to the stay and then bring in distractions.

Look out for information on AKC CGC Test 7 in an upcoming issue of Your AKC! 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!