AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Tips -- Test 10

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 past months, we've provided tips on mastering the ten steps. The following is the tenth and final test in the 10-step series and some training tips:

Test 10: Supervised separation
This test ensures that the dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners.

Training for Test 10:
To prepare your dog for this last test, go out of sight for a few seconds as you practice distance on your “stay” command.  If you do not have a helper, use a light 15-foot line and hold onto it, you will know if your dog moves, even if you can’t see it.  If your dog breaks the stay, go back and reposition the dog saying, “stay.”  Don’t go too far away too fast or your dog will not be successful.

The easiest way to train for this test is to have a helper who holds the leash of the dog while you go out of sight.  You will gradually lengthen the time you leave the dog.  Before long, your dog will learn to be briefly separated from you and to stay with a person you trust.

Your dog will be well on the way to becoming a respected member of the community once he/she has completed the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test training. Find a CGC test in your area and good luck!

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