At the AKC, we believe that all dogs can be good dogs, and all owners can be great owners, all it takes is a little bit of training, lots of love, and of course, plenty of praise along the way.
That’s why we created the Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) program: an expert-made training program designed to help you and your dog be the best you can be–together.
Canine Good Citizen is a 10-skill test that teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners.
AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your Canine Good Citizen Title Application! Try the new – Title Application Portal (TAP) System.
CGC is open to all dogs–purebred and mixed breed. There are no age minimums or limits for participating in the Canine Good Citizen program, because yes, you can always teach an old dog new tricks!
With that being said, we also know that training a puppy can be very different than training an adult dog. Check out our specialized training program for puppies, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, which teaches the basics to get your puppy off to a good start and is an excellent first in-person training class.
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Every dog (and human!) learns differently. Start here to find CGC group classes offered by AKC Clubs and at all Petco locations! Also, explore our AKC.tv video series to try your hand at practicing some CGC skills at home.
Whether you and your dog have completed CGC classes, worked with a private trainer or practiced at home, when you’re ready, the next step is to take the 10-point CGC test with a approved evaluator in your area.
Your journey doesn’t have to end once you and your dog earn your Canine Good Citizen award. There are several other training activities in which you can continue to grow your skills and enjoy fun and rewarding activities together.
Your one-stop if you are a CGC Evaluator. Here you can renew your status, download station signage, CGC brochures, or test summary forms, or—if you’re new to the program—explore how to become an Evaluator.
By training in CGC, you and your dog will deepen your bond and become a more connected team. Not only will you and your dog learn the basics of dog training and master skills like sit, down, and stay, but your dog will become a welcomed community member when out in public.
The CGC title is a prerequisite for many therapy dog certifications, as well as a great introduction to more advanced dog sports and activities.
***NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your Canine Good Citizen Title Application! Try the new – Title Application Portal (TAP) System.