Gila County 4H K9 Companions offers the
AKC Canine Good Citizen test at the Gila County Fair
Sunday, September 25 from 2pm—5pm.
Preregistration is required.
$25 donation to the 4H K9 Companions will
support our local dog program.
Test fee does not include Fair entrance
(Sunday fair entrance fee is $5)
The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program is designed to recognize dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. This rapidly growing nationally recognized program stresses responsible dog ownership for owners and basic training and good manners for dogs. A CGC may entitle you to a discount on homeowner's insurance or maybe be required for a rental property to allow pets.
The Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program started in 1989 and is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club®.
The CGC TEST consists of 10 skills needed by all well-mannered dogs. All of the exercises are done on a leash.
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger: The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting: The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming: The dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead): The handler/dog team will take a short “walk” to show that the dog is in control while walking on a leash.
Test 5: Walking through a crowd: The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three) to demonstrate that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.
Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place: The dog will respond to the handler’s commands to 1) sit, 2) down and will 3) remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).
Test 7: Coming when called: The dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog: To demonstrate that the dog can behave politely around other dogs, two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction: To demonstrate the dog is confident when faced with common distracting situations, the evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane.
Test 10: Supervised separation: This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes.
Equipment You’ll need to bring your dog’s brush or comb to the CGC test. In the CGC test, dogs must wear a buckle collar or slip collar.
To register please fill out the form below.
Payment will be taken when you arrive at the testing site. Only cash and check will be accepted.
A current rabies certificate is required.
You will have an assigned time for your test.
Please plan on arriving about 10 minutes ahead of your assigned time to check in.