Glossary

Canine Good Citizen

An American Kennel Club program and ten-item test that rewards well-mannered dogs with a certificate.

Also called: CGC, AKC Canine Good Citizen, CGC test, good citizen test

The Canine Good Citizen program, run by the American Kennel Club, tests a dog's manners in everyday situations. A certified evaluator checks ten items, including accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, walking on a loose leash, walking through a crowd, coming when called and staying calm when left with a trusted person. Dogs of any breed, including mixed breeds, can take it.

A dog must pass all items to earn the title. Handlers may use praise and a leash but not food or toys during the test.

It is a basic manners test and not a service dog or therapy dog certification, although some therapy groups and landlords ask for it. There are also higher levels, called CGCA and CGCU, and a puppy version called AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Basic obedience The core manners most pet dogs are taught, usually sit, down, stay, come, walking nicely on a leash and leave it. Puppy kindergarten An early group class where young puppies learn basic manners and meet other puppies and people in a supervised setting. Loose-leash walking Walking with a dog beside or near the handler on a slack leash, without the dog pulling. Stay A cue that asks a dog to keep its position, such as sitting or lying down, until the owner releases it.