The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) assessment is recognized as the gold standard for dog behavior, designed to evaluate a dog’s manners and reliability in common, everyday social situations. This comprehensive evaluation consists of ten specific objectives that test a dog’s ability to remain calm and controlled while performing essential tasks, such as accepting a friendly stranger, walking politely through a crowd, sitting for petting, and reacting appropriately to distractions or other dogs.

Open to all dogs—including both purebreds and mixed breeds of any age—the program emphasizes the importance of responsible dog ownership and strengthens the bond between the handler and their pet. Upon successfully completing all ten steps of the assessment, handlers are eligible to receive an official certificate and dog tag from the AKC. Beyond the personal sense of accomplishment, this earned credential serves as a formal title that can be proudly added to the dog’s registered name, such as “Skippy, CGC.” Furthermore, the CGC certification is often recognized by landlords, insurance companies, and homeowners’ associations as credible evidence of a well-behaved and stable pet, making it a valuable asset for any dog owner.

Who Can Enter:

The CGC program welcomes every dog, regardless of breed or age, and registration with the AKC is not a requirement. Owners must sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, affirming their dog’s training and committing to responsibly caring for their canine.

Validity and Benefits of CGC:

Once a dog attains the CGC title, it remains valid for life with the AKC. This certification can support various goals, such as pursuing therapy dog credentials, entering advanced training or sports, and possibly earning homeowner’s insurance discounts or meeting rental housing criteria.

Camp K Nine Note:

Camp K Nine champions CGC as a practical benchmark for good manners and dependable behavior.
Earning CGC at Camp K Nine can set a positive foundation for future activities, from therapy work to competitive events and housing considerations.

Ready to have your dog earn their CGC certificate with Camp K Nine? Book your CGC training to see your pup shine.

Visit our services page to schedule:
or contact us at: campknine@gmail.com
Follow us on social for upcoming CGC events and tips: @CampKNine on Instagram and Facebook.