The Canine Good Citizen Program 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 may receive a certificate from the American kennel Club.

Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to train CGC skills, you ,will discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog .Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training ,intellectual stimulation ,and a high quality life. Canine Good Citizen is one of the most rapidly growing programs in the American Kennel Club. There are many exciting applications of this wonderful, entry level that go beyond the testing and certifying of dogs.

Many other countries [England, Australia,Japan,Hungary,Denmark,Sweeden,Canada and Finland] have developed CGC programs based on the AKC’S CGC program .Police and Animal Control agencies use CGC for dealing with dog problems in communities. Some therapy groups use the CGC as a partial screening tool in selecting dogs.

A number of specialty[one breed only ] clubs give the CGC at their annual national dogshow. Dog clubs have discovered that the CGC is an event that allows everyone to go home a winner. Veterinarians have recognized the benefits of well-trained dogs and there are some CGC programs in place in veterinary hospitals.