The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program is comprised of 3 levels: the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), the AKC Community Canine (CGCA) and the AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU). A dog must pass and obtain the CGC first and then can work to obtain the other levels in any order. I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and offer testing in all of these levels. 

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AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC)

Foundation Manners & Responsible Dog Ownership

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The AKC Canine Good Citizen program is a nationally recognized training and evaluation program that promotes well-mannered dogs and responsible ownership. The CGC level focuses on foundational skills every dog should have for daily life.

Dogs are trained and evaluated on skills including:

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• Accepting a friendly stranger

• Sitting politely for petting

• Appearance and grooming

• Loose-leash walking

• Walking through a crowd

• Sit, down, and stay on cue

• Coming when called

• Calm behavior around other dogs

• Reaction to distractions

• Supervised separation from the handler

 

CGC is an excellent goal for family dogs, therapy dog prospects, and teams interested in continuing on to advanced training or dog sports.

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AKC Community Canine® (CGCA)

Advanced Manners in Public Settings

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AKC Community Canine builds on the skills learned in CGC by testing a dog’s ability to perform reliably in real-world public environments. This level emphasizes control, focus, and appropriate behavior around everyday distractions.

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Training and evaluation include:

• Loose-leash walking with turns and changes of pace

• Responding to cues with increased distance

• Staying in place while the handler moves away

• Controlled greetings with people and dogs

• Calm behavior around distractions such as carts, cars, and crowds

• Polite behavior in public spaces

 

CGCA is ideal for dogs who regularly accompany their handlers in the community and for teams preparing for therapy work, advanced obedience, or sport environments.

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AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen® (CGCU)

Confident, Reliable Dogs in Busy Urban Environments

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AKC Urban CGC is the highest level in the Canine Good Citizen program and focuses on advanced skills needed in busy, real-life urban settings. Dogs must demonstrate reliability, confidence, and composure amid significant distractions.

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Training and evaluation may include:

• Navigating sidewalks and street crossings

• Calm behavior around traffic and city noises

• Controlled entries and exits from buildings

• Riding elevators or similar confined spaces

• Ignoring food, people, and environmental distractions

• Maintaining focus and responsiveness in highly stimulating environments

 

CGCU is well-suited for dogs living or working in urban areas and for teams seeking a high standard of real-world reliability and control.