The Canine Good Citizenship test is a 10-part examination designed to demonstrate a dog's ability to be a respected member of the community, in public, in the home and in the presence of other dogs.

Therapy Dogs International and the Delta Society require all potential therapy dogs pass this test before applying for membership and registration.

A dog must pass each segment in order to be certified, and if he fails one portion of the test (or is failed for eliminating during the test), he must take the entire test over. Any dog who growls, snaps, bites, attacks or attempts to attack during the test will be dismissed. Likewise, any owner who strikes, kicks, manhandles his dog or displays unsportsmanlike behavior will be similarly dismissed.

Step One: Appearance and Grooming
· Determines that the dog is clean and well-groomed, has up-to-date vaccinations and licenses.
· Demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined, and will permit a stranger such as a veterinarian or someone other than the owner to do so.

Step Two: Accepting a Stranger
· Demonstrates that the dog will allow a stranger to approach his handler without exhibiting resentment or shyness and that he will not break position.

Step Three: Walk on a Loose Lead
· Demonstrates the handler is in control while "out for a walk." The handler and dog will be asked to execute a series of halts and turns during which the dog must remain on the handler's left side.

Step Four: Walk Through a Crowd
· Demonstrates that the dog would have no trouble moving through pedestrian traffic.

Step Five: Sit for Exam
· Demonstrates the dog will allow a stranger to approach and pet him without showing shyness or resentment.

Step Six: Sit and Down on Command
· Demonstrates the dog has had some formal training and will respond to the handler's commands.

Step Seven: Stay in Position (Sit or Down)
· Demonstrates the dog will assume and remain in a position commanded by his handler.

Step Eight: Reaction to Another Dog
· Demonstrates the dog's proper behavior while in the presence of other dogs.

Step Nine: Reaction to Distractions
· Demonstrates the dog's confidence when faced with distracting conditions. The evaluator will choose two distractions from the CGC guidelines.

Step Ten: Dog Left Alone
· Demonstrates the dog's training and good manners when left alone for five minutes.

Any AKC member club or other qualified dog-training organization can hold a CGC test and award certificates. For complete guidelines and more information on CGC, contact the AKC.