All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the CGC program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines, and there is no age limit on the test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen. Monterey Bay Dog Training holds classes around Santa Cruz and administers the test several times during the year. Canine Good Citizen evaluators should be individuals who have enough experience working with dogs that they would be able to determine in the course of administering the CGC test whether or not a dog is safe, well-mannered, and under control.
Evaluators can be any of the dog related professionals listed above.
To become an evaluator, the first step is to contact the AKC and request the Evaluator's Packet. This packet includes all of the printed materials related to the CGC Program. When the AKC receives a completed Test Summary Form, the evaluator is added to the Evaluator database. Staff of the Canine Good Citizen Department are available to provide training for clubs and groups wishing to begin Canine Good Citizen Programs. The CGC award is not an official AKC title because the testing is not administered by our licensed judges.