Canine Good Citizen Training & CGC Testing in Chattanooga

The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is the most widely recognized standard of good manners for dogs in the United States. At Off Leash K9 Training of Chattanooga, we prepare your dog for — and administer — the official 10-step CGC test with an AKC-approved evaluator on staff. Whether you want a polished family companion, a foundation for service or therapy dog work, or simply proof that your dog is a model canine citizen, this is where it starts.

What Is the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test?

Launched by the American Kennel Club in 1989, the Canine Good Citizen program is a certification that evaluates a dog's manners and a handler's responsibility in everyday, real-world situations. It is open to every dog — purebred or mixed breed, puppy or senior — and it has become the gold-standard benchmark trainers, landlords, insurers, therapy-dog organizations, and service-dog programs ask for.^[1]

The test is pass/fail and non-competitive. Your dog is not scored against other dogs; they simply demonstrate that they can behave politely around people, other dogs, and distractions while remaining under your control. Pass all ten items and the AKC issues an official CGC certificate and title your dog can carry for life.

The 10 Skills Your Dog Must Master

Every dog is tested on the same ten items. We train each one deliberately so the test day feels like just another practice session:

• Accepting a friendly stranger — your dog allows a person to approach and greet you without jumping or shyness.
• Sitting politely for petting — staying calm and welcoming while being touched.
• Appearance & grooming — permitting handling, brushing, and a light exam.
• Walking on a loose leash — the everyday skill most owners struggle with. See our guide on how to stop a dog from pulling on the leash.
• Walking through a crowd — moving politely through foot traffic.
• Sit, down & stay in place — responding to cues and holding position.
• Coming when called — reliable recall from a short distance.
• Reaction to another dog — staying neutral when another dog passes.
• Reaction to distraction — remaining confident around sudden sounds or sights.
• Supervised separation — staying calm when you step out of sight.

Why Canine Good Citizen Certification Is Worth It

How We Prepare Your Dog for the CGC Test in Chattanooga

CGC readiness is built on a foundation of reliable obedience. Most clients reach test standard through one of three paths, and we will recommend the right one at your free evaluation:

• Private CGC prep lessons — one-on-one coaching tailored to the exact items your dog needs. Explore private dog training in Chattanooga.
• Board & train — the fastest route. Your dog lives and learns with a trainer, then we transfer the skills to you. See our dog boot camp and board & train programs.
• Foundation obedience first — if you are starting from scratch, begin with obedience training or, for young dogs, puppy training.

Our methods are balanced and humane: clear communication, generous reinforcement, and fair, consistent standards. The same approach that earns CGC titles is what makes our graduates reliable off-leash — see the proof on our testimonials page and real before-and-after videos.

Who Should Pursue CGC?

Brand-new puppies (start with the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program — see pricing), adolescent dogs full of energy, rescues building confidence, and adult dogs that need polish all benefit. We serve all of Hamilton County and North Georgia — view our service areas, from Hixson and Ooltewah to East Brainerd and Cleveland, TN.

Canine Good Citizen — Frequently Asked Questions