Canine Good Citizen (CGC) - Bronze

Summary of Bronze Canine Good Citizen Tests

Before a BRONZE certificate is issued, all the following Tasks must have been passed. Dogs may be tested singly or in groups.

Test 1 Accepting a stranger:
The purpose of this task is to see that a stranger can approach the dog and handler in a casual, everyday
situation. Ignoring the dog, the Evaluator will walk up to the handler and greet him in a friendly way and
shake hands. The dog must show no signs of resentment or shyness and must not leave his position to
go to the stranger. Sitting politely for petting by a friendly stranger, with the dog sitting at the handler’s
side, the Evaluator touches the dog only on the head, neck and body, and then circles the dog and
handler which completes the task. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 2 Present for examination on a lead:
The handler and dog will present themselves for examination already wearing a collar and lead (i.e. on
lead), and harness if desired. The dog will stand for examination by the Evaluator. The Evaluator will
satisfy themself that the equipment is of suitable material and correctly fitted. If this is not to the
Evaluator’s satisfaction, he can ask for this to be adjusted. If this cannot be rectified, the exhibit should
be excused from the Test and the sheet marked as ‘Not ready’. The Evaluator will then examine the dog,
including a gentle examination of its mouth, teeth, eyes, ears and feet. The purpose of this task is to see
if the dog can be examined by a groomer or a Vet without it becoming aggressive or flinching.

Test 3 Care and responsibility:
The Evaluator will inspect the dog to see if it appears healthy, is clean and groomed. The object of this
exercise is to test the handler’s ability to groom the dog without a struggle. Grooming performed should
be relevant to the individual dog, conducted on a lead and should include all parts of the dog’s body.
Handlers are required to provide their own grooming equipment. The test also demonstrates the
owners care, concern and sense of responsibility.

Test 4 Play with or without toy:
The purpose of this task is to demonstrate that a dog can be calmed easily following praise or play and
can leave the task in a well-mannered fashion. The handler may praise the dog verbally, or by petting, or
playing with a toy and/or via a favourite trick. The handler should praise/play with the dog for ten (10)
seconds and then calm the dog for the next task. This task can be conducted on or off lead.

Test 5 Walk on lead without distraction, sit:
The purpose of this task is to demonstrate that the handler is in control. The dog must be on the left
side of the handler but need not be in the ‘heel’ position. There should be no doubt that the dog’s
attention is on the handler and it responds to movements and changes of direction. The dog may not
pull on the lead. The course taken must include a left turn, right turn, an about turn, a stop in between
with a sit and at the end of the task. The dog does not have to be perfectly aligned with the handler.
Talking to the dog by the handler is encouraged.

Test 6 Walk on lead, passing people and dogs:
The purpose of this task is to demonstrate that the dog should have no difficulty in walking through
pedestrian traffic. The dog should walk around close to at least four (4) persons one (1) of whom should
have a dog. The dog may show interest in the strangers and the dog but should continue to walk without
any evidence of shyness or over exuberance and should not be pulling at the lead. The dog should not
interact with the people or the other dog. Throughout this Task the handler may encourage, praise or
talk to the dog.

Test 7 Reaction to distractions:
This task is to demonstrate the dog is confident at all times when facing a distraction. The Evaluator
must select two (2) of the following for this task; they need not be the same for each dog: a) Simulation
of a person using crutches, a walker or a wheelchair. b) Sudden opening or closing of a door or gate, or
an umbrella. c) Dropping a large book or similar object behind the dog. d) A jogger passing in front of the
dog. e) Someone pushing a pram, or a cart (e.g. shopping cart or dog cart) from the front or rear. f) A
cyclist or scooter passing in front or from the rear. The dog may express natural curiosity and interest
and may startle, but should not panic, try to run away, show aggression or bark excessively.

Test 8 Release from lead, recall and attach lead:
The purpose of this task is to see if a dog can be recalled and be put back on lead. The handler will
release the dog from the lead and then recall the dog and place it back on lead. The handler should
leave the dog for about seven (7) paces and then about turn and recall the dog. The dog can be left in
any position or held by the Evaluator or an assistant.

Test 9 Stay in one place:
The purpose of this task is to demonstrate that the dog has some training and will respond to the
handler’s cue. Taking reasonable time, the handler will cue the dog to either ‘sit’ or ‘lie down’, using a
reasonable number of cues. He must not force the dog into position. The ‘stay’ cue is then given and the
handler shall walk forward for seven (5) metres. The handler may choose to face the dog, face away or
stand side on to the dog. The total length of the stay will be a period of thirty (20) seconds. The handler
must return to the dog at a natural walking pace; the dog must maintain its position until the handler
returns, and the Evaluator ends the task.

Test 10 Supervised isolation:
This task is to demonstrate a dog can be left alone if necessary, whilst maintaining its training and good
manners. The dog will be attached to a lead of approximately two (2) metres, either tethered or held by
another person. It does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, howl, pace
unnecessarily or show any behaviour with a mild agitation or nervousness. The handler may stay in sight
or go briefly out of sight. The total length of time of the stay will be approximately one (1) minute.