Canine Good Neighbour Test (CGN)

This is a test you can complete with your dog. It is run through the Canadian Kennel Club.

Objective:

  • To identify and reward responsible, caring owners and their canine partners throughout Canada.
  • To ensure that one of our most favoured companions, the dog, is accepted as a valued member of our communities right across the country. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.

What?

  • The test is non-competitive and allows dog and handler to demonstrate confidence and control in 12 steps. It assesses the handler and dog's relationship, together with the handler's ability to control the dog. Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic exercises as well as their ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday situations.

Why?

  • The training program embraces both purebred and mixed-breed dogs and is fun, rewarding, and useful. It encourages owners to have a better and richer relationship with their dogs. The program also enhances community awareness of responsible dog ownership and the numerous benefits associated with dog ownership.
  • The Canadian Kennel Club encourages all dog owners to participate in the program, ensuring that our beloved canines are welcome and respected members of our communities.

The test involves the following 12 Steps:

  1. Accepting a friendly stranger
  2. Politely accepts petting
  3. Appearance and grooming
  4. Out for a walk
  5. Walking through a crowd
  6. Sit/Down on command and stay in place (long line)
  7. Come when called (long line)
  8. Praise/Interaction
  9. Reaction to passing dog
  10. Reaction to distractions
  11. Supervised isolation
  12. Walking through a door/gate