Temperament

Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

A dog with a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certification is a dog who knows how to be well-behaved at home, in public, and around other dogs. 

The CGC program is administered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and consists of a pledge from the owner and a test of 10 basic skills for the dog. A dog with a CGC certification can be a better-behaved animal companion,have a stronger bond with the owner, and a solid foundation of obedience. A CGC certification can also prepare a dog for pet therapy, advanced obedience training, or dog sports.

For more information: 

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) – American Kennel Club 

https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/

CGCA

The AKC Community Canine test is the advanced level of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program. Dogs who pass the AKC Community Canine test earn the official AKC Community Canine title that is designated by the letters “CGCA” (Advanced CGC) on the dog’s title record .

While the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) tests are most often tested in a ring and situations are simulated (e.g., 3 helpers serve as a “crowd”), the AKC Community Canine test is done in real situations including at shows, classes, and in the community. AKC Approved CGC Evaluators administer the AKC Community Canine test .

The goal of the AKC Community Canine test is to test the dog’s skills in a natural setting . There is no age limit for dogs taking the AKC Community Canine test. However, before taking the test, dogs must have a Canine Good Citizen test on record at AKC .

CGCU

 The AKC Urban CGC test is a public access test that evaluates a dog’s behavior in a real-world urban setting. The test requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells, and other distractions that are present in a city or town. The test has 10 steps that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title.

Farm Dog 

Often referred to as "CGC, but on a farm", the Farm Dog Certified (FDC) is a program by the AKC that tests whether a dog has the capability to perform as a confident working partner on a farm. The test involves a series of 12 exercises that represent situations they may come across in a farm environment. The dog must demonstrate self-control, courage, and trust in the handler.

The test is open to all breeds of dogs and does not involve herding.  The Farm Dog test must be passed twice under two different judges.  

For more information:

Farm Dog Certified Test – American Kennel Club 

https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/farm-dog-certified-test/

Temperament Test

The Canine Temperament Test is a standardized evaluation that assesses the temperament of dogs . The American Kennel Club (AKC) has developed a similar test called the AKC Temperament Test (ATT) . 

The ATT is a non-competitive, pass-fail test that evaluates how a dog reacts to various stimuli in the surrounding environment. The ATT tests dogs in six categories of stimuli, including social, auditory, visual, tactile, proprioceptive (motion), and unexpected stimulus. The goal of the ATT is to assess the dog’s emotional stability, inquisitiveness, cooperation, social behavior, biddability, and ability to recover from a startling situation in a reasonable amount of time.

The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) also conducts a similar test that involves a brief walk through a park or neighborhood. The test includes auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli throughout the walk, allowing the behaviorist to properly assess the dog’s temperament.

For more information: 

AKC Temperament Test – American Kennel Club 

https://www.akc.org/akctemptest/

Description of the Temperament Test - American Temperament Test Society

https://atts.org/tt-test-description/

Therapy Dog

Therapy dogs are dogs who go with their owners to volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.  From working with a child who is learning to read to visiting a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of other people.

For more information:

What Is a Therapy Dog? – American Kennel Club 

https://www.akc.org/sports/title-recognition-program/therapy-dog-program/what-is-a-therapy-dog/