Helpful Supplies for Canine Good Citizen Training
/When you’re training your dog for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test, there are a few supplies that you will absolutely need for test day. Other dog training equipment will make your life easier as you practice out in the real world.
After practicing CGC skills with Bernie for quite some time, I’ve put together this supply list.
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Required Supplies for CGC Test Day
According to the AKC Evaluator Guide, handlers must supply a collar or harness, and a leash on test day:
“All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars (including martingales) made of leather, fabric, or chain. They may also wear body harnesses for the CGC test. Body harnesses should not restrict the movement of the dog. Special training equipment such as pinch collars and head collars are not permitted. The leash should be made of either leather or fabric. Retractable leashes may not be used in the CGC test. The evaluator should have available a 20-ft. line for Test #6.”
What kinds of collars or body harnesses are allowed?
Well-fitting buckle collars
Slip collars
Martingales
Collars may be made of leather, fabric, or chain
Body harnesses that do not restrict movement
What kinds of leashes are allowed?
Leashes made of leather or fabric
Clip-on leashes are allowed
Slip leads are allowed
If you’re taking a CGC Class, use the equipment you’re planning on having on test day. If you have any questions about whether a piece of equipment is allowed or not, be sure to ask your trainer.
Recommended Supplies for CGC Test Day
Take the equipment that you’re used to using. On test day, you’re going to be nervous. Use equipment that you’re familiar with to boost your confidence, and your dog’s.
Awkwardly pulling on or tripping over the long lead is the last thing you want.
For tests #6 and #7 which demonstrate that your dog can stay in place while you move away from him, and that your dog will come when called, you will need to use a long lead. You’ll be practicing this skill in the real world, so you may as well bring that long lead with you on test day.
I really like the Signature K9 Biothane Long Line, which is 15-feet long with a 3/8” width. This long lead is pretty thin, which I like. It’s easy to clean and lightweight so I can carry it comfortably, including clipping it to my buckle if needed.
For demonstrating that your dog will stay in place as you walk 20 feet away, you are allowed to clip your long line to your dog’s leash to maintain the safest environment possible.
For test #3 your dog must allow a friendly stranger to brush him. You're allowed to bring your own brush to the test so your dog is already familiar with it. If your dog is sensitive about being brushed or sensitive about who brushes him, then practicing with the least bothersome brush is important.
With Bernie, I found that using a rubber Dog Grooming Brush was my best option. He tolerates a stranger gently brushing him down his back because the soft nubs on this brush don't pull on his Doodle hair. These brushes are also incredibly affordable!
If I gave a stranger our Chris Christensen Long Pin Slicker Brush that I use to keep Doodle hair from matting, Bernie’s anxiety would sky rocket. Bernie trusts our groomer to brush him gently, but I’ve watched some people brush their dogs with a gusto that Bernie would not appreciate.
Useful Supplies for Training Time
When you’re practicing your CGC skills out in the real world, you’ll want a few things to make training more effective and efficient.
First, you’ll want a treat pouch.
While you are not allowed to use treats on the actual Canine Good Citizen Test, precisely marking desired behaviors better reinforces those skills as your dog learns them.
After trying several fanny packs and treat pouches, a dog trainer suggested I try the Everest Signature Waist Pack. With three roomy compartments, I love using the middle compartment with its half moon opening for dog treats. When we're out walking and training, that middle half moon opening allows me to dip my hand quickly into the treat compartment to reward Bernie's behavior.
Need training tips for any of the specific Canine Good Citizen skills?
We’ve got you covered with ten helpful articles below to get you on the right track.
Next you’ll want to identify the treats you’ll be using. I suggest using three levels of treats:
High value treats that your dog adores make training new concepts more exciting
Delicious treats that keep your dog interested in learning those concepts as you keep practicing them
Yummy treats for day-to-day use intermittently to reinforce behaviors your dog knows and demonstrates reliably
Full Moon's Organic Chicken Training Treats are our #1 pick for our top tier highest value treat. These small chewy treats are easy to cut in half making the 6oz bag last longer.
Fruitables Skinny Minis Dog Treats are easy to break up in my hand. The pups love the variety of flavors, so they make a great choice for reinforcing behaviors they're still developing.
Wet Noses Little Stars in peanut butter and sweet potato flavors are tiny hard treats that are organic and Non-GMO Project verified. They make the perfect day-to-day treat for intermittent reinforcement for reliable behaviors.
Keeping your dog hydrated on all of your training adventures is important. If you’re taking a CGC Class indoors, one option to consider is an UPSKY Portable Dog Water Bottle. These bottles let you dispense water to your dog, but capture any unused water. Much more convenient than figuring out where to toss unused water when you’re inside.
Finally, if you're taking a CGC Class, bringing your own K&H Elevated Dog Cot gives your dog a place to settle while you're listening to instructions or focusing on demonstrations. Even if your trainer doesn't require a pet cot, bringing one along may prove useful.
