Canine Good Neighbour Certificate Program

The Canadian Kennel Club’s Canine Good Neighbour Program is a 12-step test, that when completed successfully, will earn a Certificate noting that the dog presents good manners at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.

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.

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.

You and Your Dog Must Must Complete these 12 Steps

Accepting A Friendly Stranger
Politely Accepts Petting
Appearance and Grooming
Out For A Walk
Walking Through A Crowd
Sit/Down On Command and Stay In Place
Come When Called
Praise/Interaction
Reaction To A Passing Dog
Reaction To Distractions
Supervised Isolation
Walking Through A Door/Gate

If you are interested in participating with your dog and obtaining a CGN certification, you should first obtain a copy of the Participants Handbook here. You and your dog can then prepare prior to the event in your community by finding a CAPDT trainer offering classes that will help you prepare to take the test. Your CAPDT trainer can also provide you with information about where to get evaluated (or perhaps arrange a group test if a number of their clients are ready for testing).

You’ll be awarded a CKC Canine Good Neighbour Certificate if your dog earns a “Pass”, if not… simply spend more time working with your trainer and your dog in the areas identified by your evaluator and then visit another testing location in the future.