CKC Canine Good Neighbour &
AKC Canine Good Citizen with Great Danes
Good Manners Matter
A well-mannered Great Dane is welcome almost anywhere. Because of their tremendous size, behaviours that may seem minor in a smaller dog—pulling on the leash, jumping up or becoming overly excited—can be difficult or intimidating when displayed by a giant breed.
The Canadian Kennel Club Canine Good Neighbour, commonly called CKC CGN, and the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen, known as AKC CGC, recognize dogs that demonstrate good manners, basic training and appropriate behaviour around people, other dogs and everyday distractions.
These programs are not formal obedience competitions. Dogs are not expected to perform with perfect precision. Instead, the tests assess whether the dog is under control, responsive to its handler and capable of behaving appropriately in situations commonly encountered within the community. Both purebred and mixed-breed dogs may participate.
At Meraki Great Danes, we believe that training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. A Great Dane should be more than beautiful—it should be a safe, confident and enjoyable companion at home and in public.
The Canadian Kennel Club Canine Good Neighbour, commonly called CKC CGN, and the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen, known as AKC CGC, recognize dogs that demonstrate good manners, basic training and appropriate behaviour around people, other dogs and everyday distractions.
These programs are not formal obedience competitions. Dogs are not expected to perform with perfect precision. Instead, the tests assess whether the dog is under control, responsive to its handler and capable of behaving appropriately in situations commonly encountered within the community. Both purebred and mixed-breed dogs may participate.
At Meraki Great Danes, we believe that training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. A Great Dane should be more than beautiful—it should be a safe, confident and enjoyable companion at home and in public.
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What Is the CKC Canine Good Neighbour Test?The CKC Canine Good Neighbour program identifies responsible owners and dogs that demonstrate reliable behaviour in everyday situations.
The test is conducted in a public setting where people, dogs and normal environmental distractions may be present. It is non-competitive, and dogs do not need formal obedience training to participate. Dogs must be at least 12 months old and must pass all 12 test steps to receive their Canine Good Neighbour certification. |
The 12 CKC CGN Test Steps
1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger
The dog remains calm and under control while a stranger approaches and speaks with the handler.
2. Politely Accepts Petting
The dog allows a friendly stranger to pet it without jumping, avoiding the person or showing resentment.
3. Appearance and Grooming
The dog appears clean, healthy and appropriately groomed. The evaluator brushes or combs the dog and gently examines its ears, eyes, body and front feet.
4. Out for a Walk
The dog walks near the handler on a loose leash and responds to changes of direction.
5. Walking Through a Crowd
The dog and handler move through a group of people without the dog jumping, pulling excessively or displaying fear or resentment.
6. Sit, Down and Stay in Place
The dog demonstrates both a sit and a down. The handler then leaves the dog in either position while walking to the end of a 6-metre or 20-foot line before returning.
7. Come When Called
The handler walks approximately 3 metres or 8–10 feet away and calls the dog. The dog must come close enough for the handler to touch it.
8. Praise and Interaction
The handler plays or interacts enthusiastically with the dog and must then demonstrate that the dog can settle and return to a controlled state.
9. Reaction to a Passing Dog
The dog remains under control and shows no more than casual interest while another handler and dog pass nearby.
10. Reaction to Distractions
The dog encounters common sights or sounds. It may show natural curiosity or briefly startle, but it must recover without panicking or behaving aggressively.
11. Supervised Isolation
The handler leaves the dog with a trusted person and goes out of sight for two minutes. The dog may show mild concern but must remain reasonably calm.
12. Walking Through a Door or Gate
The dog demonstrates control by waiting and passing through a doorway or gate without charging ahead of the handler.
The dog remains calm and under control while a stranger approaches and speaks with the handler.
2. Politely Accepts Petting
The dog allows a friendly stranger to pet it without jumping, avoiding the person or showing resentment.
3. Appearance and Grooming
The dog appears clean, healthy and appropriately groomed. The evaluator brushes or combs the dog and gently examines its ears, eyes, body and front feet.
4. Out for a Walk
The dog walks near the handler on a loose leash and responds to changes of direction.
5. Walking Through a Crowd
The dog and handler move through a group of people without the dog jumping, pulling excessively or displaying fear or resentment.
6. Sit, Down and Stay in Place
The dog demonstrates both a sit and a down. The handler then leaves the dog in either position while walking to the end of a 6-metre or 20-foot line before returning.
7. Come When Called
The handler walks approximately 3 metres or 8–10 feet away and calls the dog. The dog must come close enough for the handler to touch it.
8. Praise and Interaction
The handler plays or interacts enthusiastically with the dog and must then demonstrate that the dog can settle and return to a controlled state.
9. Reaction to a Passing Dog
The dog remains under control and shows no more than casual interest while another handler and dog pass nearby.
10. Reaction to Distractions
The dog encounters common sights or sounds. It may show natural curiosity or briefly startle, but it must recover without panicking or behaving aggressively.
11. Supervised Isolation
The handler leaves the dog with a trusted person and goes out of sight for two minutes. The dog may show mild concern but must remain reasonably calm.
12. Walking Through a Door or Gate
The dog demonstrates control by waiting and passing through a doorway or gate without charging ahead of the handler.
Earning the CKC CGN Certification
Each test item is rated Pass or Not Ready. The dog must pass all 12 items during the evaluation to earn certification.
CKC membership and dog registration are not required to participate. The Canadian Kennel Club issues a certificate to every passing dog, whether purebred or mixed breed.
Eligible registered dogs may use the suffix CGN after their registered name.
The certification does not expire, although owners should continue practising the skills throughout the dog’s life.
CKC membership and dog registration are not required to participate. The Canadian Kennel Club issues a certificate to every passing dog, whether purebred or mixed breed.
Eligible registered dogs may use the suffix CGN after their registered name.
The certification does not expire, although owners should continue practising the skills throughout the dog’s life.
What Is the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test?
The AKC Canine Good Citizen program recognizes dogs that demonstrate responsible ownership, basic training and the behaviours needed to be safe, reliable members of their families and communities.
The CGC test includes 10 practical skills. Dogs are not required to perform with formal obedience precision, and handlers may speak to, encourage and praise their dogs throughout the test.
The CGC test includes 10 practical skills. Dogs are not required to perform with formal obedience precision, and handlers may speak to, encourage and praise their dogs throughout the test.
The 10 AKC CGC Test Items
1. Accepting a Friendly StrangerThe dog allows a stranger to approach and speak with the handler without displaying shyness, resentment or inappropriate excitement.
2. Sitting Politely for PettingThe dog remains in place while a friendly stranger pets its head and body.
3. Appearance and GroomingThe evaluator brushes or combs the dog, examines its ears and gently picks up each front foot.
4. Out for a WalkThe dog walks on a loose leash and follows the handler through left, right and about turns.
5. Walking Through a CrowdThe dog walks through a group of people without jumping, pulling excessively or displaying fear or resentment.
6. Sit, Down and Stay in PlaceThe dog performs both a sit and a down. The handler then leaves the dog in the chosen stay position and walks to the end of a 20-foot line before returning.
7. Coming When CalledThe handler moves approximately 10 feet away and calls the dog.
8. Reaction to Another DogTwo handlers and their dogs approach, stop briefly to exchange greetings and continue walking. The dogs must show no more than casual interest in each other.
9. Reaction to DistractionThe dog encounters two common distractions. It may briefly startle or investigate but must not panic, attempt to flee or behave aggressively.
10. Supervised SeparationThe handler leaves the dog with the evaluator and goes out of sight for three minutes. The dog may show mild concern but should not continually bark, whine, pace or become highly distressed.
2. Sitting Politely for PettingThe dog remains in place while a friendly stranger pets its head and body.
3. Appearance and GroomingThe evaluator brushes or combs the dog, examines its ears and gently picks up each front foot.
4. Out for a WalkThe dog walks on a loose leash and follows the handler through left, right and about turns.
5. Walking Through a CrowdThe dog walks through a group of people without jumping, pulling excessively or displaying fear or resentment.
6. Sit, Down and Stay in PlaceThe dog performs both a sit and a down. The handler then leaves the dog in the chosen stay position and walks to the end of a 20-foot line before returning.
7. Coming When CalledThe handler moves approximately 10 feet away and calls the dog.
8. Reaction to Another DogTwo handlers and their dogs approach, stop briefly to exchange greetings and continue walking. The dogs must show no more than casual interest in each other.
9. Reaction to DistractionThe dog encounters two common distractions. It may briefly startle or investigate but must not panic, attempt to flee or behave aggressively.
10. Supervised SeparationThe handler leaves the dog with the evaluator and goes out of sight for three minutes. The dog may show mild concern but should not continually bark, whine, pace or become highly distressed.
Earning the AKC CGC
Dogs may earn CGC in one of two ways.
CGC Certificate
A dog may pass the test and receive an official AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate without having an AKC registration number.
Official CGC Title
To have CGC added to the dog’s AKC title record and use the suffix after its name, the dog must have one of the following:
After the dog passes, the owner submits the completed application and applicable fee to the AKC.
CGC Certificate
A dog may pass the test and receive an official AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate without having an AKC registration number.
Official CGC Title
To have CGC added to the dog’s AKC title record and use the suffix after its name, the dog must have one of the following:
- An AKC registration number
- A Purebred Alternative Listing number
- An AKC Canine Partners number for mixed-breed dogs
After the dog passes, the owner submits the completed application and applicable fee to the AKC.
CKC CGN and AKC CGC Compared
The two programs test many of the same practical skills, but they are not identical.
CKC Canine Good Neighbour
The AKC encourages owners of dogs that pass as puppies to consider having them tested again as adults because behaviour and temperament can change as dogs mature. Retesting is recommended but is not required.
CKC Canine Good Neighbour
- 12 test items
- Dogs must be at least 12 months old
- Supervised isolation lasts two minutes
- Includes a praise-and-settle exercise
- Includes controlled passage through a door or gate
- Conducted in a public environment
- CKC registration is not required to participate
- Food, toys and training aids may not be carried or used during testing
- Dogs are rated Pass or Not Ready
- 10 test items
- No general minimum age
- Supervised separation lasts three minutes
- Does not include separate praise-and-settle or doorway exercises
- AKC registration is not required for a certificate
- AKC registration or enrolment is required for the official title
- Food may not be used during testing
- Dogs must pass every item
The AKC encourages owners of dogs that pass as puppies to consider having them tested again as adults because behaviour and temperament can change as dogs mature. Retesting is recommended but is not required.
Why These Tests Are Valuable for Great Danes
Good manners are important for every dog, but they are especially important for Great Danes.
A mature Great Dane may weigh as much as or more than the person handling it. Owners cannot rely on physical strength alone to control such a large dog. Training, communication and a trusting relationship must provide that control.
Preparing for CGN or CGC can help develop:
A mature Great Dane may weigh as much as or more than the person handling it. Owners cannot rely on physical strength alone to control such a large dog. Training, communication and a trusting relationship must provide that control.
Preparing for CGN or CGC can help develop:
- Polite greetings without jumping
- Comfortable acceptance of handling
- Loose-leash walking
- Calm behaviour around people and dogs
- Reliable sits, downs, stays and recalls
- Confidence around common sights and sounds
- The ability to remain with another trusted person
- Better communication between dog and handler
Does My Dog Need Formal Obedience Training?
No. Neither test requires the precision expected in competitive obedience.
Your dog does not need to walk in a perfect heel position, sit automatically every time you stop or perform exercises with only one command. Handlers may communicate with their dogs, offer encouragement and use normal body language.
However, the dog must demonstrate that it understands the requested behaviour and can remain under reasonable control without being physically forced or repeatedly restrained.
Training classes can be helpful, but owners may also prepare their dogs at home and in appropriate public places.
Your dog does not need to walk in a perfect heel position, sit automatically every time you stop or perform exercises with only one command. Handlers may communicate with their dogs, offer encouragement and use normal body language.
However, the dog must demonstrate that it understands the requested behaviour and can remain under reasonable control without being physically forced or repeatedly restrained.
Training classes can be helpful, but owners may also prepare their dogs at home and in appropriate public places.
Preparing Your Great Dane
Begin by practising individual skills in a quiet environment before gradually introducing distractions.
Helpful preparation includes:
Do not overwhelm a nervous dog by moving too quickly. Build confidence through positive experiences and increase the difficulty only when the dog is comfortable and successful.
Treats, Toys and PraiseTreats and toys are valuable training tools while preparing for the tests, but they may not be used during either the CKC CGN or AKC CGC evaluation.
For the CKC test, food, toys and other training aids may not be carried during testing. Handlers may praise, pet, encourage and communicate with their dogs.
Gradually practise performing the complete exercises without visible food or toys so your dog does not become dependent on seeing a reward before responding.
You can reward your dog after the test is complete.
Helpful preparation includes:
- Greeting people without jumping
- Standing or sitting calmly for petting
- Allowing examination of the ears, feet and body
- Walking on a loose leash
- Passing people and dogs without pulling toward them
- Performing sit and down on cue
- Remaining in place while you step away
- Coming when called
- Recovering calmly after an unexpected sound or movement
- Relaxing with another trusted person
- Waiting at doors and gates
Do not overwhelm a nervous dog by moving too quickly. Build confidence through positive experiences and increase the difficulty only when the dog is comfortable and successful.
Treats, Toys and PraiseTreats and toys are valuable training tools while preparing for the tests, but they may not be used during either the CKC CGN or AKC CGC evaluation.
For the CKC test, food, toys and other training aids may not be carried during testing. Handlers may praise, pet, encourage and communicate with their dogs.
Gradually practise performing the complete exercises without visible food or toys so your dog does not become dependent on seeing a reward before responding.
You can reward your dog after the test is complete.
Collars, Harnesses and Leashes
Equipment requirements differ slightly between the two programs.
CKC CGN Equipment
CKC requires a leash measuring approximately 0.75 to 2 metres, or 2 to 6 feet.
Acceptable collars include properly fitted buckle, slip and martingale collars made from fabric, leather or chain.
Pinch collars, head halters and other specialized training equipment are not permitted. The handler must also bring a brush or comb for the grooming exercise.
AKC CGC Equipment
AKC permits properly fitted buckle, slip and martingale collars. A non-restrictive body harness may also be used.
Pinch collars, electronic collars and head collars are not permitted. Leashes must be made from leather, fabric, nylon or Biothane. Retractable leashes may not be used.
The evaluator supplies the 20-foot line needed for the stay and recall exercises.
Always review the current participant information or contact the evaluator before the test if you are uncertain whether your dog’s equipment is permitted
CKC CGN Equipment
CKC requires a leash measuring approximately 0.75 to 2 metres, or 2 to 6 feet.
Acceptable collars include properly fitted buckle, slip and martingale collars made from fabric, leather or chain.
Pinch collars, head halters and other specialized training equipment are not permitted. The handler must also bring a brush or comb for the grooming exercise.
AKC CGC Equipment
AKC permits properly fitted buckle, slip and martingale collars. A non-restrictive body harness may also be used.
Pinch collars, electronic collars and head collars are not permitted. Leashes must be made from leather, fabric, nylon or Biothane. Retractable leashes may not be used.
The evaluator supplies the 20-foot line needed for the stay and recall exercises.
Always review the current participant information or contact the evaluator before the test if you are uncertain whether your dog’s equipment is permitted
What Should I Bring?
For a CKC CGN Test
For an AKC CGC Test
Confirm the specific requirements with the host club or evaluator before attending.
- Your dog on an acceptable collar and leash
- A brush or comb
- Proof of vaccination when required
- Your dog licence when required by local bylaws
- Waste bags
- The test fee
- The information needed for the certificate
For an AKC CGC Test
- Your dog on permitted equipment
- A regular, non-retractable leash
- A brush or comb
- The test fee
- Your dog’s AKC, PAL or Canine Partners number when applying for the official title
Confirm the specific requirements with the host club or evaluator before attending.
What Happens if My Dog Is Not Ready?
A Not Ready result is not a failure. It simply identifies an area that requires more training or confidence-building.
The evaluator should explain which skills need improvement. You can continue practising and enter another test when your dog is better prepared.
CKC permits dogs rated Not Ready or disqualified to be tested again at a later date.
The goal should never be to force a dog through the test merely to earn a certificate. The real value comes from developing the skills and confidence represented by the award.
The evaluator should explain which skills need improvement. You can continue practising and enter another test when your dog is better prepared.
CKC permits dogs rated Not Ready or disqualified to be tested again at a later date.
The goal should never be to force a dog through the test merely to earn a certificate. The real value comes from developing the skills and confidence represented by the award.
Frequently Asked Questions |
Evaluator Experience |
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Can Great Danes earn CGN and CGC?
Yes. Great Danes may participate in both programs when they meet the applicable age and entry requirements. Can mixed-breed dogs participate? Yes. Both programs welcome purebred and mixed-breed dogs. Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered? No. Intact, spayed and neutered dogs may participate, subject to the host organization’s rules concerning females in season. Can my dog wear a harness? AKC permits a properly fitted, non-restrictive body harness. CKC CGN testing requires one of the acceptable collar types listed in its evaluator guide. Can I use treats during the test? No. Food may not be used during either test. CKC also prohibits carrying food, toys or other training aids during the evaluation. Can I talk to my dog? Yes. You may speak to, praise and encourage your dog. These tests assess practical control and communication rather than silent, formal obedience. Must my dog sit when greeting someone? The precise requirements vary slightly between exercises and programs. The dog must remain controlled and in place without jumping, avoiding the evaluator or showing fear or resentment. Is CGN or CGC a therapy-dog certification? No. These tests demonstrate basic training and good manners, but they do not certify a dog for therapy work. Individual therapy-dog organizations have their own eligibility requirements and assessments. Do the certifications expire? CKC CGN certification does not expire. AKC does not require routine CGC retesting, although periodic reassessment can demonstrate that the dog has maintained its training and manners. |
I am an approved CKC Canine Good Neighbour Evaluator.
My experience raising, training and competing with Great Danes has given me a particular appreciation for the importance of practical manners in giant breeds. These tests provide owners with a useful training goal while recognizing dogs that can behave calmly and responsibly within their communities. More Than a CertificateThe letters after a dog’s name are worth celebrating, but the skills behind them are what truly matter.
A Great Dane that can greet people politely, walk calmly through a crowd, accept handling, pass another dog and respond to its owner is easier to include in family activities and more likely to be welcomed within the community. Train the dog in front of you, progress at a pace that supports confidence and remember that good manners are developed through consistent practice—not only on test day. Helpful ResourcesProgram rules and requirements may change. Review the current information published by CKC or AKC before entering a test.
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