get your k9 a akc canine citizen urban title(cgcu)

---

The AKC Urban CGC evaluates a dog's abilities beyond basic obedience in real-world urban environments, including traffic, crowds, noises, smells, and other distractions commonly found in cities or towns. Similar to the Canine Good Citizen test, it consists of 10 steps that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title, which is recorded in the dog's AKC title record.

This test serves as a measure of a dog's behavior and training in public settings. It demonstrates that dogs are well-behaved and properly trained to navigate urban environments. The AKC Urban CGC can also be utilized by dog-friendly businesses such as lodging, retail, transportation, and public facilities to acknowledge and welcome dogs with good manners.

To attain the AKC Urban CGC (CGCU) title, dogs must fulfill the following criteria:

1. They must already possess a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title recorded at AKC. If both the CGC and CGCU tests are taken on the same day, both forms should be submitted together in one envelope to AKC. This ensures that the CGC is applied to the dog's record prior to the CGCU.

2. They must have an AKC number of one of three types: AKC registration number, Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) number, or AKC Canine Partners number. All dogs, regardless of breed mix, are eligible to receive an AKC number. This requirement is necessary because AKC titles are linked to the dog's number.

There is no age limit for dogs taking the AKC Urban CGC test. The CGC test and Urban CGC may be taken on the same day. However, when taken on the same day, both forms should be sent to AKC in one envelope so the CGC can be entered first. 

 AKC Urban CGC Test Items

1. Exit/enter doorway with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings. Exit building to start test, additional Public buildings items are below.
2. Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk.
   • People come toward the dog from 1-ft. away
   • Tolerate distractions (people wearing hats, coats, men, women, etc).

1. Appropriate reaction to city distractions. This includes movement, noises, and walking on a variety of surfaces. Examples:
   • Noises: horns, sirens, construction noise, etc.
   • Moving objects: skateboard, bike, carts, person running
   • Surfaces: concrete, grass, grates, plastic tarp, wet sidewalk

1. Crossing street: Stop at corner, stand or sit to wait and cross with no pulling (on leash, with owner). Crosses street under control.
2. Ignore food on sidewalk. (Dropped food, or cups, bags, cans, in which food was wrapped).
3. Person walks up and pets the dog. May be carrying an item such as a small dog in a bag, a computer bag, etc. Person does not put the bag down to pet the dog.
4. Public Building (that is dog friendly). Walks under control in building (slick surface, carpeted floor). Down stay (3 min) in lobby or outdoor area, or waits while owner has a meal or snack.
5. Stairs, steps, or elevator under control.
   • Steps (at least 3 – up and down)
   • Elevator (Enters under control, exits, rides under control)

1. Housetrained for apartment, condo, city living. Owner may verify this item. Evaluator may also observe in public buildings, or have observed in training classes.
2. Transportation. Owner’s choice depending on transportation needs.
   • Car. Enters/exits, remains under control during the ride. (Crate? Seatbelt?)
   • Subway. Small dog in bag for ride. (large dogs are not always permitted; know and abide by the Transit Policies in your area).
   • Dog friendly (enters/exits or allows to be put in/taken out) under control.

To pass the CGCU test, dogs must pass all 10 items of the test.

Visit the American Kennel Club website for more information.

Once your dog can perform the 10 required tricks, video them. You can either combine the  videos into one video that you upload to YouTube or you can send 10 individual videos to K9 Titles. You can also send videos via Facebook

• Please keep each trick video under 20 seconds (or a combined total video time of less than 3 min)
• You can send videos or link to videos via text or email. 

Once you have videos of your dog performing the tricks required, it is time to contact K9 Titles via text or email them. You can either combine the  videos into one video that you upload to YouTube or you can send 10 individual videos to K9 Titles. 

• Please keep each trick video under 20 seconds (or a combined total video time of less than 3 min)
• You can send videos or link to videos via text or email. 
• Include your name & contact information, dogs' registered name  & AKC registration number, and breed.
• Send a picture of your dog for record keeping (please note: these may also be used for advertising purposes)

Now that K9 Titles has your information,  we will evaluate your video.

 1. After watching the video, once the dog passes, the Evaluator will send the combined Checklist/Video Verification Form to the dog owner. The Evaluator will also send a copy of this form to AKC.

2. The dog owner will send to AKC:
a)the Checklist/Video Verification, and
b) the Canine Urban Good Citizen form along with a fee of $30.00*.  

3. The AKC will then process your paperwork and award your title and certificate.

For more information and the required AKC forms, please go to: https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/akc-urban-canine-good-citizen/

CONSIDER MOVING ON TO MORE TITLES AND CERTIFICATIONS WITH AKC & K9 TITLES !