1.) Accepting a friendly stranger (Evaluator approaches, shakes hands
w/handler, but doesn't touch the dog)
2.) Sitting politely for petting (Evaluator pets the dog and it must show no
shyness or resentment)
3.) Appearance and grooming (Evaluator inspects dog, combs/brushes, examines
ears and each foot)
4.) Out for a walk (Handler walks dog on loose lead including right, left,
about turns and stops)
5.) Walking through a crowd (Dog and handler walk close to several people, dog
can show casual interest but not jump up.)
6.) Sit and down on command/Staying in place (Handler shows that the dog can
sit and down, then chooses a position, leaves the dog and goes approx. 20 ft.
and returns)
7.) Coming when called (After completing #6, Handler walks away again approx.
10ft. turns and faces dog, and calls the dog.)
8.) Reaction to another dog (2 handlers and 2 dogs approach, shake hands,
exchange pleasantries, move on. Dog can show casual interest)
9.) Reaction to distractions (Distractions presented; dog may not panic or
show aggression)
10.) Supervised seperation (Handler goes out of sight for 3 mins. Dog is held
on leash by an evaluator. Dog may not show panic or anxiety.)
The
therapy dog evaluation is all of the above along with adding in medical
equipment distractions such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, etc and
children were also among the crowd of people. And they must approach a person
in a wheelchair and sit along side of it and accept petting. Oh, and I'd like
to add, that this entire evaluation has to be done without using treats
To learn more about the Canine Good Citizen
Program, please visit:
AKC Canine Good Citizen
Program