Have you ever heard of the Canine Good Citizen Certificate? Also known as the CGC, this credential is given to dogs that have passed a temperament and training test. It’s also an AKC sponsored award that’s given to both purebred and mixed breed dogs. The end result is a proud certificate and tag that bears the CGC logo. But the rewards aren’t just for show. A CGC certified canine can get a career in a therapy dog training program! Here’s what’s required:

1. Early training. The earlier you train your dog, the better. It has been said that a dog’s behavior is pretty much established the minute that it reaches adulthood, so take advantage of your dog’s moldable puppyhood and shape it into a well trained canine.

A CGC certified dog doesn’t jump on people, it sits still while friendly strangers pet it, it walks calmly without pulling a leash, and it sits, lays down, and comes when commanded to. It may take several months to teach a puppy these things, but after just one year of consistent practice, most dogs have these skills mastered to the point where they’re qualified CGC candidates.

2. Socialize your dog with other dogs and people. An important part of the CGC test evaluates how well a dog gets along with other canines. If your dog demonstrates aggression when strangers or another dog comes around, its chances to earn a shiny cool Canine Good Citizen tag are pretty much blown (unless you can control the aggression). But if your dog simply gets a little playful around other dogs, obedience training will increase its chances of certification.

The special certificate and tag that your dog earns is of course only half the reward. Winners also get a dog that’s an absolute delight to befriend.