Your dog may be very well behaved at home, but if you want to prove it to the world, then a CGC title comes in handy. Developed by the American Kennel Club in 1989, the CGC program measures a dog's behavior and her comfort with strangers. Both purebreds and mixed breeds can earn a CGC title.

Many property managers require dogs to have this designation before they will rent to owners, and insurance companies will give homeowners insurance to previously excluded breeds if they have a CGC designation. If you want to become involved in therapy dog visits with children, the sick, or the elderly, your dog will need to pass the Canine Good Citizen test. Many agencies use this program to screen dogs before they are accepted into their programs.

While many dogs won't require any formal training to pass this test, some may need to attend a few obedience classes to brush up on their socialization skills. Kennel clubs and trainers in every community offer CGC instruction, and independent CGC evaluators administer the test. For more information about where and when the CGC tests are scheduled in your area, contact the AKC or your dog trainer.

There are ten simple requirements your dog needs to pass before she can earn a CGC:

• Accept the approach of a friendly stranger.

• Sit politely for petting.

• Have a healthy, well-groomed appearance and a willingness to be combed or brushed and examined by the judge.

• Walk nicely on a loose lead.

• Move politely through a crowd.

• Sit and lie down on command and stay in place when told.

• Come when called.

• Behave politely around other dogs.

• React without panic or aggression to common distractions, such as a chair dropping or a person running by.

• Stay nicely with a trusted person while the owner moves out of sight.

Every dog is more than capable of passing this test and earning a CGC title. All it takes is a little time and patience on your part to prepare your dog.