CGC and TDI Test Requirements

TDI additions to the CGC test are in red.  Video performances from actual CGC/TDI tests will help demonstrate the correct (and incorrect) ways to perform the exercises. Some videos are of multiple test exercises.


Meeting a Friendly Stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The Evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness and must not break position or try to go to the Evaluator.

Sitting Politely for Petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while out with its handler. The dog should sit at the handler's side as the Evaluator approaches and begins to pet the dog on the head and body only. The dog may stand in place to accept petting. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Appearance and Grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility. The Evaluator inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog and lightly examines the ears of each front foot.

Video performances of the Meet a Friendly Stranger, Sit Politely for Petting and Appearance and Grooming exercises:




Out for a Walk (Walking on Loose Leash)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog can be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers. There must be a left turn, a right turn and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.






Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place
this test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's command to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down, whichever the handler prefers). the handler may take a reasonable amount on time and use more than one command to make the dog sit and then down. When instructed by the Evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of a 20-foot line. The dog must remain in place but may change position.


Coming When Called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell the dog to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog as the Evaluator provides mild distraction (i.e. petting)






Reaction to Another Dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands and exchange pleansantries and continue on for about 5 yards. The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other.


Reaction to Distractions
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations such as the dropping of a large book or a jogger running in front of the dog. The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and/or appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.

Reaction to Medical Equipment
The dog must be tested around medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers, or other devices
which would ordinarily be found in a facility) to judge the dog’s reactions to common health care equipment.

Acclimation to Infirmities
This test demonstrates the dog's confidence when exposed to people walking with an uneven gait, shuffling, breathing heavily, coughing, wheezing or other distractions which may be encountered in a facility.


Video performances of the Walking Through a Crowd, Reaction to Distraction, Reaction to Medical Equipment and Acclimation to Infirmities exercises:







Say Hello
The TDI Certified Evaluator will test the willingness of each dog to visit a person and that the dog can be made readily accessible for petting (ie. small dogs can be placed on a person's lap or can be held, medium and larger dogs can sit on a chair or stand close to the patient to be easily reached.)



Reaction to Children
The dog must be able to work well around all types of populations, including children. The dog's behavior around
children must be evaluated during testing. It is important that during the testing the potential Therapy Dog and the children are not in direct contact. This means the dog can only be observed for a reaction toward children playing, running, or present in general at the testing site. Any negative reaction by the dog will result in automatic failure. Negative reaction means a dog showing signs of aggression.


for the July 14th Prep workshop and/or certification test