Which of the following is NOT an AKC Canine Good Citizen test item?

• A. Chasing a ball.
• B. Accepting a Friendly Stranger.
• C. Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Leash).
• D. Reaction to Distractions.

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is whether a dog demonstrates calm, well-mannered behavior in public settings, focusing on self-control and interactions with people and the environment rather than sport-like tasks. Chasing a ball is a fetch activity that shows drive and retrieving skill, which isn’t part of the AKC Canine Good Citizen test items; it’s not something the CGC evaluates. In contrast, Accepting a Friendly Stranger, Walking on a Loose Leash, and Reactions to Distractions are all examples of behaviors the CGC assesses—how a dog greets people calmly, how it behaves while on leash, and how it handles distractions. Since chasing a ball isn’t part of the CGC test items, it’s the best answer.