Canine Good Citizen Class

Earn the Gold Standard in Dog Manners

Canine Good Citizen Class2025-02-10T14:17:12-06:00

Class Details

  • Cost: $225.00 + tax (8-week course)

  • Prerequisite: Completion of Beginner Obedience at The Canine Connection or an equivalent program. A proficiency evaluation may be conducted to confirm readiness.
  • Vaccinations Required: Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza
  • Limited Space: Pre-registration is required; payment secures your spot.
  • Final Exam: The CGC test is administered on the last day of class; successful participants can submit forms for official AKC certification. *Must have an AKC Registration number*

Overview

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class prepares you and your dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation, a highly respected certification that recognizes polite behavior at home and in public. Over the course of 8 weeks, we focus on real-world obedience skills that ensure your dog behaves calmly around distractions, greets strangers politely, and remains well-mannered when the unexpected happens.

What You’ll Learn

  • Greeting People & Other Dogs

    • Teach your dog to remain calm and composed while meeting strangers.
    • Practice passing by other dogs without lunging or barking.
  • Loose-Leash Walking & Public Etiquette

    • Navigate crowds, doorways, and distractions gracefully.
    • Master impulse control in busy settings.
  • Sit, Down & Stay with Distractions

    • Refine your dogโ€™s ability to hold commands even when the environment changes.
    • Build on focus and reliability for real-life scenarios.
  • Supervised Separation & Handling

    • Ensure your dog remains relaxed when briefly left with a trusted person.
    • Cooperative behavior for grooming, vet visits, and everyday handling.
  • CGC Test Preparation

    • Practice each element of the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation throughout the course.
    • Step-by-step guidance on the final exam requirements.

Upcoming Classes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CGC Certification Useful Beyond Bragging Rights?2025-02-10T07:48:29-06:00

Absolutely. Many landlords, insurance companies, and community organizations view CGC certification as proof of a well-mannered, responsible dog. CGC is also a common stepping stone for therapy dog certification, advanced obedience competitions, and other canine sports. It shows you and your dog have put in the work to be model citizensโ€”both at home and out in public

How Does the Final CGC Test Work?2025-02-10T07:48:14-06:00

On the last day of class, weโ€™ll conduct the official CGC evaluation, which assesses 10 specific skills (e.g., polite greetings, grooming tolerance, supervised separation). Our instructor will walk you through each step, and youโ€™ll demonstrate that your dog can follow commands reliably under mild distractions. If you pass, youโ€™ll receive paperwork to submit to the AKC for formal certification.

Do I Need Prior Training Before Enrolling in CGC?2025-02-10T07:47:56-06:00

Yes. We recommend that your dog has completed our Beginner Obedience (or an equivalent course) so theyโ€™re familiar with basic commands and leash manners. The CGC test involves skills like sitting politely for petting, walking on a loosYes. We recommend that your dog has completed our Beginner Obedience (or an equivalent course) so theyโ€™re familiar with basic commands and leash manners. The CGC test involves skills like sitting politely for petting, walking on a loose leash, and maintaining composure around distractionsโ€”behaviors that build on a solid training foundation.e leash, and maintaining composure around distractionsโ€”behaviors that build on a solid training foundation.

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