AKC Canine Good Citizen

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is a certification awarded by the American Kennel Club (AKC). For dogs that pass their designated test, this certification indicates they have good manners, both at home and within the community.

Dogs with a CGC certificate can have greater respect within the community. Some landlords are more willing to accept a Canine Good Citizen than other dogs, and some will even offer discounted pet fees. Additionally, business owners are more willing to invite a Canine Good Citizen into their business should the need arise.

The CGC certificate is also one of the first training goals for many working dogs, such as Therapy Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Service Dogs.

We offer training and testing geared toward every AKC CGC certification.

These certifications are:

• AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy
• AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
• AKC Community Canine or Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA)
• AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU)
• AKC Trick Dog

Dogs of any breed (also mixed breeds) or age are able to take any of CGC tests so long as they are fully up to date on rabies vaccines and have completed their needed series of vaccines. The S.T.A.R. Puppy certification is for younger puppies and is the pre-cursor to the CGC. In order to take the CGCA or CGCU, your dog must first have a CGC test on record with the AKC. It is recommended that dogs re-test every 1-2 years. This especially applies to dogs that take the CGC test prior to one year of age as they will continue to develop and change over time.

CGC Prep Program:

This program includes everything you need to get your dog or puppy prepared and ready to take and pass the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC, CGCA, or CGCU. We’ll help you fine tune your obedience skills such as Sit, Down, Stay, Come, leash skills, and greeting a stranger.

For the sessions needed/length of time, you will want to plan for 4 sessions. Additional sessions are also available as needed depending on your dog’s current skill level and comfortability.

You can view our packages and pricing options here. Don’t forget to Reach Out and let us know how we can help!

Please note that AKC Trick Dog is not included as it’s more of a standalone certification - if interested in Trick Training with your dog, our standard pricing options for Solo Dog Training Lessons will apply.

CGC Evaluation:

If you and your dog are prepared to pass once of the CGC tests but you would like to find out before taking the actual test, we can evaluate your pup during a paid consultation session and let you know if they are truly ready.

Our CGC Evaluation cost is listed here.

CGC Testing:

As an AKC CGC Evaluator, we can provide and administer the test when you and your dog are ready. It‘s important to make sure your dog is fully prepared to pass the test before taking the CGC, that way you won’t need to take the test more than once. If you need to brush up on skills, check out the CGC Prep Program above. Each CGC-specific test is $20, no matter which certification you’re going for. Please be aware, the AKC will also charge $20 to process your test form and provide a final certificate - this is an additional cost that will be paid to the AKC, not us.

For the testing, We'll meet you at a designated location in town.

Testing usually lasts 20-30 minutes depending on the dog.