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AKC Canine Good Citizen

Advanced Obedience

One Hour Per Session / 6 Weeks Total 

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Open to All Purebred and Mixed-Breed Dogs

This class is designed for dogs and owners who are ready to take their training to the next level. Whether you’re working toward a Therapy Dog Certification, preparing for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test, or simply want a well-mannered dog in public spaces, this course will help you build the advanced obedience skills needed for real-life situations.

Our CGC Prep Class Focuses On:

• Strengthening obedience commands (sit, down, stay, come, heel, etc.)
   

• Building reliability and fading out treats + training collars around distractions (dogs, people, noises, and movement)
   

• Practicing polite greetings and calm behavior in public
   

• Increasing your dog’s focus, confidence, and handler engagement
   

• Preparing you and your dog to successfully attempt the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test and Therapy Dog International Test
   

Why Train for the Canine Good Citizen Title?

“By training in CGC, you and your dog will deepen your bond and become a more connected team. Not only will you and your dog master skills like sit, down, and stay, but your dog will become a welcomed community member when out in public.” – AKC.org

The CGC test is widely recognized as a foundation for therapy dog work, public access readiness, and general good manners. It’s a respected accomplishment that demonstrates your dog’s ability to behave politely and reliably in everyday environments.

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Is Your Dog a Good Fit for Therapy Work?

While every dog is different, strong candidates for therapy work tend to be:

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• Friendly and social with both people and other dogs
   

• Calm and confident in a variety of environments
   

• Responsive and attentive to their handler
   

• Mannerly no jumping, barking, lunging, or pulling on leash
   

This class will help identify and develop these qualities while giving you tools to work through any challenges.

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Please Note:

• This is an advanced obedience class. Dogs should already have a solid foundation in basic commands (sit, down, stay, leash walking, etc.).
   

• A private lesson may be required prior to joining if the trainer feels it would benefit your dog’s success in the class setting.
   

• While this class prepares you for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, it does not guarantee certification. Your results will depend on your dog’s temperament, progress, and how consistently you complete the homework between classes.
   

Who Should Enroll:

• Dog owners working toward CGC or Therapy Dog goals
   

• Those looking to improve their dog’s behavior in public
   

• Anyone wanting a stronger, more reliable connection with their dog

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Next Step: Canine Good Citizen Urban

After passing the CGC test, many owners continue with CGC Urban, an advanced course designed for real-world environments. In this class, your dog will practice:

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• Maintaining focus and obedience amid heavy distractions such as traffic, crowds, bikes, and city noises
   

• Polite behavior in high-traffic public spaces, including stores, sidewalks, and outdoor events
   

• Advanced public manners, including calm greetings and appropriate leash behavior
   

• Building confidence and reliability in new and stimulating settings
   

Timing & Availability:​

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• Limited enrollment: This course is only offered once a year, making it a valuable opportunity for dogs preparing for therapy work or owners wanting their dogs well-behaved in urban environments
   

Completing CGC Urban demonstrates that your dog is not only polite at home and in class but also reliable and confident in real-world public situations, a perfect next step for therapy dog preparation or advanced public manners.

If you’re ready to build a well-mannered, confident dog that can succeed in public settings or future therapy work, this class is for you.