AKC CANINE gOOD CITIZEN Program

UNLOCK A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES FOR YOUR DOG WITH THE AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN PROGRAM.

THIS ISN'T JUST A CERTIFICATION: IT'S A MARK OF EXCELLENCE IN DOG BEHAVIOR AND RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP.

THIS PROGRAM FOCUSES ON MASTERING ADVANCED OBEDIENCE SKILLS, LOSE LEASH WALKING ETIQUETTE, AND DEVELOP SOCIAL MANNERS IN PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTS.

IF YOU WANT AWELL-BEHAVED AND CONFIDENT COMPANION. THE CGC PAVES THE WAY TO WATCH YOUR DOG SHINE!

About the experience

The Canine Good Citizen is a six week ten-skill training program that’s open to all dogs that focuses on teaching essential manners and obedience for at home and in public. This program helps your dog to learn everyday manners and is a prerequisite for therapy work, or service work. It helps you and your dog navigate the world calmly, confidently, and respectfully. 

Earning your dog's AKC Canine Good Citizen certification is a rewarding journey that strengthens the bond between you and your dog while building the skills that make everyday life together more enjoyable. Through positive reinforcement training , your dog learns to navigate real-world situations with confidence and calm — greeting strangers politely, walking comfortably on a leash, and staying composed around other dogs and distractions. The evaluation itself feels less like a test and more like a chance to show off how far you and your dog have come together, guided by a certified AKC evaluator in a supportive setting. Whether you're a first-time dog owner or an experienced handler, the CGC program meets you where you are and gives your dog a recognized standard of good behavior to be proud of. It's a reflection of the time, love, and dedication you've invested in your dog.

THE AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN CONSISTS OF

  1. Greet a friendly stranger 

  2. Sit politely for petting 

  3. Allow brushing and basic handling 

  4. Walk on a loose leash 

  5. Move calmly through a crowd 

  6. Sit, down, and stay in place 

  7. Come when called 

  8. Be polite near another dog 

  9. Ignore common distractions 

  10. Wait calmly when separated 

PREREQUISITES

Classes:  Puppy Development Program or Life Skill & Manners Program.

Age of Dog:  6 months and older.

Proof of vaccinations required. 

All of our in-home training clients receive:

  • Exceptional training conducted by a certified dog trainer and behavior expert.

  • Custom training plans sent to you after each session.

  • Direct access to your trainer during your adult dog program via email or phone.

Let the journey begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This program is designed for puppies and adult dogs who are 6 months to 8 years.

  • It all depends on their medical history and if they have any conditions that prevent them from being able to live a healthy life. All adult dogs are able to learn if the owner puts in the right amount of effort and time!

  • Working together as a team is KEY when wanting to make the most out of my Life Skills and Manners program. Making it a PRIORITY in your everyday life to continue working with your dog; when I am not training with you and keeping up with the homework that I send you is one of the ways to see the progress the fastest!