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American Kennel Club (AKC)

Canine Good Citizen (CGC)*


Once a week, ~60 minute sessions

Training Prerequisites - Completion of either:

  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy

  • Intermediate Obedience

Close-up of the American Kennel Club logo featuring a gold and blue circular emblem with a stylized dog silhouette and the words 'American Kennel Club' and founding year '1884'.

This training is a great way to ensure your pup is a well-behaved and welcome member of society.

Your pup will learn essential social skills with not only other dogs, but also with other people.

Upon completion of the AKC Canine Good Citizen, the instructor will administer the AKC CGC test.

For additional information, please visit the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) website.

*The D.O.G. Method also offers Canine Good Citizen Advanced Community (CGCA) and Urban (CGCU) training and testing!

Training and testing includes 10 main items:

Accepting a Friendly Stranger


This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

Sitting Politely for Petting


This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.  

Appearance and Grooming


This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone other than the owner/handler to do so.  It also demonstrates the handler/owner’s care, concern, and sense of responsibility.

Coming When Called


This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.  

Out for a Walk (on a Loose Lead)


This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog.

Walking Through a Crowd


This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.  

Sit and Down on Command & Staying in Place


This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s commands to sit and/or down, and will remain in place as commanded by the handler.  

Reaction to Another Dog


This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.  

Reaction to Distraction


This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.  

Supervised Separation


This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. 

Ready to get started?

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Don’t want the training, just the test?

We can help with that, too!

Schedule a Test