AKC Canine Good Citizen Classes
Elite Pet University offers Canine Good Citizen preparation classes as well as Canine Good Citizen testing. Classes are taught by an AKC-approved Canine Good Citizen evaluator and the classes focus on fun games to get the dogs ready for their CGC test. Our classes are unique in that we combine the AKC Canine Good Citizen with the AKC Community Canine (Advanced Canine Good Citizen) in our preparation classes so you can start to work on the skills and plan ahead for the next title. It also gives the opportunity for dog and owner teams to work around some dogs that have already earned Canine Good Citizen titles and some that have not, just like in the real world! There is no pressure for when to test for the CGC or CGCA; you just let the instructor know ahead of time and they will plan on testing you at the start of the class. If you don't pass that day, you can always test for it on a different day. Everyone in class is there to support each other and help each other reach their goals of the Canine Good Citizen and Advanced Canine Good Citizen titles.
Dogs must have passed the sophomore level test or already have a Canine Good Citizen title on record in order to be eligible for this class.
What is the AKC Canine Good Citizen?
The Canine Good Citizen exam is a test given by an AKC-approved evaluator that focuses on skills a dog should have to be a model citizen out in the community. It is a title offered through the American Kennel Club that any dog has the opportunity to earn. The test demonstrates the relationship that the owner and dog have together and shows the training that has gone into teaching appropriate manners and skills for that dog. The test is conducted on leash and is to be done without food, clickers, toys, or other training aids. Shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, gentle-leaders, and training harnesses are not to be used during testing as well. This exam is meant to show that the dog has been trained to the point that the dog can reliably demonstrate these skills without the use of training aids. There are 10 areas that the dog and owner team must demonstrate in order to pass their exam. They must pass all 10 areas. The 10 areas are:
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Accepting a friendly stranger
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Sit Politely for Petting
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Appearance and Grooming
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Out for a Walk (Walk on a loose leash)
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Walk Through a Crowd
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Sit & Down on Command and Stay in Place
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Come When Called
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Reaction to Another Dog
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Reaction to Distraction
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Supervised Separation
For more information on what this looks like as well as testing criteria, you can go to the American Kennel Club's website for detailed information. We will also go over more detail of what these exercises look like, what will pass, what won't pass, and strategies to work with the dogs on specific skills in each class. These classes are meant to be fun while also working to achieve the goal of the Canine Good Citizen title.