What is the Canine Good Citizen Program?
We know it’s up to us as humans to lead the charge and promote responsible pet ownership, so our skills are based on learning how to better understand and communicate with each other. Through the hours of training and practice, you’ll deepen your bond and become a more connected pair. This bond allows you to become the best companions for each other, and great neighbors to those around you. It’s a win, win, win!
Beyong the beyond, there are practical benefits to CGC training, too. Not only will you and your dog understand the basics of dog training, and master skills like sit, down, and stay, but you’ll know your dog will be able to handle herself with grace in a crowd and be a welcomed client at the vet or groomer. The CGC title is also a prerequisite for many therapy dog certifications, as well as a great introduction to more advanced dog sports and activities. Some homeowners’ insurance programs even offer discounts for CGC dogs, and an increasing number of apartments and condos see CGC awards as a major bonus for becoming a resident.
The AKC CGC has 3 levels of accomplishment, shown below:
Level 1: Canine Good Citizen
CGC is a ten-skill training program that’s open to all dogs–purebred and mixed breed–that focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community.
After mastering the ten skills, passing the CGC test together, and taking the Responsible Dog Ownership pledge, you and your pup will join the proud ranks of over 1 million dogs who have earned their Canine Good Citizen award– accomplishment that’s definitely worthy of extra belly rubs!
https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/
Prerequisite: Family Dog Manners or Instructor Approval
$175/ 6 weeks
Level 2: Community Canine
As with CGC, AKC Community Canine has a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Community Canine title. This is a title that appears on the dog’s title record at AKC.
The Setting: All skills on the test are tested on leash. The AKC Community Canine (CGCA) test may be done in a class, at shows, in pet stores or in the community. While Canine Good Citizen tests are simulations of real world skills, (e.g., dog/handler walks through a “crowd” of evaluators in a ring), the goal of AKC Community Canine is to test the dog’s skills in a natural setting. For example, rather than the dog being tested in a ring, in AKC Community Canine, the “walks through a crowd” test item will involve the dog walking through a real crowd at a dog show, on a busy sidewalk, in a therapy dog setting, or at a training club.
Prerequisites: AKC Canine Good Citizen
Price: $175/6 weeks, offered upon request
Level 3: Urban Canine- Public Access
AKC Urban CGC is a title in the Canine Good Citizen family of awards and titles that also include AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen and AKC Community Canine.
AKC Urban CGC requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells and other distractions that are present in a city or town. As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban CGC is a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title. This is a title that appears on the dog’s title record at AKC.
AKC Urban CGC is a public access test that demonstrates dogs are well-behaved and well-trained when in public settings. The Urban CGC test can be used by dog- friendly business (e.g., lodging, retail, transportation, public facilities) to recognize and accept dogs with good manners.
Prerequisites: AKC CGC Advanced (Community Canine)This class is offered upon request. 
Why Learn With Anything’s PAWSable?
Regardless of our vision of how our dog will act or perform, a solid foundation is critical. This foundation must be built upon the dog feeling confident in whatever we are asking it to do. The dog needs to understand and trust the process. We cannot ‘assume’ that he ‘knows it’. Dogs always do the BEST they can with the EDUCATION they are given in the ENVIRONMENT we are asking them to perform in. All of Anything’s PAWSable classes are designed to build layers of understanding for your dog to help him be more successful. Both group classes and individual assistance are available.
