Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification Programs
Adult Dogs


The Canine Good Citizen Program  teaches good manners to dogs as well as, responsible dog ownership to their owners.

The 10-step CGC test is a non-competitive test for all dogs, including purebreds and mixed breeds. It is a prerequisite for many therapy dog groups. Some homeowner's insurance companies encourage CGC testing, and many landlords may be more inclined to rent to an owner of a controversial breed, if that dog has achieved this certification.
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Below are three of the levels of the AKC CGC programs. We offer specific pre-test training for all levels, as well as the actual testing; with a curriculum designed to achieve test requirements. All training is private 1:1 training, done in the comfort of your home and community.
​HOURS: MON 10:00 - 6:00  TUE 10:00 - 6:00 WED 10:00 - 6:00  THUR 10:00 - 6:00  FRI CLOSED    
SAT 10:00-11:00 Reactive Foundations Class for more information go here 
SUN CLOSED​
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Sterling

S.T.A.R. Puppy Test Items

​Owner Behaviors:
1. Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)
2. Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge
3. Owner describes adequate daily play and exercise plan
4. Owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator
5. Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy
6. Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.
Puppy Behaviors:
7. Free of aggression toward people during at least 6 weeks of class
8. Free of aggression toward other puppies in class
9. Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice
10. Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size)
11. Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy
Pre-Canine Good Citizen® Test Behaviors:
12. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
13. Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)
14. Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)
15. Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away
16. Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure
17. Down on command-Owner may use a food lure
18. Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called
19. Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away
20. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)

S.T.A.R. Puppy Training 6-weeks $325.00
Curriculum follows the requirements noted above.  
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Daisy

CGC Test Items

1. Accepting a friendly stranger.
This test demonstrates that the dog can be still and not break position when a friendly stranger approaches the handler. The dog must then speaks with the handler and shakes his or her hand, all while the handler gives the dog minimal attention.
2. Sitting politely for a petting.
This test demonstrates that the dog will stand in place, without fear or resentment, and allow a friendly stranger to touch and pet it while it is out with its handler.
3. Appearance and grooming.
There are two aspects of this test. First, the evaluator checks the dog to see whether it is well groomed and healthy. Second, the dog is tested on its compliance during physical examinations or grooming.
4. Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead).
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog, and that the dog is attentive to all of the handler’s moves, even when walking on a loose lead.
5. Walking through a crowd.
This test demonstrates that the dog is under control and can be walked on a leash, or in a public place with humans close by, without getting over-excited or straining at its lead.
6. Sit and down on command and staying in place.
This test demonstrates that the dog has been trained and will respond to the handler's commands: "sit" or "down." The dog must then remain in place until the handler releases it by command.
7. Coming when called.
As the name suggests, this test demonstrates that the dog will come to the handler when he calls.
8. Reaction to another dog.
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave appropriately when it is around other dogs, maintaining a neutral stance.
9. Reaction to distraction.
This test demonstrates that the dog does not panic or get aggressive when faced with common distractions, such as items being dropped or people running.
10. Supervised separation.
This test demonstrates that the dog can be left with a trusted person while its handler is away, without getting overly anxious.

​      CGC Training 6-weeks $325.00
Curriculum follows the requirements noted above. ​
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Bobbi-Jo

Urban CGC Test Items

1. Exit/enter doorway with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings. Exit building to start test, additional Public buildings items are below.
2. Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk.
  • People come toward the dog from 1-ft.away
  • Tolerate distractions (people wearing hats, coats, men, women, etc.).
3. Appropriate reaction to city distractions. This includes movement, noises, and walking on a variety of surfaces. Examples:
  • Noises: horns, sirens, construction noise, etc.
  • Moving objects: skateboard, bike, carts, person running
  • Surfaces: concrete, grass, grates, plastic tarp, wet sidewalk
4. Crossing street: Stop at corner, stand or sit to wait and cross with no pulling (on leash, with owner). Crosses street under control.
5. Ignore food on sidewalk. (Dropped food, or cups, bags, cans, in which food was wrapped).
6. Person walks up and pets the dog. May be carrying an item such as a small dog in a bag, a computer bag, etc. Person does not put the bag down to pet the dog.
7. Public Building (that is dog friendly). Walks under control in building (slick surface, carpeted floor). Down stay (3 min) in lobby or outdoor area or waits while owner has a meal or snack.
8. Stairs, steps, or elevator under control.
  • Steps (at least 3 – up and down)
  • Elevator (Enters under control, exits, rides under control)
9. House-trained for apartment, condo, city living. Owner may verify this item. Evaluator may also observe in public buildings or have observed in training classes.
10. Transportation. Owner’s choice depending on transportation needs.
  • Car. Enters/exits, remains under control during the ride. (Crate? Seatbelt?)
  • Subway. Small dog in bag for ride. (large dogs are not always permitted; know and abide by the Transit Policies in your area).
  • Dog friendly (enters/exits or allows to be put in/taken out) under control.
      Urban CGC Training 6-weeks $325.00
Curriculum follows the requirements noted above. ​