Canine Good Citizen Training

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) exam is recommended for every dog, no matter if he is purebred or a mixed breed.  This program was designed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to promote responsible dog ownership.

Now we have a program to help you and your dog train for it!  This training program is also ideal if you wish to advance your basic obedience skills to the next level of difficulty, even if you don't wish to take the CGC exam.

Our Training Location

All group classes will take place in the training yard behind CUBY Dog Bakery at the Alpine Mall in Crestline.  It is across the street from the Crestline Post Office.  Please note that enrollment is by pre-registration only!  There will be no on-site registration, so be sure to send in your enrollment form early.

Group classes are available based on interest.  Please contact us to be placed on the group Canine Good Citizen training interest list! 

Our Advanced Obedience/Canine Good Citizen Training class meets once a week for eight weeks. The fee for each dog/handler team is $150.00 for the entire course and includes the Canine Good Citizen test.    Enrollment is by instructor approval only.  In order to reserve a place in class, you will need to submit a completed enrollment form and class fee to the mailing address listed on the enrollment form. 

NEW!  Upgrade your training experience!  Add a Mutt Mat (for Go Settle exercises and Stay command) and training bait bag to your program for just $30- you can save up to $9!  More info >>>

Download a registration enrollment form here. ( - 1 page, 39 kb)

Our class policies >

Why train for this certification?

Because you can!  Many people take their dogs to basic obedience training and complete it successfully.  But then that's where training stops for most dogs.  Often, without consistent training interaction, dogs can become mentally under stimulated.  In addition, many owners do not feel confident enough to compete or even know how to advance in their training with their dog.

But the Canine Good Citizen exam is different.  You and your dog take the test on your own.  There is no competition.  It is a series of ten tests which are scored on a pass/fail system:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger
2. Sitting politely for petting
3. Appearance and grooming
4. Walking on a loose leash
5. Walking through a crowd
6. Sit and Down on command/Staying in place
7. Coming when called
8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reaction to distractions
10. Supervised separation

Upon passing, you will receive a certificate of your dog's Canine Good Citizen exam from your evaluator.  You will also have the option of purchasing CGC patches, CGC tags, and a formalized ready-to-frame CGC certificate from the AKC.  You can find more information about the Canine Good Citizen Test at the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen page.

Training for the Canine Good Citizen exam takes time, energy, and patience, but it is well worth the effort.  Dogs that have passed the CGC exam are recognized as almost perfect pets and are a joy to be around.  And you'll get the pride of telling your friends, neighbors, and family that your dog is a Canine Good Citizen!