10 Steps to CGC

If your dog is on the path to becoming a Canine Good Citizen, this class will provide additional practice before taking the test.

Does your dog desire to be a Canine Good Citizen? Need some practice before taking the test? Then this class is just what you need! Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is a four week class where during each session, participants will cover three parts of the test. Each session lasts about one hour. A CGC Evaluator will test the dogs during the last session. 

About Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification

The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen Test is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community. Dogs become respected members of their communities when they are trained to act mannerly in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. All dogs, including purebreds and mixed breeds, are embraced by and welcomed in the Canine Good Citizen program.  There is a 10 point test that a dog must pass in order to receive the certification. Click here for the full description of all 10 points in the test.

We will be covering all the skills required in the test:

  1. Accepting a friendly stranger
  2. Sitting politely for petting
  3. Appearance and grooming*
  4. Walking on loose leash
  5. Walking through a crowd
  6. Sit and down on command and staying
  7. Coming when called
  8. Reaction to another dog
  9. Reaction to distraction
  10. Supervised separation

*Bring your dog's brush or comb for the Appearance and Grooming skill.

This class meets once a week for four weeks. Participants will be required to watch the orientation video prior to coming to the first class via the link below. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssUfPnvdChk&t=5s

For any issues regarding the orientation video, please contact dogtraining@arl-iowa.org or call 515-473-9131. 

Items Needed

In keeping with the requirements of the test, your dog needs a well-fitted collar and leash. Correctly fitted body-harnesses are also allowed. Pinch collars, head halters, electronic collars, or retractable leashes are not permitted. Small, bite-sized, treats in a pouch or bag.

Prerequisites

Good Manners or an equivalent introductory training class (such as Puppy Kindergarten, Adolescent Puppy, etc.) is needed before registering for Canine Good Citizen.

Fee

This class is $150.00. Fees for classes are subject to change and are non-refundable. For more information about our refund policy, visit our Training Class FAQ page.

Does your dog consistently react strongly to humans or other dogs?

Reactive dogs have a hard time focusing on their owner during the class making it hard for them to learn and retain the information they are being taught. If you are unsure if your dog will be successful in a group training class, a Drop-In training class is a great way to see if your dog is able to learn in the busy environment our training center provides.

If you have any concerns about the behaviors your dog displays, please email dogtraining@arl-iowa.org or call (515) 473-9131.

Registration

Click on the button below and scroll to find the class date you would like to attend. You will be walked through the online registration process. Payment will be through the online registration system. No registration will be considered confirmed without payment.

Register