Official AKC Program
Canine Good Citizen Certification
What Is CGC?
The Gold Standard for Well-Mannered Dogs
The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program is the most widely recognized certification for dogs in the United States. It evaluates real-world manners and temperament — not tricks or competition skills — making it the ideal foundation for therapy dog work and community access.
Upon passing all 10 tests, your dog receives an official AKC award and CGC certificate — a credential recognized by nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and therapy dog organizations nationwide.
Canine Good Citizen
AKC Certified
Official AKC Award
Recognized nationwide by care facilities
Where CGC Opens Doors
Make a Real Difference in People's Lives
A CGC-certified dog is a welcome guest in places that matter most. Once certified, you and your dog can volunteer as a therapy team — bringing joy, comfort, and connection to people who need it most.
Nursing Homes
Bring comfort and companionship to long-term care residents.
Assisted Living
Brighten the days of seniors in assisted living communities.
Hospitals
Support patients and staff in healthcare settings.
Rehabilitation Centers
Aid recovery through animal-assisted therapy programs.
Schools & Libraries
Support reading programs and student wellness initiatives.
Crisis Centers
Provide emotional support in high-stress environments.
The Evaluation
The 10 CGC Tests
Every dog must pass all 10 tests in a single evaluation session. We train for each one systematically so your dog is fully prepared and confident on test day.
Accepting a Friendly Stranger
Dog allows a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the handler.
Sitting Politely for Petting
Dog sits and allows a stranger to pet it while sitting at the handler's side.
Appearance and Grooming
Dog welcomes being groomed and examined, and will permit a stranger to do so.
Out for a Walk (Loose Leash)
Dog walks on a loose lead, attentive to the handler and responding to changes in direction.
Walking Through a Crowd
Dog moves politely through pedestrian traffic without jumping on people or acting out of control.
Sit and Down on Command / Staying in Place
Dog responds to sit and down commands and remains in place while the handler walks away.
Coming When Called
Dog comes when called by the handler from 10 feet away.
Reaction to Another Dog
Dog behaves politely around other dogs, showing only casual interest.
Reaction to Distraction
Dog is confident when faced with common distracting situations such as a jogger or dropped crutch.
Supervised Separation
Dog can be left with a trusted person and maintains training and good manners.
Pass All 10
Receive Your Official AKC CGC Award
Your dog's name is permanently recorded in the AKC's CGC database
Our Approach
How We Prepare Your Dog
We don't just run through the test checklist — we build the foundation of manners, confidence, and trust that makes passing the CGC a natural outcome. Every dog is different, and we tailor the training to your dog's temperament and starting point.
Assessment
We evaluate your dog's current skills, temperament, and any gaps to address before the test.
Foundation Training
We build solid sit, stay, come, and leash manners — the core of every CGC test.
Proofing & Distraction Work
We practice in real-world environments with strangers, other dogs, and unexpected sounds.
Mock Evaluation
A full run-through of all 10 tests so your dog knows exactly what to expect on test day.
Certification Day
Your dog takes the official AKC CGC test and earns their award and certificate.
What You Receive
Great Starting Point
Start with the 6-Week Obedience Course
Our Saturday obedience course is the perfect foundation for CGC preparation. Dogs who complete the 6-week program have all the core skills needed to pursue CGC certification.
Ready to Earn Your CGC?
Call or message us today to discuss your dog's readiness and get started on the path to certification.