Canine Good Citizen
About
Prepare your dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification with our targeted training class. Designed for dogs who have a solid foundation in basic obedience, this course focuses on polishing and perfecting behaviors that demonstrate good citizenship in dogs. Through a series of structured lessons, we'll help you and your dog master the ten CGC test skills, ensuring your pup becomes a shining example of canine behavior in the community.
Why CGC?
Achieving CGC certification is not only a mark of excellence but also opens doors to therapy dog programs and can improve your chances in housing and insurance situations where breed restrictions exist. This class equips you and your dog with the confidence and skills to pass the CGC test and fosters exemplary canine behavior that can enhance community interactions.
What you'll learn
• Accepting a Friendly Stranger: Your dog will learn to calmly accept greetings from a friendly person.
• Sitting Politely for Petting: Training focuses on your dog sitting politely while being petted by a stranger.
• Appearance and Grooming: Your dog will learn to accept grooming and examination by a stranger without fuss.
• Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Lead): We reinforce walking politely on a leash.
• Walking Through a Crowd: Your dog will practice navigating through crowds calmly and politely.
• Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place: Mastering these commands in various settings.
• Coming When Called: Ensuring your dog reliably comes when called.
• Reaction to Another Dog: Teaching your dog to behave politely around other dogs.
• Reaction to Distraction: Your dog will learn to remain calm amidst distractions.
What to bring
• Your Dog: They must wear a collar with an ID tag.
• 6-foot Flat Leash: Non-retractable leashes are not allowed.
• Mat or Towel: For your dog to settle on during down times.
• Hands-free Reward Pouch: Also known as a bait bag, for carrying treats and tools.
• Enthusiasm: Bring your energy and readiness to learn!
What pup-parents say
“If you are considering group training, go to SmartyPup!! Cannot say enough good things about these classes. We rescued a German shepherd mix at 4 months and our little girl had a lot to learn. She was overwhelming for us so we started up Pupdog1 and eventually took puppy 2. we left every class feeling so proud of the progress Ella was making and felt equipped with the tools we needed to continue training at home. These classes go over a lot of basics, but one of the most helpful parts is how Fawn corrects your own training techniques to make sure you are properly communicating with you pup. We had no idea what we were getting into with the energy and brains of a German shepherd and these classes helped so much. Our dog has shown huge improvements in her maturity and impulse control. We will probably take her to puppy 3 too. Group training is what you make of it and the responsibility to continue training is on the owner so show up to every class even when you don't want to, listen and try even when your dog is struggling and I promise you won't regret it!”
“When your puppy is going to grow into an adult that weighs more than you, good training is required. Our Great Dane puppy has attended several classes at SmartyPup and … she is well on her way to being a happy, well-socialized dog. SmartyPup gave her the foundation she needed to be well mannered at home and a good playmate at the dog park. I really appreciated that SmartyPup provided SO many great google docs for homework and general knowledge, practice makes perfect-ish. Plus, they created so many great experiences for the pups in class - noises, skateboards, kids, etc. to help them acclimate to urban life. And, they take the health and safety of your new baby very seriously, insisting on appropriate vaccinations and keeping sick puppies out of class until they have a doctor's note … Great experience. Highly recommend.”
Prepare your dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification with our targeted training class. Designed for dogs who have a solid foundation in basic obedience, this course focuses on polishing and perfecting behaviors that demonstrate good citizenship in dogs.
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