Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Preparation Course
The Gold Standard
Beyond the immediate benefits of harmonious living, Canine Good Citizen training opens the door for your dog to participate in more advanced training—including dog sports and even performance and competition events. An AKC Canine Good Citizen certification is also a prerequisite for many therapy dog programs.
This Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Preparation Course will review and practice the 10 evaluation elements of the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. At the conclusion of the course, a CGC evaluation will be administered and is included in the course fee.
What are the requirements?
Dog teams wanting to take this class must have at least basic manners and training in a group or public setting experience in order to get the most out of class. Sit, Stay, Down, Leash Skills, Down, Recall are essential.
The test doesn’t allow food during test so fading food is a focus of the class and proofing skills.
Vaccination records.
How much and when is the class?
The class size is limited and the test can be taken at the last class with the cost being $225 for the 6 week class!
Register here for November 2023 Class: https://fetchworthy.as.me/?appointmentType=52651687
The class will meet on Saturdays for 6 weeks from 9am-10am on the following dates: 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9. Classes are held at the Circle C Ranch Community Center at 7817 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739.
Future Classes will be listed here: https://fetchworthy.as.me/?appointmentType=category:Class
What are the AKC CGC Test Items?
You can learn more about the 10 requirements of the CGC title here About the CGC
What if my dog doesn’t pass at the last class?
You can take the evaluation at the last class! But if they do not pass – don’t fret! It can be taken again in the future by scheduling an evaluation with me or any AKC Evaluator. This is a $55 value included in the class.
To schedule future CGC Test date with your trainer, go here to schedule and pay $55 for your evaluation appointment. You and your dog may retake the Canine Good Citizen test as many times as you need. On test day, if you and your dog fail only one test item, the evaluator may retest that one skill at the end of the testing period. If you and your dog can demonstrate that you really do know that one skill, you’ll pass the CGC test
What is the Official CGC Title?
Your dog can pass the CGC test and earn CGC as a certificate only, or you may choose to earn CGC as an official AKC title (includes certificate). With official AKC titles, the title is listed on the dog’s Title Record, and “CGC” may be listed after the dog’s name (e.g., “Princess, CGC”).
To earn CGC as an official title, dogs must have one of the 3 types of registration: 1) AKC number, 2) Purebred Alternative Listing number (PAL), or 3) AKC Canine Partners number (For mixed-breed dogs).
You can register your dog here: https://www.akc.org/register/
Pet Therapy Training Basics
What is a therapy dog? How do I get started?
Did you know the first step to being accepting into a pet therapy training program is passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test?
A therapy dog lends comfort and affection to people in a facility setting or to certain individuals who require visitation to deal with a physical or emotional problem. Therapy dogs are not service dogs, who provide a specific service for a person with special needs, and who receive full public access per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They are also not emotional support animals, who require a prescription from a mental health or health care professional but need no special training or certifications to do their job.
Dogs who work with a handler to provide affection and comfort to members of the public are called therapy dogs. Examples include helping children to read at libraries or schools, visiting hospital patients, and visiting nursing home residents. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs have no special rights and must obtain permission to enter public places.
Socialize your puppy or dog to new people, places, objects, and surfaces. Obtain the AKC Canine Good Citizen title for your dog. Train necessary behaviors for therapy work including “leave it”, “watch me“, loose-leash walking and not jumping on people (“four on the floor”). Take a few group classes and pass the Canine Good Citizen Test!
What’s the difference between a service dog, therapy dog, and emotional support dog?
Service dogs are uniquely trained dogs that help humans living with disabilities with specific tasks. For more information on service dogs, please contact The Austin Dog Alliance and your healthcare provider regarding your disability needs for a service dog. This can be a physical or mental related disability.
A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and affection to people in hospice, disaster areas, retirement homes, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and more. They require a specific training program by the organization your dog volunteers with and the first requirement is is a Canine Good Citizen Title. Connect with a pet therapy organization locally to enter into their pet therapy program like Devine Canine’s.
Emotional support dogs provide emotional or therapeutic support and benefits through companionship. Emotional support dogs or ESA dogs do not qualify as service dogs. ESA dogs do not need to know a task or skill but only exist. Owners need to speak with their healthcare provider to learn more about emotional support animals.
The AKC CGC Title is useful for all dogs no matter if they’re a service, a therapy, a comfort, an Emotional Support, or a pet dog.
For more information call (512) 537-8104 and speak with Shelly or email shelly@fetchworthy.net to inquire about private and group training services in the Austin, Buda, and Kyle, TX area.
Please visit our website for rates, training philosophy, and speciality services: www.fetchworthy.net
