Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Preparation Course
The Gold Standard In Dog Training
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 for CGC dog training class?
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. Vaccination records required.
When: The most recent class in November has graduated but we will have another so join this waitlist for Spring 2024, and all currently held classes are listed here for registration.
Where: Classes are held at the Circle C Ranch Community Center at 7817 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739.
What are the AKC CGC Test Items?
You can learn more about the 10 requirements of the CGC title here About the CGC.
The test doesn’t allow food during test so fading food is a focus of the class and proofing skills.
What if my dog doesn’t pass at the last class?
We are proud to say we’ve had passing graduates from our classes, but if for any reason you cannot make the last class for testing day then you may schedule an evaluation with me or any AKC Evaluator in the future.
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
To schedule with me, please 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.
How do I get started?
The first step to being accepting into a pet therapy training program is passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.
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 an emotional support dog, service dog, therapy dog, and emotional support dog?
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.
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.
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. 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.
Call (512) 537-8104 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