AKC Canine Good Citizen Group Class
Also Known As CGC
Ready to turn your dog into a confident, mannerly superstar? This 6-Week AKC CGC Class is a fun, paws-on training adventure held in the beautiful parks of West Valley, Phoenix. In this course, we’ll help you and your pup master the 10 skills needed to earn the AKC CGC title, the gold standard of polite dog behavior.
Group Class: 6 Weeks – $250
This class is not just about passing a test. Realistically, it’s about strengthening the bond with your dog while working toward your dog being a good canine citizen. Imagine strolling through the park with a loose leash, or hosting guests without worrying about your dogs manners. Kristie will help you get there with gentle guidance and dog-centric fun. Each session includes Q&A and personalized tips. So, whether your pup is a rambunctious teenager or a shy rescue, she tailors the training to help them shine. Join this CGC Class and become the proud parent of an official “Canine Good Citizen”! Last but not least, your dog will love the socialization and confidence-building; you’ll love the results of having a polite pup who’s welcome everywhere.
Requirements for CGC Class & Test:
• Only dogs that are behaviorally healthy and show no dog or human aggression signs.
• Canines must be at least 6 months of age at the start of class with no upper age limit.
• Rabies and Distemper/Parvo vaccination records or titers must be provided before the first class for the AKC; however, FurBabies & Friends also requires Bordetella vaccinations due to group class environment.
• No shock collars, e-collars, prong collars or choke chains allowed in class.
• Final test does not allow for leash training tools such as halti's/gentle leaders or easy walk harnesses, all dogs must be able to walk politely with a collar or harness.
• During the final test, treats and rewards are not allowed but verbal & physical rewards are.
10 Test Items CGC Class Prepares You For:
1 & 2: A friendly “stranger” approaches and greets the handler, then pets the dog.
3: The evaluator brushes the dog briefly and handles paws/ears.
4: Parent and dog do a quick loose-leash walk with turns and a stop.
5: Owner and dog weave through or by a small “crowd” of a few people.
6: Dog sits and downs on command, then does a 20-ft stay (we use the long line for safety).
7: Handler calls the dog to come from 10 feet away (using the long line).
8: The handler and a partner approach each other with dogs, do the brief greeting.
9: Two distractions are presented (for example, a noise and a moving object).
10: The dog is left with the evaluator for a three-minute supervised separation.
Tools to Assist in your CGC Journey
• CGC class training packet both printed & digital with detailed step-by-step instructions, explanation on test items, exercises to implement for each test item, troubleshooting, and corresponding videos.
• Weekly homework handouts
• Real-life enrichment and confidence-building exercises
• Certificate of completion (for all graduates) to register with the AKC
• Official AKC CGC certificate (for passing students)
Future Classes
Go To The Classes & Events Calendar To Register for an Upcoming CGC Class
Start Date |
Start Time |
End Time |
Event Name |
# of Classes |
September 27, 2025 |
12:00 PM |
1:00 PM |
9/27/25 AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class & Test |
6 |
January 3, 2026 |
5:00 PM |
6:00 PM |
1/3/26 AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class & Test |
6 |
April 11, 2026 |
5:00 PM |
6:00 PM |
4/11/26 AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class & Test |
6 |