Canine Good Citizen
The AKC Canine Good Citizen is an award for dogs that demonstrate essential skills and basic manners around people and other dogs.
This class is not to teach basic commands, but to practice and sharpen the skills needed to pass the Canine Good Citizen test.
These abilities make any dog easier to live with!
Total Cost: $240
Class Length: 6 weeks
Location:
Shadowridge Veterinary Hospital
760B Sycamore Ave.,
Vista CA 92083
CGC classes are held at Shadowridge Veterinary Hospital.
Canine Good Citizen topics include:
Come practice, get tips and advice, and make progress with your dog.
Help your dog be an easier companion to live with!
Canine Good Citizen Class information
Class cost: $240
Sessions: 1-hour class each week for 6 weeks
Eligibility: Your dog must be a graduate of a Kindred Spirits Basic class to be eligible to register.
Age requirements: Over 6 months is suggested
Location: Classes will be held inside Shadowridge Veterinary Hospital at 760 Sycamore Ave, Vista, CA 92083
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Benefits of Canine Good Citizen class
Testimonials
Kate is a fountain of dog training information and always willing to share her expertise in classes or one on one. I particularly liked her notes she sent after every class to have as a reference and reminder of what to work on.
We’ve recommended Kindred Spirits to so many of our friends! We love the relaxed environment of the classes and how much knowledge you guys have. Also, loved how supportive our fellow classmates were! Would 100% recommend!
Your passion for training and genuine care for the dogs and their owners are evident in everything you do. We are so grateful for the knowledge and the handy tricks you shared with us! Look forward to taking more classes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is a nationally recognized program that evaluates a dog’s behavior, manners, and ability to remain calm and controlled in everyday situations.
The test focuses on real-life skills such as:
loose leash walking
polite greetings
calm behavior around distractions
supervised separation
reliable basic commands
polite behavior around other dogs and people
Dogs who pass receive an official AKC Canine Good Citizen title and certificate.
Yes.
Our Canine Good Citizen class focuses specifically on preparing dogs and handlers for all 10 parts of the AKC CGC test, and the cost of the official test is included in the class fee.
Throughout the course, students practice the exact exercises and real-world behaviors needed for success.
Yes.
Yes.
Dogs must be graduates of a Kindred Spirits Basic Obedience class before enrolling in CGC.
The CGC class is not designed to teach foundational obedience for the first time. Instead, it sharpens and strengthens the skills dogs have already learned so they can perform them reliably around distractions and in more real-world situations.
CGC classes practice all 10 AKC Canine Good Citizen test items, including:
-accepting a friendly stranger
-polite greetings
-loose leash walking
-walking through crowds
-sit, down, and stay
-coming when called
-calm behavior around other dogs
-reaction to distractions
-supervised separation
-handling and grooming tolerance
The overall goal is helping dogs become calm, reliable, confident companions in everyday life.
Not at all.
The CGC program is designed for everyday dogs learning how to navigate the real world successfully. Dogs do not need to perform with military precision, but they should be able to remain reasonably calm, responsive, and under control around normal distractions.
Many students join CGC to continue improving focus, confidence, manners, and reliability after Basic Obedience.
The CGC title can benefit both dogs and owners in many ways.
Many therapy dog organizations require CGC certification before dogs can continue into therapy work. Some housing communities and insurance providers also view CGC certification favorably because it demonstrates a dog has completed structured manners training.
For many owners, it’s also an important personal milestone and a rewarding accomplishment after putting time and work into training.
Some dogs simply need more practice, maturity, or experience before they feel fully comfortable with every part of the test. The CGC is designed to evaluate real-world reliability, especially around distractions and unfamiliar situations.
Many dogs improve significantly with additional practice and go on to pass successfully later.
No.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen program is open to all dogs, including mixed breeds. Dogs do not need to be purebred or AKC registered to participate.
The test evaluates behavior and real-world manners — not pedigree.
There are no age limits to start training your dog these CGC practical, functional behaviors, however dogs signing up should generally be at least 6 months old and have completed our Basic Obedience training before starting a CGC class.
Maturity plays an important role in success, especially for exercises involving distractions, calm behavior, and supervised separation.
CGC training helps create dogs that are easier and more enjoyable to live with in everyday life.
The skills practiced in class help dogs learn:
-better impulse control
-calm public behavior
-improved focus
-confidence in new situations
-polite greetings
-better leash manners
-emotional regulation around distractions
For many owners, the greatest benefit isn’t the certificate — it’s gaining a more confident, reliable companion they can comfortably bring into more real-world environments.
Mall walk with CGC graduates
