What makes our CGC-Life Skills classes unique?
Our program supports the standards set by the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. While we adhere to its 10 key skill areas, including leash manners and reliable recall, we emphasize training that applies to real-life interactions rather than just passing a test.
We create practical training scenarios replicating everyday situations, ensuring the skills learned are helpful beyond the test environment.
Training with us isn’t merely about preparing for CGC tests/evaluations but building a lasting, understanding relationship with your dog. Whether you’re starting or advancing in your training, we schedule evaluations to fit your progress, aiming to equip your dog with lifelong skills.
Virtual Home Manners
Explore the AKC Virtual Home Manners program, where you can earn recognition and titles for your dog's training from the comfort of your home. With our guidance and official evaluations, your dog can learn essential skills for everyday life.
Diana will work with you to teach the skills, then you send us video clips for each skill to be evaluated. Let's help your puppy or adult dog earn their Virtual Home Manners title and prepare them for more advanced AKC titles! Start today to earn your dog's Virtual Home Manners title right from home!
Learn More About the AKC Family Dog Programs
Virtual Home Manners (VHMA/VHMP)
The Virtual Home Manners assess skills, including walking the dog and recalls, petting and grooming, and playtime.
Virtual Home Manners are evaluated online by CGC Evaluators.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
The CGC includes the skills of accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting and grooming, walking on a loose leash, sitting/down/staying, and coming to you when called.
Community Canine (CGCA)
Community Canine (CGCA)
The CGCA includes more advanced versions of the CGC skills done in a real-world environment, plus having your dog walk by food on the ground and more challenging recalls.
Urban Canine (CGCU)
Temperament Test (ATT)
Community Canine (CGCA)
The CGCU includes the CGCA skills done in an urban environment, plus having your dog cross a busy street on a leash and walk upstairs or ride in an elevator.
Temperament Test (ATT)
Temperament Test (ATT)
Temperament Test (ATT)
The AKC Temperament Test (ATT) evaluates a dog's reaction to stimuli, demonstrating its ability to behave appropriately in various social situations and environments while distinguishing between non-threatening and threatening scenarios.
Prerequisites for cgc-life skills Classes
Basic Obedience Skills
Your dogs should know basic skills such as sitting, loose-leash walking, and using treats to reinforce their excellent behavior. If not, our Private classes would be a great place to start!
Social Behavior
Dogs must be friendly or neutral toward other dogs and people. Before joining the class, aggressive behavior or extreme shyness behaviors should start with our Private Training.
Equipment
Your dog should wear a buckle, Martingale collar, harness, and a non-retractable leash. If you are using prong collars, or other corrective training equipment, you'll benefit from starting with our Private Classes.
Health and Vaccinations
All dogs must be at least six months old, healthy, and not displaying symptoms like coughing or sneezing. Dogs that are ill should remain at home.
Dogs in Season
Female dogs who have recently been in season are permitted in class but must have completed their cycle before attending.