CGC-Life Skills
Help your dog become a well-mannered and confident member of your family with our Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Life Skills classes. Our training focuses on practical, real-world behaviors that make a difference in your daily life together:
- Polite Greetings: Teach your dog to greet people calmly, without jumping.
- Loose-Leash Walking: Enjoy relaxed walks with your dog, even around distractions like people and other dogs.
- Reliable Cues: Build a strong foundation with essential cues like Sit, Down, and Stay.
- Dependable Recall: Ensure your dog reliably comes when called, even with tempting distractions.
What makes our CGC-Life Skills classes unique?
Our program supports the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) standards. 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 that replicate everyday situations, ensuring the skills learned are applicable beyond the test environment.
Training with us isn’t merely about preparing for CGC tests and evaluations; it's about building a lasting, understanding relationship with your dog. Whether you’re starting or advancing in your training, we schedule evaluations to match your progress and equip your dog with lifelong skills.
Virtual Home Manners
Ready for your dog to earn an official AKC Virtual Home Manners (VHM) title?
Our online video evaluations make it easy! Record your dog performing the required skills (clips from your phone work great!) and we'll provide a thorough assessment. This convenient process helps you prepare for the AKC's official title submission, a great step towards programs like AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen.
Class Tips
CGC-Life Skills Calendar
CGC-Life Skills Calendar
CGC-Life Skills Calendar
Classes are available once per week throughout the year.
- Saturdays at 10:00 am
Enrollment Options
CGC-Life Skills Calendar
CGC-Life Skills Calendar
Our CGC-Life Skills classes offer open enrollment, allowing new students to join at any time space is available.
CGC-Life Skills Journey
CGC-Life Skills Calendar
CGC-Life Skills Journey
CGC-Life Skills One-Off: Try a Single Class tailored for any skill level.
CGC-Life Skills Regulars: Unlock continuous learning and improvement with our Book & Save More: Group Classes discounts.
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 Classes.
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.
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.