AKC Canine Good Citizen Training & Certification

Whether you’re just getting started training or preparing for the evaluation, our Canine Good Citizen training program is designed to help you and your dog build the skills needed to succeed with the AKC Canine Good Citizen testing. Rooted in CIC’s relationship-based, trauma-informed approach, this program focuses on real-life manners, confidence, and connection, not just obedience. Use the links below to quickly jump to what you need, whether you’re looking for an overview of the program, class details, test requirements, or how to get started.

CIC’s Canine Good Citizen Training!

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class

This class will help you and your dog learn the necessary skills for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification. The final session of the class is the official testing date.

Your dog can pass the CGC test and earn a class completion certificate only through CIC or you may choose to earn an official AKC title which includes the CIC completion certificate. To earn CGC as an official title through the AKC, dogs must have one of the 3 types of registration: 1) AKC number, 2) Purebred Alternative Listing number (PAL), or 3) AKC Canine Partners number (For mixed-breed dogs). More information here.

Canine Good Citizen(CGC) Training Class Schedule

4 weeks | 1 hour/week

no upcoming classes at this time

Location

2300 Myrtle Ave, Suite 230

St. Paul, MN

Urban Canine Good Citizen/Community Canine (CGCU/CGCA) Class

The AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU) Training Class is designed to build on CGC fundamentals and prepare your dog for real‑world urban environments. Class will cover both CGC and CGCU test items! The CGCU in particular is a 10‑step public access test, held in settings with traffic, crowds, noises, streets, buildings, and public transit, ensures dogs demonstrate polite leash manners, self‑control with food distractions, calm around passersby, safe street crossings, stair and elevator navigation, housetraining, and controlled transportation experiences. Dogs can get both their CGC and CGCU on the same day. Successful teams earn the distinguished “CGCU” title on the dog’s AKC record.

Our AKC Community Canine (CGCA) Training Class, the advanced level of the Canine Good Citizen program, is designed to demonstrate real-world manners. This 10-step test is conducted in authentic environments—such as neighborhood events, pet stores, parks, and busy sidewalks—where your dog will wait calmly while you engage in activities, walk politely through crowds without pulling, remain steady around distractions (including other dogs and food), sit or lie quietly in small groups, allow strangers with objects to approach, respond reliably off-leash on cue, and exhibit control through doorways or narrow passages. Dogs must already hold CGC certification to take this class. All tasks are performed on leash using approved collars or harnesses, and handlers may use praise—but not food—during testing. Successfully passing earns your dog the prestigious “CGCA” title on its AKC record. Sign up now to help your dog shine as a confident, courteous community companion!

Urban Canine Good Citizen/Community Canine (CGCU/CGCA) Training Class Schedule

5 weeks | 1 hour/week

no upcoming classes at this time

Location

2300 Myrtle Ave, Suite 220

St. Paul, MN

AKC Canine Good Citizen Tests Only

Test Only Options

If your dog already has the skills necessary to pass the Canine Good Citizen Test, you may opt to attend a test only option.

The test is scheduled for an hour time block, but depending on the number of participants, you may not need to stay the entire hour.

Canine Good Citizen Test Only

1 hour session

Saturday April 11th from 1-2pm

Location

2300 Myrtle Ave, Suite 230

St. Paul, MN

Canine Good Citizen Training

Canine Good Citizen Training

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