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
Important information for dog training classes:
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For puppy class:
Puppies of all ages will need to have started their DA2PP (or equivalent) vaccine series before beginning class, ideally 7 days prior to the first day of class. We strongly encourage you to discuss other vaccines with your veterinarian, including but not limited to, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and Canine Influenza before starting class.
Puppies 16 weeks and older are required to have their Bordetella and Rabies vaccine.
For all other training classes:
Dogs 16 weeks of age and older are required to have their DA2PP(or equivalent), Bordetella, and rabies. We strongly encourage discussing other vaccinations with your veterinarian, including but not limited to leptospirosis, canine influenza, lyme.
Proof of vaccinations are not required to be submitted before the start of class, however CIC may request records at anytime.
Dogs completing Therapy Dog training are required to complete an Annual Health form, click to view all required veterinary items.
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Training class participants may receive a full or partial refund if they are no longer able to
participate in class. Refund requests must be made via email to Taylor at taylor@canineinspiredchange.org.
Request received prior to the first day of class:
7 or more days: Full refund of enrollment fee; or transfer payment to future class
6 - 3 days: Partial refund of enrollment fee minus $25; or transfer payment to future class
2 or less days: Partial refund of enrollment fee minus $50; or transfer payment to future class
Withdrawal after class session has started: Transfer payment to future class
Training teams that are unable to complete a training class due to trainer recommendation may receive a full refund based on trainer and CIC staff discretion.
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Each training class will have different recommendations for training tools, treats, and equipment. CIC will reach out to you about 1 week before the start of your class with more information and what to expect. If you did not receive this email, check your spam folder.
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We offer financial assistance for both private training and training classes. Scholarships are available to help cover part or all of your training. Click here to apply!
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Puppy Class:
In order to graduate as an AKC STAR Puppy, students may not miss any classes.
Foundational Skills:
Students cannot miss more than 1 class session in order to move into Therapy Dog training class.
Therapy Dog Training:
Attendance at the first and final class sessions are mandatory. You will not bring your dog to the first session. Evaluations will be held on the final day of class. In order to be eligible for evaluation participants can miss no more than 1 class session. Anyone who wishes to volunteer as a CIC therapy dog team must be present with their dog throughout training.
With all dog training classes, we recommend selecting a class in which you can attend all classes. Dogs (and humans!) best learn through consistency.
What people say about our training classes