AKC Canine Good Citizen Training & Certification
Our CIC CGC training class is developed to help you and your dog learn the necessary skills for the AKC CGC certification.
This class helps you and your dog practice the necessary skills for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. Final session is the testing date!
Your dog can pass the CGC test and earn a class completion certificate only, or you may choose to earn an official AKC title (includes completion certificate). With official AKC titles, the title is listed on the dog’s Title Record, and “CGC” may be listed after the dog’s name (e.g., “Princess, CGC”). To earn CGC as an official title, 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.
In order to complete Canine Good Citizen Training, participants can miss no more than 1 session to create consistency in training.
Canine Good Citizen Training Class Schedule
4 weeks | 1 hour/week
only CGCU dates available (see below)
Location
2300 Myrtle Ave, Suite 230
St. Paul, MN
To become and Urban or Advanced Canine Good Citizen, join CIC’s next level classes!
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. This 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 or Advanced Canine Good Citizen Training Class Schedule
5 weeks | 1 hour/week
Urban CGC Class starting Saturdays 1-2pm
March 14, 21, 28, April 4 & 11th
Location
2300 Myrtle Ave, Suite 230 ,
St. Paul, MN
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
No dates at this time
Location
2300 Myrtle Ave, Suite 230
St. Paul, MN
Important information for dog training classes:
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Click here to review CIC’s Participant Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form.
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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.