If you’re looking for the right class to strengthen your bond with your dog, as well as learn important everyday manners and skills, then Canine Good Citizen Prep at AWS is the right class for you! The foundational class builds upon what you’ve learned in a basic training (or equivalent obedience/manners group class) and takes it to the next level! Helping your pup learn to be well-behaved while out in the community, this class is a great steppingstone into advanced training classes.
What is Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Per the American Kennel Club (AKC), “all dogs can be good dogs, and all owners can be great owners, all it takes is a little bit of training, lots of love, and of course, plenty of praise along the way.” Created by AKC, the certification is a 10-skill test that teaches proper manners to dogs and good ownership to their people.
Through AWS, teams learn more advanced cues such as heel and long-distance stay. They also learn skills like walking through a crowd, passing another dog on leash and accepting a friendly stranger. The last week of class is spend practicing the CGC test items with an option to also take the test.
Benefits of Becoming Certified
Along with a CGC certification being a steppingstone to many advanced training courses, there are various benefits:
- Strengthened Bond with Your Pup
One of the biggest benefits of taking the class is that you and your dog will become closer! By working on all of the skills to becoming CGC certified, you’ll both have a better understanding of each other leading to a deepened bond.
- Improved Manners and Obedience
Continuing from the strengthened bond, your dog will have improved behavior! By taking the class at AWS, your pup will learn to walk in heel, listen to advanced cues and level up their basic skills as well!
- Better Prepared for Real-World Situations
With improved manners and growing confidence, your dog will become more comfortable navigating a variety of public settings. One of the key parts of becoming CGC certified is exposing your dog to different environments, people and other dogs. This helps your dog learn to stay calm and responsive around distractions.
- Increased Confidence in Public Settings
As your dog gains experience in real-world scenarios, your own confidence will grow as well. You’ll feel more at ease knowing how to guide your dog through busy or distracting situations. Plus, you’ll both benefit from practicing skills that carry over into everyday life.
Sign Up for a Canine Good Citizen Prep Class
If you’ve already taken a Basic Training or equivalent obedience/manners course and think you’re ready to take your training to the next level, then sign up for a class with AWS Canine Training! The six-week course prepares you and your dog for the 10-point AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification test, with an option to take it during the final week. The best part of it all? Sharing the certificate and ribbon with your dog after you’ve completed the course!
