Written By Blake Woody for The Barking Dog

At The Barking Dog, our commitment to promoting responsible dog ownership and enhancing community well-being is embodied in our adoption of the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program standards into our group training curriculum. This prestigious program is renowned for its rigorous criteria, which assess a dog’s sociability, obedience, and overall behavior. By integrating these standards into our courses, our certified AKC Evaluator is setting a high bar for training excellence.

Understanding the CGC Test

The CGC test is designed to evaluate dogs on ten critical behaviors, such as sitting politely for petting, walking through a crowd, and responding well to other dogs. These criteria are essential for ensuring that dogs can behave well both at home and in community settings. By focusing on these elements, the CGC test not only promotes well-mannered pets but also highlights the importance of ongoing, responsible dog ownership.

The Role of the AKC Evaluator in Group Classes

Our classes at The Barking Dog are led by a certified AKC Evaluator, who brings an expert understanding of the CGC standards directly into each session. This professional oversight ensures that our training not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the CGC program. The evaluator provides immediate feedback and targeted advice, helping owners and their pets achieve the best possible outcomes during their training journey.

Preparing for the CGC Test in Group Classes

Our group classes are meticulously designed to cover all the elements of the CGC test. From the very first session, dogs are taught and practiced in behaviors that are crucial for passing the test and for day-to-day interactions. For example, training sessions might include exercises like navigating through populated areas to improve leash manners or controlled interactions with strangers and other dogs to foster appropriate social behaviors. In these classes, our AKC Evaluator plays a crucial role in guiding dog owners through the training process, ensuring that each canine adheres to the high standards set by the CGC program. This structured approach not only prepares dogs for the CGC test but also instills lifelong habits that make them more enjoyable and safer companions.

Benefits of CGC Certification for Dogs and Owners

Achieving CGC certification through our program at The Barking Dog offers significant benefits. For the dogs, it lays a foundational layer of training that is recognized nationally and can open doors to advanced training opportunities, including therapy and service roles. For the owners, having a CGC-certified dog often facilitates easier access to pet-friendly housing and favorable insurance policies. It’s a mark of pride and a testament to the dedication of the owner to responsible pet management.

Incorporating Fun and Engagement

At The Barking Dog, while our focus on meeting the CGC standards is serious, we ensure our classes remain fun and engaging for both dogs and their owners. Recognizing that the learning process extends to both ends of the leash, we employ principles from human learning theory to enhance the educational experience for owners. This approach helps in effectively communicating the training concepts and
ensures that owners understand the methodology behind each exercise, increasing the efficacy of the training.

We employ a variety of teaching methods that are designed to keep dogs and their owners motivated and enjoying the learning process. Our sessions include interactive games that are enjoyable and educational, helping to reinforce the training concepts in a playful setting. This makes the learning process less of a chore and more of an enjoyable activity, helping to strengthen the bond between the owner and their pet.

By integrating fun, engagement, and educational strategies based on human learning theory, our training sessions at The Barking Dog are something both dogs and owners look forward to. This holistic approach not only prepares dogs for the CGC test but also equips owners with the knowledge and skills to continue effective training beyond our classes.

To Recap

At The Barking Dog, our adoption of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen standards into our group classes has significantly enhanced the way we approach dog training. By incorporating these respected guidelines, we not only boost our canine students’ prospects for achieving CGC certification but also guide them toward becoming well-mannered, sociable members of the community. We invite all dog owners seeking comprehensive, enjoyable, and effective training to explore our CGC- preparatory classes. These classes offer a robust pathway not only toward certification but also toward fostering a deeply rewarding bond with your dog. Our commitment to quality training is unwavering, as we strive to elevate the standard of well-trained dogs within our community.