CANINE GOOD CITIZEN CERTIFICATION
The AKC CGC Program is a non-competitive program open to all dogs ten (10) months and older who have completed either the Teen Puppy or Good Dog program or equivalent program or with the instructor's permission.  Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines. Owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate plan and schedule for vaccines and other health care procedures.

The heart of the CGC Program is the AKC CGC Test, which assesses the ability of a dog to be a well-behaved member of the community.  The CGC Certificate that is earned by passing the test proves the owner's commitment to having a well-mannered dog.

There are an increasing number of benefits for those who have earned the CGC award.  In some locations, CGC dogs gain access to dog parks and hiking trails, and certain apartment buildings and condominiums require that dogs have their CGC certificates before their owners are permitted to move in with them.  Several of this country's largest service and therapy-dog organizations require dogs to pass the CGC Test as a prerequisite for therapy-dog work.

This class will help you in teaching your dog manners to pass the CGC Test.  You will be expected to practice outside of class in different locations as a way to socialize your dog.  The cost for the test is included in the class registration and will be held at the conclusion of the course.  All dogs that successfully complete the CGC test will receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club and are automatically recorded in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Archive.

Pre-Requisites:
1.Completed Teen Puppy or Good Dog Class, or equivalent or with permission from the instructor.
2.Must be dog and people friendly and allow petting by friendly strangers.
3.Must be able to be handled by friendly strangers and able to work safely 
around people and other dogs on and off leash.
4.Be current on Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, and Bordatella (kennel cough) 
vaccinations.
5.Vaccination records must have been given to Paws and Claws prior to the first class.
6.Certificate from veterinarian that dog is free from all parasites (worms, fleas, ticks, etc.).

The AKC CGC Test is an evaluation of the basic skills that every dog should know.  Dogs and handlers must successfully complete the following 10 Canine Good Citizen test items:

1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger – Evaluator approaches, shakes hands with handler.  Evaluator does not touch dog.

2. Sitting Politely for Petting – Evaluator pets dog, dog must show no shyness or resentment.

3. Appearance and Grooming – Evaluator inspects dog, combs or brushes lightly, examines ears and each front foot.

4. Out for a Walk (Loose Leash Walking) – Handler takes dog for a short walk including right turn, left turn, about turn, and stop (dog must sit when handler stops).

5. Walking Through a Crowd – Dog and handler walk close to several people; dog may show casual interest but not jump up.

6. Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place – Handler shows dog can do sit and down, then chooses a position, leaves dog and goes to the end of a 20ft. line and returns immediately.

7. Coming When Called – With dog still on 20ft. line from Test 6, handler walks out 10ft. and calls the dog.

8. Reaction to Another Dog – Two handlers and dogs approach, shake hands, exchange pleasantries, and move on.  Dogs can show casual interest.

9. Reactions to Distractions – Distractions are presented; dog may not panic or show aggression.

10.  Supervised Separation – Handler goes out of sight for 3 minutes.  Dog is held on 6-ft. leash by evaluator.


Class Policies:
1.Class schedule is subject to change.
2.Classes not meeting minimum enrollment (4) may be canceled.
3.Class may be canceled due to inclement weather.
4.Harsh corrections or intimidating training methods will not be tolerated.
5.The instructor reserves the right to excuse from class or decline entry to any person or dog who presents a behavior(s) that may be dangerous or disruptive to the class or for any other reason.
6.Dogs that are fearful, aggressive, or unable to benefit in a class setting may be referred to private training.
7.Participation in class is at the discretion of the instructor and refunds will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.


PAWS-I-TIVE BEHAVIOR DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING

Think Pawsitive: Think how you want your dog TO behave.  Not how you want your dog NOT to behave.