Be Proud of Your Dog with Advanced Manners Class & Canine Good Citizen Training

Taught by Kristina Ackerman, this class is designed for puppies over 6 months of age who have already successfully completed Puppy Kindergarten plus Puppy Manners and/or  Basic Manners classes. It’s also recommended to take our Loose Leash Walking I class before moving to Advanced Manners class.

This is a 6-week class, where we will continue to reinforce previously learned skills, including Sit-Stay, Down-Stay, Come, Leave It, and Go to Mat/Place command, by adding increased distance and distractions. Also, you will learn the routine for near-the-door manners with visitors and a polite meet and greet. You will learn how to set your dog up for success in real-life situations. Problem behaviors—like door bolting from the car or home and jumping up on people—will also be addressed.

Please arrive at class with your pup in a collar and/or harness with a 4 ft – 8 ft standard leash (no retractable leashes permitted), and a 10-15ft long lead. Please ensure that your dog is NOT fed at least 2 – 3 hours before class and bring LOTS of SOFT, TASTY treats such as cheese, cooked chicken, or any soft flavored chicken, liver, or beef treats (NO Milk Bones or biscuits). The treats you use at home will probably not work in a distracting class environment. Bring your dog’s blanket, towel, or bed for Place training. Also bring a water bowl and a stuffed Kong or bone to keep your pup busy (and to stop barking if needed).

Canine Good Citizen Training & Certification

Taught by Kristina Ackerman, this is a 6-week class that prepares students and their dogs to take the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, a certification program designed to reward dogs who demonstrate good manners at home and in the community. During our training together, we will practice and prepare you and your dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. This test will be given during the final class. The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification is an AKC title your dog can earn by completing the 10 required test items successfully.

This class is for the dog that is experienced with prior training classes and has successfully completed Advanced Manners and Loose Leash Walking II classes. The CGC title is an important precursor to dogs becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, CGC Advanced, CGC Urban, or AKC Trick dogs.

Requirements

• Dogs must 6 months of age or older
• Successful Completion of Advanced Manner and Loose Leash Walking II classes

Skills Covered in Canine Good Citizen Training

During our CGC Prep course we will be teaching and practicing the following:

• Accepting a friendly stranger
• Sitting politely for petting
• Appearance and grooming
• Walking on a loose leash
• Walking through a crowd
• Sit and Down on command and Stay in Place at a 20-foot distance
• Come when called from a 10-foot distance
• Reaction to another dog
• Reaction to a distraction (i.e. loud noise)
• Supervised separation from owner