AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN PROGRAM AND AKC TRICK DOG

Everyone likes a well behaved and fun loving dog! The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC) is a program that rewards good manners at home, in the community and in an urban setting. All dogs are welcome, both purebred and mixed breed. Dogs must be under the care of a veterinarian and be old enough to have all its immunizations, boosters and rabies vaccine. The following are brief descriptions of each part of the CGC program. See http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/training/canine-good-citizen/ for more detailed information.

Currently, Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club (NEMKC) offers regular CGC and Trick Dog at Responsible Dog Ownership Days, Obedience Trials and Rally Trials. We plan to expand our testing levels to include the Advanced Canine Good Citizen in Harford and Cecil Counties in the near future. Watch the Google Calendar!

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and Responsible dog ownership. This is a great way to start training your puppy early. This will teach you how to communicate with your puppy and provide an opportunity to socialize your dog. In these classes, you can get information on raising your puppy including housetraining, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called. Puppies can take a 6 week basic training class, followed by the AKC S.T.A.R. evaluation by the instructor.

When a puppy is awarded the CGC, they should be re-tested as adults since behavior and temperament can change. Remember, there are exceptions to age limits when the test is given at an AKC show. Testing may be limited because of show age requirements for those entered in the show and to purebred dogs only.

See http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/training/akc-star-puppy/ for detailed information.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

This builds a great training foundation, focuses on responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. Your dog can learn important skills likes accepting a groomer, separation from its handler, properly reacting to another dog and unusual things around them. Passing the 10-step CGC test will earn a certificate from the American Kennel Club, a title or both. See http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/training/canine-good-citizen/about/ for detailed information.

Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA)

Once your dog has earned the CGC, you can train your dog advanced skills needed for the rest of their life. While this is a more advanced level of AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program, relax, your dog is tested on leash. This level is designed to simulate real world skills like walking through a crowd on a busy sidewalk, etc. At this level you must have an AKC registration number, a PAL number or an AKC Canine Partners number. See http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/ to obtain a number for your dog. Passing the 10-step CGCA test will earn the CGCA title. See http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/training/akc-community-canine/about/ for detailed information.

Urban CGC (CGCU)

Once your dog has earned the CGC, your dog may need the “AKC Urban CGC” training. This is part of the Canine Good Citizen training program for city-dwelling dogs and the special skills they require. Some examples of these special skills are reacting appropriately to sirens and horns, elevators, ignoring food on the sidewalk, etc. Your dog can learn the skills needed to pass the 10-step CGCU test and will earn the CGCU title. See http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/training/urban-canine-good-citizen/ for detailed information.

Trick Dog

We owe this one to Rin Tin Tin and Lassie! This is a great way to stimulate your dogs brain and have fun with your dog. Why not join the fun or at least the audience at an event?! See http://www.akc.org/trick-dog/ for more detailed information about the new AKC Trick Dog!