Specializing in relationship-based training and lifestyle programs.
CGC Prep Class - $230
6 Class Series
Begins April 15, 2024
Mondays: 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Location: Howlin' at the Moon Bakery
Prequisites: completion of Best Life Canine Basic Obedience or Instructor Approval
To learn more, visit the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Information Page HERE.
What is Canine Good Citizen (CGC) course?
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is a course designed to teach you and your dog to work as a team and demonstrate polite manners as responsible community members. The course objectives focus on teaching best practices for good handling, nice manners, and essential obedience skills. As part of the program you are also improving your dog ownership etiquette. To demonstrate this commitment, the program includes the Best Life Canine Responsible Owner Pledge, adapted and enhanced from the AKC Responsible Owner Pledge.
This program prepares you to take the CGC Test. The test will evaluate 10 essential skills for you and your dog to demonstrate as a team. After successful completion of the test, you and your dog will earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen Title and Certificate. You will also receive a graduation certificate from Best Life Canine. Any dog is eligible - any breed, mix, age, or size. Please note: this program is not appropriate for dogs with behavior modification needs. If you need help with behavioral issues, please contact us for appropriate programs.
​
While this course will review concepts in essential and basic obedience, it does not cover teaching these skills for those with no prior experience. We require all dogs to have completed Basic Obedience with Best Life Canine or receive Instructor Approval prior to enrollment.
Canine Good Citizen Test Items
1. Accepting a friendly stranger
Evaluator approaches and pretends to shake hands with handler
(hands 6- 12” apart). 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
Handler takes dog for a short walk including right turn, left turn, about turn
and stop.
5. Walking through a crowd
Dog and handler walk close to several people; dog may show causal interest
but not jump up.
6. Sit and down on cue/Staying in place
Handler shows that dog can do both sit and down, then chooses a position,
leaves dog and goes to the end of a 20 ft. line, and returns immediately.
7. Coming when called
With dog still on 20 ft. line from Test 6, handler walks out 10 ft. and calls
the dog.
8. Reaction to another dog
Two handlers and dogs approach, pretend to shake hands (hands 6-12”
apart), exchange pleasantries, then move on.
9. Reaction to distractions
Distractions are presented; dog may not panic or show aggression.
10. Supervised separation
Handler goes out of sight for 3-min. Dog is held on a 6-ft. leash by an
evaluator.
Registration Information
Please read: Acceptance to the CGC Prep class is dependent upon successful completion of a Basic Obedience program through Best Life Canine or Instructor Approval. If approval is required, we may request skills demonstration be submitted by video or a 30 minute in-person evaluation. If an in-person evaluation is required or preferred, the fee is $40.
If accepted to the CGC Prep Class, you will be invoiced for class payment through our booking system, PocketSuite. Payment in full is due upon registration. We are unable to hold a space in class without payment. All registration fees and tuition are non-refundable. After payment is made, if you are unable to attend due to a change in your plans, the fees and tuition are non-refundable but may be transferable. At the sole discretion of Best Life Canine we may allow transfer of partial fees and partial tuition to another class or program. Please note this is not a guaranteed transfer and will be handled on an individual client basis. If you miss a class, makeup classes are available for an additional fee of $50 per missed class and will be scheduled based on Instructor availability. Missing more than 2 classes will result in dismissal from the program and forfeiture of all tuition and fees. We are committing our time to teach you and your dog and in return we ask for the respect of our time, respect of other attendees, and commitment to the course you are participating in. Up to date vaccination records or proof of UTD Titer tests must be submitted prior to the first class date.
CGC Prep Class Registration-$230
To register for our Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class, please use the Registration link below. The link will take you to our online booking system, PocketSuite. There you will be able to register for the 6 Class Series and complete our Training Information form for review.
If there is any additional information required, or an additional evaluation is needed, we will be in touch within 48 business hours.
​
If you have questions, please contact Andrea:
Email: andrea@bestlifecanine.com
Phone/Text: 336-344-9619
(Please note we are often unable to answer unscheduled phone calls due to training schedule demands. We will get back to you as quickly as possible if we miss your call.)
