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Manners and CGC Training

Manners & Canine Good Citizen Testing

Your Durango And Farmington Canine Good Citizen Testing Source

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is an official title of the AKC offered to dogs of all mixed and pure breed dogs.  Recently the AKC has added a second level to the CGC test that builds on the skills of the first test.  You may not use food or toy rewards during either test, but you can use food or toys during training.  You may talk to your dog during either test.  Here are the first 10 skills a dog/handler team is tested on.  Practice for the CGC can happen during everyday errands.

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AKC Canine Good Citizen Training & Testing

Real World Skills forReal-World Dogs

The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program recognizes dogs that demonstrate good manners, obedience, and confidence in everyday situations. As an AKC CGC Evaluator, Amber Pickren helps dog owners prepare for both the CGC and Advanced Community Canine (CGCA) tests while building practical skills that last a lifetime.

Master the Fundamentals

Amber helps dogs develop the foundational obedience skills needed for success, including leash manners, recalls, stays, polite greetings, and focus around distractions.

Practice in Real-Life Environments

Training doesn't happen only in a classroom. You'll practice skills during everyday outings and situations that prepare your dog for real-world success.

Confidence Through Consistency

Every dog learns at their own pace, and Amber creates personalized training plans that help dogs gain confidence while building reliable behaviors.

Prepare for Testing Success

When you're ready, Amber will help ensure both you and your dog are prepared to confidently complete the CGC or CGCA evaluation.

AKC Canine Good Citizen Training & Testing

Real World Skills forReal-World Dogs

Canine Good Citizen training helps dogs develop the real-world manners and obedience skills needed to succeed at home and in public, including polite greetings, loose leash walking, recalls, stays, and remaining calm around distractions. Beyond the training itself, the CGC program strengthens the bond between you and your dog by improving communication, trust, and confidence. Dogs who successfully complete the test earn an official AKC title recognized nationwide, while owners gain a rewarding training goal that provides a clear path for measuring progress and celebrating accomplishments along the way.

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What Skills Are Evaluated?

The Canine Good Citizen test measures a dog's ability to demonstrate good manners and self-control in everyday situations, including:

  • Accepting a friendly stranger
  • Sitting politely for petting
  • Grooming and handling
  • Loose leash walking
  • Walking through crowds
  • Sit, down, and stay
  • Coming when called
  • Appropriate reactions to other dogs
  • Appropriate reactions to distractions
  • Calm behavior during supervised separation
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Some Great Days at Work

Working with dogs since 2004, Amber Pickren combines decades of hands-on experience with a passion for helping dogs and owners succeed together. Specializing in behavior modification and real-world training, she understands what it takes to create the ultimate "Durango Dog" - a confident companion ready for hikes, paddle boarding, camping, and everyday adventures.

Ready to Earn Your CGC?

Canine Good Citizen training and testing in Durango, CO and Farmington, NM

Whether your goal is earning an AKC title, improving obedience, or creating a more confident and reliable companion, Amber can help you and your dog reach the next level.

Earn Your CGC
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