We have suspended our CGC classes. We are having difficulty keeping up with our in home training and behavior requests and have such a low nuber of CGC requests, we have stopped offering prep classes.
If you are looking to take or prep for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen class, we recommend the classes taught by the Nebraska Humane Society. You can get more info on their classes with this link.
Dog Gone Problems now offers a Canine Good Citizen class in our Omaha location. This class will help you get your dog ready to take and pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test; the gold standard when it comes to evaluating dog behavior.
Your dog should already have these basic obedience skills down (able to do on verbal cue only – no treat) before enrolling in this class; sit, lay down, walk on a loose leash and stay. Puppies who have taken all 3 of our puppy classes are usualy prepared to take this class, provided they have not developed any fears or human / dog related aggression issues.
If your dog has not already learned the above listed skills, DO NOT sign up for this class. Dogs are not allowed to use halti, pinch / prong or shock collar or any other corective device when taking the test. The purpose of the test is to demonstrate your dog has mastered these skills so if your dog needs these tools, its not ready for this test. We offer in home training services for dogs who lack those skills or need additional support to prepare them to take the class.
Here are the 10 sections of the Canine Good Citizen test:
Accepting a friendly strangerSitting politely for pettingAccepting of grooming and vet careWalks with a loose leashWalks through a crowdCan complete a sit, down and a 20 foot stayComes when calledBehave around another dogConfident with distractionsCan be left with a stranger for 3 minutes
Most well behaved dogs can pass a few of those options, but to do all 10, without treats, can be a real challange.
Our 4 week class was created to give you a step by step guide to prepare your dog for this test. Each week our instructors will evaluate your dog’s current level, then go over a lesson that you will practice at home to prepare your dog to pass that section of the test.
The following week the instructors will have you demonstrate your dog’s progress for each section, then assist you in areas where your dog struggles. Our experienced force free trainers will share the tips and secrets we have learned over the last 10 years as Omaha’s premiere dog behavior and training organization.
In additon to developing your dog obedience and self control skills, certain breeds of dogs can receieve an additional bennefit; an exception to Omaha’s muzzle ordinance. Omaha’s city ordinance requires Pit Bulls, Cane Corsos, Presa Carnarios, Dogo Argentinas, American Bulldogs, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and predominant mixes of these breeds to be muzzled whenever they are outside and not in a securely fenced yard.
But dogs of those breed characteristics who can pass the CGC test and demonstrate that they are highly obedient and gentle can earn an exception to the muzzle law. Note, while we can prep you for the CGC test and administer the test, in order to be granted the muzzle law excpetion, you must pass the CGC test and evaluation given by the Nebraska Humane Society. Its the same test we give, but since this is a city ordinance, you need to demonstrate your dog’s skills to a NHS test evaluator.
Since a large part of the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test is related to behavior, dogs cannot have any fear, reactive or aggressive behaviors to take this class.
If your dog has behavior issues, we have in home behavior appointments available and you should address those problems before signing up for this class. Any dog who enrolls in the class but demonstrates aggressive or reactive behavior will be asked to leave. Please do not sign your dog up hoping it wont react. Many dogs have problems being around other dogs or people. If your dog falls into that category, use the link above to get a quote from us on how we can help you and your dog past those behavior issues.
Canine Good Citizen classes are held at Dogtopia Center (14485 West Center Rd).
Class is normally $119 for the 4 week class, but we are currently offering the class for only $99 per dog.
Upcoming Class Dates
Saturday Sept 11th at Dogtopia Center (14485 West Center Rd) – 1:00 PM
Saturday Oct 9th at Dogtopia Center (14485 West Center Rd) – 1:00 PM
Saturday Nov 6th at Dogtopia Center (14485 West Center Rd) – 1:00 PM
If you are ready to sign your dog up for our Canine Good Citizen class or have any questions, fill out the form below and our Booking Coordinator will call you to discuss.
