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  The Rewards of Raising an AKC Canine Good Citizen

  Dec 20, 2024

  The Rewards of Raising an AKC Canine Good Citizen

  Hello, dog enthusiasts! It’s Rick Pedersen, owner and trainer at Rising Starr K9 and an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator. Today, we’re diving into the benefits and rewards of having a dog that’s earned the prestigious AKC CGC title. This isn’t just a certification—it’s a testament to the bond, dedication, and hard work between you and your pup. Let’s explore what it takes to achieve this remarkable milestone and why it’s worth every effort. Spoiler alert: It’s a lot of hard work, but the wagging tails and proud smiles at the finish line make it all worthwhile!

  What Is the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program?

  The AKC Canine Good Citizen program promotes responsible dog ownership and basic training for dogs. It’s designed to assess a dog’s behavior in real-world situations and ensure they can interact politely with people and other dogs. The program has three levels:

  1. Canine Good Citizen (CGC): This program focuses on foundational skills like sit, stay, coming when called, and polite leash behavior.

  2. Community Canine (CGCA): Builds on the basics with more advanced training in community settings such as parks or dog-friendly public spaces.

  3. Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU): Tests a dog’s ability to handle the unique challenges of busy urban environments, including navigating sidewalks, public transportation, and crowds.

  The Training Journey: From Foundations to Mastery

  Achieving CGC certification at any level requires commitment and training, but the rewards are immense. Here’s how we at Rising Starr K9 approach this journey:

  1. Basic Obedience: Before beginning CGC-specific training, your dog should have a solid foundation in commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and loose-leash walking.

  2. Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Training: This phase emphasizes manners and essential skills. Dogs will learn to greet strangers politely, tolerate grooming, walk calmly on a leash, and stay focused despite distractions.

  3. Community Canine (CGCA) Training: In this level, we challenge dogs to demonstrate good behavior in real-world settings. Training often takes place in parks, pet-friendly businesses, or during public outings.

  4. Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU) Training: Dogs are trained to navigate urban settings with poise for this advanced level. Skills include ignoring city noises, maintaining focus in crowded spaces, and confidently walking through bustling streets—and let’s be honest, resisting that pizza crust on the sidewalk is the actual test of greatness!

  Why Pursue the CGC Certification?

  The benefits of having a CGC-certified dog go beyond the title itself:

  • Confidence: A well-trained dog is a confident dog. They handle new environments and challenges with ease.

  • Stronger Bond: The training process strengthens the trust and understanding between you and your dog.

  • Public Accessibility: CGC certification is often a stepping stone for therapy or service dog work, demonstrating that your dog is well-mannered in public spaces.

  • Community Respect: A CGC-certified dog represents responsible ownership and sets an example for others.

  The Satisfaction of Achievement

  As a trainer and AKC CGC Evaluator, I’ve seen firsthand the pride and joy owners feel when their dog earns CGC certification. It’s not just about the skills—it’s about the journey. Think of it as your dog’s version of a hero’s adventure, with challenges, triumphs, and plenty of treats! The hours spent training, the challenges overcome, and the milestones achieved culminate in a partnership built on trust and mutual respect.

  How Rising Starr K9 Can Help

  Rising Starr K9 offers one-on-one sessions and group classes tailored to the AKC CGC program. Whether your goal is the foundational CGC title or the advanced CGCA and CGCU certifications, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. As an AKC CGC Evaluator, I ensure that you and your dog are fully prepared for the assessment and equipped for real-world success.

  In addition, Rising Starr K9 has an Alumni Group for CGC graduates to continue their journey. This exclusive group meets on the first Wednesday of every month to work on the Community Canine (CGCA) and Urban Canine (CGCU) portions in real-world settings. These dogs have truly shined with their public accomplishments, often turning heads and earning fans wherever they go. This ongoing practice ensures they remain confident, skilled, and even the most popular dog at the park!

  Rising Starr K9 offers one-on-one sessions and group classes tailored to the AKC CGC program. Whether your goal is the foundational CGC title or the advanced CGCA and CGCU certifications, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. As an AKC CGC Evaluator, I ensure that you and your dog are fully prepared for the assessment and equipped for real-world success.

  Ready to Begin Your CGC Journey?

  If you’re ready to unlock your dog’s full potential and achieve the satisfaction of owning a CGC-certified companion, let’s get started! Contact me, Rick Pedersen, today:
  📞 608-386-9914 | 📧 risingstarrk9@gmail.com | 🌐 risingstarrk9.com

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  #RisingStarrK9 #RisingStarrK9CGCTraining #RisingStarrK9Excellence #RisingStarrK9DogTraining #RickPedersen #RisingStarrK9ConfidentCanines #RisingStarrK9UrbanCanineTraining #RisingStarrK9MidwestDogTraining

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