American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluations
AKC evaluation of dogs, particularly through programs like the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, is important because it provides a standardized way to assess a dog's behavior and temperament, indicating whether a dog is well-trained and suitable for public spaces, which can be beneficial for responsible dog ownership, potential adoption situations, and even access to certain housing or community areas; it also helps promote responsible breeding practices by highlighting dogs with good temperament traits within a breed.
Evaluations
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy
The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is a foundation training program by the American Kennel Club that promotes responsible pet ownership and early socialization for puppies up to one year old.
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To earn the S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction, dogs must complete a six-week training class taught by an AKC-approved evaluator and pass a 20-step test covering basic manners, socialization, and owner responsibility.
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AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is a certification by the American Kennel Club that recognizes well-mannered dogs and responsible pet ownership through basic obedience and good behavior in public settings.
To earn the CGC title, dogs must pass a 10-step test conducted by an AKC-approved evaluator, demonstrating skills such as sitting politely, coming when called, and remaining calm around distractions, with no age limit for participation.
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AKC Community Canine ("Advanced" CGCA)
The AKC Community Canine (CGCA) program is an advanced level of the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification that tests a dog's ability to demonstrate good manners in real-world community settings.
To earn the CGCA title, dogs must already have a CGC certificate and pass a 10-step test conducted by an AKC-approved evaluator in public environments, with no age limit for participation.
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AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen​ (CGCU)
The AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU) program is an advanced certification that evaluates a dog's ability to demonstrate good manners and obedience in busy urban environments.
To earn the CGCU title, dogs must already have a CGC certificate and pass a 10-step test conducted by an AKC-approved evaluator in real-world city settings, with no age limit for participation.
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AKC Trick Dog
The AKC Trick Dog program is a fun training certification that encourages dogs and their owners to learn and perform tricks, promoting engagement and skill-building.
To earn a Trick Dog title, dogs must demonstrate a set number of tricks corresponding to their chosen level with no age limit for participation:
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Novice
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Intermediate
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Advanced
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Performer
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Elite Performer
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Therapy Dog
Therapy Dog testing and certification is done through Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) where volunteers with dogs visit hospitals, special needs centers, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities.
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Certification requires ATD membership, background checks, and at least once-a-month commitment to visit facilities.
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Contact akamaidogtraining808@gmail.com for more information about therapy dog training and certification.
How to start
01
DOG registration number
Your dog must be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in order to receive AKC Titles or compete in AKC sports and events.
How to find or create your dog's AKC Number (Application fees will apply):
1) Pure breed dogs from registered AKC breeders should provide you with your dog's unique registration number. You should be able to find this on your dog's paperwork or if you contact your breeder.
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2) AKC Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL): if you have a purebred dog not eligible for AKC registration — but you still want to compete in AKC sports and events — a PAL number is for you. Application fees will apply.
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3) AKC Canine Partners: This program is for registering mixed breeds or unregistrable purebred dogs. The benefits are similar to our traditional registration program, and you’ll get plenty of opportunities to connect with other owners of mixed-breed dogs! Application fees will apply.
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In all options above, you will need to create a special name for your dog.
You can be as creative and unique as you want! Check out some interesting show dog names from the latest Westminster Dog Show or use the AKC Name Finder to get some ideas. Have fun with it!
02
Train for the test items
You can train on your own, through private training, or through group classes. Check out the test items for each evaluation on the AKC website.
03
Take the evaluation
Schedule an evaluation with Akamai Dog Training! You can schedule for one or multiple evaluations in one appointment.
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There are two separate costs:
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Each evaluation - $25 each*
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Official AKC Title on the dog's record - each title on the AKC website varies
*Fees are waived for Akamai Dog Training clients
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Things to bring to the evaluation:
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Appropriate collar (buckle, slip, martingale, or harness--NO prongs, e-collars, or head collars)
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6-foot leash--NO retractable leash​
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No food during the whole evaluation
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Submit your forms
Both the Participant and the Evaluator will submit their forms online. Participants will need to submit via mail or the Title Application Portal.
To receive an Official AKC Title on your dog's records, the AKC Title