How to Hire a Canine Good Citizen Trainer

The American Kennel Club (AKC) created the canine good citizen program as a way to teach dogs to be well-behaved in any situation and around anyone. This also includes making sure each owner is responsible for their dog in the proper way. To find a trainer to teach your dog to be a canine good citizen, follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Think about what type of trainer you would like for your dog. Canine good citizen trainers should use rewards for correct actions as a way to train your dog instead of punishment for incorrect ones. Decide on whether you want one on one training or to go through a course with other dog owners.

2. Go to the American Kennel Club website to search for certified canine good citizen trainers in your area. Under the "Dog Owners" page, click the "Canine Good Citizen" link. Here you can find high-level information on the training program.

3. Select "Finding Classes/Evaluators" under the "Training/Testing" link. Click the "Find a CGC Evaluator" text to be taken to the search page.

4. Select your state for the United States or the country you live in if outside the US. Click the "Get Results" button and a list of certified trainers is listed by city.

5. Make a note of the names and contact information of every trainer in your city. Contact each one through the email address provided.

6. Ask each trainer for their phone number, and a high-level summary of their skills and prices. Check to see if they have a website where you can get more information.

7. Call and talk to each trainer you have identified as a possibility for your dog. Meet with them in person with your dog so you can see who you both feel most comfortable with. Find out the methods each trainer uses for training a dog to be a canine good citizen and make your selection from there.

Tips & Warnings

• It is a good idea to find out the policy of the trainer if your dog does not pass the canine good citizen test after training is completed. They trainer may offer additional classes at a reduced cost.
• If friends have had their dogs trained and tested as canine good citizens, ask for referrals to help with your hiring decision.
• Hiring a certified canine good citizen trainer does not guarantee your dog will pass the evaluation.

Resources

• For details on the Canine Good Citizen program and test
• Look for more dog training information