AKC CGC Evaluator

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Titles Explained
AKC CGC Evaluator:
Darlene Zapp
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is designed to recognize dogs that demonstrate good manners, reliable obedience, and appropriate behavior in everyday situations. These titles show that a dog is a responsible companion and a credit to the breed.

🏅 Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
The CGC is the foundation title in the program and focuses on basic manners and obedience.
Dogs are tested on:
• Accepting a friendly stranger
• Sitting politely for petting
• Proper grooming and handling
• Walking on a loose leash
• Walking through a crowd
• Sit, down, and stay on command
• Coming when called
• Reaction to distractions
• Supervised separation
Who this title is for:
Puppies and adult dogs learning basic obedience and good household manners.
Why it matters:
CGC shows your dog is well-mannered, under control, and safe in public settings. Many landlords, insurance companies, and training programs recognize this title.
🏅 CGC Advanced (CGCA)
The CGCA builds on CGC skills and tests the dog in more challenging, real-world environments.
Dogs are evaluated on:
• Reliable obedience in public places
• Controlled walking around distractions
• Polite behavior around other dogs and people
• Confidence in unfamiliar environments
Who this title is for:
Dogs that already hold the CGC title and are ready for higher-level manners in public.
Why it matters:
CGCA demonstrates advanced training and stability, showing your dog can behave appropriately beyond basic settings.
🏅 CGC Urban (CGCU)
The CGCU is the highest CGC-level title and focuses on real-life urban skills.
Dogs must demonstrate:
• Calm behavior in busy public areas
• Walking on sidewalks and near traffic
• Manners around elevators, stairs, and buildings
• Proper behavior in stores or public facilities
Who this title is for:
Dogs that frequently go into public spaces, cities, or busy environments.
Why it matters:
CGCU proves your dog can safely and confidently handle real-world urban situations.
🐕 Registration Requirements
• AKC-registered dogs:
Eligible to earn and record CGC titles directly with AKC.
• Mixed-breed dogs:
Must apply for an AKC Canine Partners (PIN) number through the AKC website before titles can be recorded.
💲 Evaluation Fees:

   In Person Test Only
• Individual Dog Evaluation: $120.00

For each additional individual evaluation after the 1st is $50.00

• Group Evaluation: $60.00 per dog
For each additional group evaluation  after the 1st is $30.00.

Puppy or dog for any CGC title, evaluations are available by appointment.
Ethical training. Clear standards. Well-mannered dogs. 🐾
Contact : Darlene Zapp
                (815)419-5884
               Athens Alabama 

Prepping for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Obedience Title
This program is designed to properly prepare dogs and handlers for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) obedience title through structured, focused training. The goal is to build reliable manners, confidence, and control in real-life situations while strengthening the bond between dog and handler.
Program Structure
• Duration: 5 weeks total
• Training: 4 weeks
• Session Length: 30 minutes per session
• Evaluation: Week 5 – Official CGC Test
• Training and evaluation are both included
Weeks 1–4: CGC Prep Training
Each week focuses on the core skills required to successfully pass the CGC test, while reinforcing positive behavior and consistency.
Training will cover:
• Polite greetings with people (no jumping)
• Accepting a friendly stranger
• Sitting politely for petting
• Loose-leash walking
• Walking through a crowd
• Sit, down, and stay on command
• Recall (coming when called)
• Proper reactions to distractions
• Supervised separation
• Handling and grooming acceptance
Dogs are trained to remain calm, confident, and well-mannered in everyday situations, not just in a training environment.
Week 5: CGC Evaluation
During the fifth week, dogs will complete the official AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation.
This test assesses whether the dog demonstrates the behavior, obedience, and temperament expected of a well-mannered companion.
Upon successful completion, dogs are eligible to earn their AKC CGC title.
Cost
• $620 per person / per dog
• Includes:
• All prep training sessions
• CGC evaluation testing
This program is ideal for pet owners, breeders, and handlers who want to establish a solid obedience foundation and earn a respected AKC title that reflects responsible ownership and good canine citizenship.

Contact: Darlene Zapp

• (815) 419-5884 
• Athen Alabama 

Important Clarification – CGC Prep Testing
CGC Prep Testing is not an obedience class.
This program is designed only to prepare you and your dog for the CGC evaluation test.
During prep testing, handlers and dogs will review the specific CGC test items, expectations, and handling skills required to successfully pass the evaluation. While guidance and coaching are provided, this is not a step-by-step obedience training course and does not replace formal obedience classes.
This prep is ideal for dogs that already have basic manners and obedience skills and need focused preparation for the CGC test environment.