AKC CGCA Prep

The AKC Canine Good Citizen® Advanced (CGCA) Prep class is designed to help dogs and handlers build the skills, reliability, and confidence needed to succeed in more challenging real‑world environments and prepare for the CGCA evaluation.

This class focuses on advanced manners, increased distraction tolerance, and handler communication in a structured group setting. CGCA Prep is ideal for teams who already have a solid foundation and are looking to improve reliability, focus, and composure around people, dogs, and environmental distractions.

In AKC CGCA Prep, teams work through the skills required for the CGCA test, including controlled walking in public settings, polite behavior around unfamiliar people and dogs, reliable position changes at a distance, and calm responses to distractions. Dogs practice working under moderate to higher real‑world distractions while handlers refine clarity, timing, and consistency.

The CGC program emphasizes responsible dog ownership and dependable public behavior. Training is conducted in a supportive, low‑pressure environment that allows teams to progress at their own pace while building reliable everyday skills. This class is appropriate for pet dogs, sport prospects, and dogs preparing for therapy work or future advanced training paths.

AKC CGCA Prep helps teams strengthen real‑world reliability and continue building skills beyond basic obedience.

Things You’ll Learn in AKC CGCA Prep Classes

• Polite greetings with unfamiliar people
• Loose leash walking in public environments
• Sit, down, and stay with increased distractions
• Handling and grooming tolerance
• Calm behavior around other dogs
• Supervised separation from the handler
• Reliable recall (come when called)
• Focus and engagement in group and public settings
• Preparing for the AKC CGCA test format

AKC CGCA Prep: Advancing Reliable Real‑World Manners

Prerequisites

Dogs should have a solid foundation in basic obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, and loose leash walking. This class is intended for teams looking to improve reliability and polish existing skills rather than starting from introductory training.

AKC Canine Good Citizen® Advanced (CGCA) Test

The AKC Canine Good Citizen® Advanced (CGCA) test is offered on the final day of class for teams who wish to participate.

There is no additional fee charged by Precision K9 Training to take the CGCA test as part of this class.

To receive official CGCA certification through the American Kennel Club, dogs must already hold a CGC title. Dogs who are not CGC certified may still participate in the test exercises as a training experience.

AKC registration fees and optional certificate costs are set by the American Kennel Club and are paid directly to the AKC if handlers choose to register their dog or request official certification.

Participation in the test is optional. Dogs are not required to pass the evaluation to complete the class, and additional training may be recommended based on individual progress.