AKC CGCU Prep

The AKC Canine Good Citizen® Urban (CGCU) Prep class is designed to help dogs and handlers develop the advanced skills, confidence, and reliability needed to succeed in real world urban environments and prepare for the CGCU evaluation.

This class focuses on dependable public manners, responsiveness around higher distractions, and clear handler communication in a structured group setting. CGCU Prep is ideal for teams who already have strong foundations and want to proof behaviors in busy, unpredictable environments such as sidewalks, storefronts, parking lots, and public spaces.

In AKC CGCU Prep, teams work through the skills required for the CGCU test, including controlled walking through crowds, polite behavior around people and dogs, maintaining focus around environmental distractions, and reliable obedience in public settings. Dogs practice working under real world distractions while handlers refine timing, clarity, 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, practical skills for real world situations. This class is appropriate for pet dogs, sport prospects, and dogs preparing for therapy work or advanced public access expectations.

AKC CGCU Prep helps teams strengthen urban reliability and confidently navigate real life environments with their dogs.

Things You’ll Learn in AKC CGCU Prep Classes

• Polite greetings with unfamiliar people
• Loose leash walking through crowds and public areas
• Sit, down, and stay around increased distractions
• Calm behavior around other dogs and people in close proximity
• Reliable recalls in public environments
• Focus and engagement in busy settings
• Controlled movement through doorways, sidewalks, and walkways
• Confidence around environmental distractions (traffic, noises, objects)
• Preparing for the AKC CGCU test format

AKC CGCU Prep: Building Reliable Urban Manners

Prerequisites

Dogs should have a solid foundation in basic and intermediate obedience skills, including sit, down, stay, loose leash walking, and recall. This class is intended for teams looking to proof and strengthen existing behaviors in real world environments rather than introduce foundational skills.

AKC Canine Good Citizen® Urban (CGCU) Test

The AKC Canine Good Citizen® Urban (CGCU) 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 CGCU test as part of this class.

To receive official CGCU 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.