Our Training
Every dog that enters our program goes through a variety of training, from basic to advanced obedience courses and behavior evaluations to standardized testing to assess their overall progress. While we will always work with our prequalified handler candidates to train each dog to fit their unique needs, we do employ the following tests to ensure our trainees meet a high standard of good behavior. All of our trainers are certified evaluators with the AKC Canine Good Citizen™ program and instructors for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class.
The Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program is a two-part course designed to help handlers and dogs be the best you can be–together. Since 1989, over 1 million dogs and their handlers have participated in CGC, mastering ten basic skills that instill confidence and good manners in and outside of the home.
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class is a 6 week course. Our instructor will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test at the end of the course. Upon passing the test, each puppy is registered with the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program and is ready to progress to the second stage of training.
AKC Urban CGC is a public access test that demonstrates dogs are well-behaved and well-trained when in public settings. The Urban CGC test can be used by dog- friendly business (e.g., lodging, retail, transportation, public facilities) to recognize and accept dogs with good manners.
AKC Community Canine is to test the dog’s skills in a natural setting. For example, rather than the dog being tested in a ring, in AKC Community Canine, the “walks through a crowd” test item will involve the dog walking through a real crowd, on a busy sidewalk, in a therapy dog setting, or at a training club.
Public Access Testing
Beyond the regular AKC training and evaluations, we’ve also developed our own public access test that combines a standardized set of benchmarks that every dog must meet in addition to a custom evaluation based on the handler’s needs.