A well-mannered dog makes life more enjoyable—for both of you. Olean Kennel Club’s AKC Canine Good Citizen class is designed to help dogs and handlers build the practical obedience skills, self-control, and confidence needed for success at home and in the real world. It’s a great next step for teams who want to strengthen everyday manners, improve communication, and create a more reliable partnership.

The AKC Canine Good Citizen program is one of the most recognized foundations in dog training, focusing on the skills that define a polite, well-behaved companion. In class, you and your dog will work on the core behaviors needed for the AKC CGC test, while also building the kind of focus and teamwork that make daily life easier and more enjoyable. And while this class is a great way to prepare, you do not have to take a class in order to take a CGC test—dogs may be evaluated for the test without attending class. There are three sequential levels of AKC's Canine Good Citizen program.

What You’ll Learn

In this class, you and your dog will practice the skills needed for good manners in everyday situations. Training focuses on clear communication, reliability, and calm behavior around people and distractions, while helping handlers better understand how to support their dog’s success.

Class work may include:

• Accepting a friendly stranger
• Sitting politely for petting
• Grooming and handling
• Loose-leash walking
• Walking through a crowd
• Sit, down, and stay
• Coming when called
• Calm, polite behavior around other dogs
• Confidence with everyday distractions
• Supervised separation

What to Bring

• High-value treats (soft and irresistible!)
• A flat buckle collar, martingale collar, or well-fitting harness
• 4 or 6 foot leash (no retractable leashes)
• Water and a bowl
• Clean sneakers (for handler)
• A positive, patient mindset and a willingness to learn alongside your dog

Skills You’ll Build

CGC class is about more than passing a test—it’s about creating a dog you can enjoy living, training, and adventuring with. Along the way, you’ll build:

• Better focus and engagement
• Stronger leash skills
• More reliable basic obedience
• Improved manners around people and dogs
• Confidence in distracting environments
• A stronger bond built through clear communication and teamwork

Whether your goal is to earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen titles, prepare for future dog sports, or simply enjoy a better-behaved companion, CGC class is a rewarding way to take your training to the next level.