AKC Canine Good Citizen Classes & Certification

Who: For dogs of all ages who will heel, sit, down and stay on command. (We recommend one of our puppy or adolescent dog obedience classes as a prerequisite if your dog has trouble with these commands.)

What: This fun and useful 6-week course, taught by an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, teaches your dog how to be a respected member of your community by training him to act mannerly in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs. The course ends with a non-competitive test which does not require that you or your dog perform with precision. Upon successful completion of the test, your dog will receive the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Certificate.

Becoming a "Canine Good Citizen" is an achievement that is nationally recognized and respected not only for its AKC origin but for its benefit to the community. The program embraces mixed breed as well as purebred dogs. You and your dog will establish a closer bond and your dog will have the added benefit of knowing how to please you. The AKC urges all dog owners to participate in this program, thereby assuring that our dogs will always be welcomed and respected members of our community.

Demonstrating confidence and control, your dog will be taught to: 1) Accept a friendly stranger, 2) Sit politely for petting, 3) Appearance and ability to be groomed, 4) Walk on a loose leash, 5) Walk through a crowd politely, 6) Sit and down on command/staying in place, 7) Come when called, 8) React to another dog politely, 9) React to distractions with confidence, and 10) Demonstrate confidence when separated from his owner for 3 minutes.

Where: Dog Days of Buffalo, 632 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14207

When: Call 716-886-3647 for next session dates and times

Cost: $90 (due at signup; non-refundable after 48 hours)

What to Bring: Please bring a completed Dog days application (in our brochure) or click here to complete and send our application online, plus your dog's rabies certificate and dog license (required for AKC certification) proof of distemper/parvo and Bordatella (Intratrac) vaccinations, and your dog's regular leash and collar. Please try to come 5-10 minutes early to the first class.

Please note: All dogs must be in good health, and will be checked for fleas prior to admission to each class (we recommend prescription flea control).