A Canine for the Kids? What to Know When Considering a New Dog Choosing the right breed to fit your family's lifestyle After hearing "Please can we get a dog?" from your children for the one-thousandth time, perhaps you are considering adding a canine to the family portrait. There are many suitable options for families of […]

AKC Directory Please click here to view the contact information for Staff. AKC Registered Handlers Over the years professional handlers have played an important part in the history of the sport of dogs. They have provided the support system for the top show dogs in the history of many breeds. Expertise in the care, conditioning […]

AKC Urban CGC is a title in the Canine Good Citizen family of awards and titles that also include AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen and AKC Community Canine. AKC Urban CGC requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in an urban setting. As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban CGC has a […]

This section of the AKC web page will help you find instructors and evaluators in your area for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy (the puppy level of CGC), Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine (the advanced level of CGC), and AKC Urban CGC. AKC Clubs An AKC club near you can provide you and your dog with […]

Bringing Dog Lovers Together Since 1884 For 139 years, the American Kennel Club has been the country’s leading authority on all things dogs, acting as the premier resource for dog lovers, from the fancier to the everyday owner. Along with our affiliated organizations, we encourage dogs as family companions; advance canine health and well-being; advocate […]

Basic Training: The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test All therapy dogs need to be under control and have basic training. Some therapy groups require that the dog pass the Canine Good Citizen test before taking the group's therapy test. CGC is a great starting point for all potential therapy dogs because your dog will learn […]

The AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is rapidly growing. The numbers of CGC tests being offered and dogs passing the test are increasing. Dr. Mary Burch is the Director of the Canine Good Citizen Program. You can reach the CGC program by calling (919) 816-3637, e-mailing cgc@akc.org or mailing: American Kennel Club CGC Department […]

Teaching Responsible Dog Ownership A sample CGC course outline (for an 8 week class) is provided at the bottom of this page to help instructors who are planning a class. Please remember that the CGC concept applies to both ends of the leash and all CGC classes should include training for the owner on responsible […]

As much fun as you have together, there will be times when you’ll need to leave your puppy at home unattended or times when someone else needs to take your puppy to provide grooming or veterinary care. Some puppies have problems when they are separated from their owners. In the extreme form, these problems can […]

The AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program is rapidly becoming recognized as the standard of behavior for dogs in our communities. Canine Good Citizen® resolutions have been passed by 48 state legislatures and the United States Senate, insurance companies are starting to use CGC® to insure breeds they would not otherwise insure, and some condominium […]