Heel.Sit.University
Canine Good Citizenship & Trick Tests
Canine Good Citizen is a 10-skill test from the AKC that teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners.
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It is the most nationally recognized test to prove your dogs good manners. It is usually recommended as a starting point for therapy dogs.
Megan and Cara are both CGC evaluators and host regular test nights if you are looking to take the test. We also offer a CGC prep course for dogs that need help getting ready to test.
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While we do support the idea we also feel that some items on the test are outdated and offer our own Heel.Sit version of the test. Please reach out if you would like more info.
Trick Dog Titles
Tricks are cute, fun and often functional. We can use trick training to redirect behaviors, strengthen fitness, strengthen our relationship with our dogs, and entertain our friends. As CGC evaluators we can also do trick title evaluations. To obtain your first trick dog title you just need to show that your dog can do 10 tricks. ​
We also offer trick classes for beginners through advanced. Reach out for more information. The button below is a link to the AKC's Trick Title Page which has links to the required trick behaviors needed to obtain your trick dog titles at the different levels.
Passing your CGC counts as the first 5 tricks towards your Novice Trick Dog Title. Here are some other ideas trick ideas that count towards the novice test :
- Balance beam (walk on low board a few inches off floor)
- Bark on cue (“Speak”)
- Crawl (dog on belly, crawls at least 5 feet)
- Fetch it and give (ball, toy, etc- bring to handler, release)
- Find it (find treat hidden under cup)
- Get your ___________. (Leash, brush, name of toy)
- Get in (gets in box)
- Get on (gets on low platform or step - 4 paws)
- Hand signals (down, sit, or come)
- High five
- Hold (3 seconds)
- Jump (thru a low hoop or over a low bar)
- Kennel up (go in crate, stay in until released)
- Kiss (point to cheek)
- Paws up (2 front paws on low stool or step)
- Push-ups (sit, down, sit, down, sit, down)
- Shake hands
- Spin in circle
- Touch it (hand or target stick)
- Tunnel (agility tunnel or child’s tunnel)