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AKC STAR Puppy and CGC Essentials: What to Expect
- Michelle Shadwick, CCAS
- Nov 11, 2024
- 8 min read
Ready to start your dog’s journey from puppy training to becoming a well-mannered adult? This guide is here to help!
We’ve put together everything you need to know about the AKC STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) programs—all in one place. From basic obedience and socialization to advanced manners, these AKC programs are designed to help your dog succeed at each stage.
Learn what's on each test and see all your AKC Family Dog Training options.
Here, you’ll find helpful resources, including brochures, training materials, and links to essential tools and information. Whether you’re just starting with STAR Puppy or ready for CGC testing, this guide has you covered every step of the way. Let's get started on the path to an even stronger bond with your dog!
AKC STAR Puppy
Socialization, Training, Activity, Responsibility
In an AKC STAR Puppy class, you and your puppy will learn important basics. You’ll cover responsible dog ownership and practice skills like "sit," "down," "come when called," and more. You’ll also work on handling and grooming, so your puppy gets used to handling from groomers and vets. The class includes games and activities designed to help you and your puppy bond as you learn.
What to expect from an AKC STAR Puppy class:
These classes are always in person. This gives your puppy a chance to get used to being around other dogs and learning to stay focused on you. Your puppy will learn skills like ignoring other dogs when needed, playing appropriately, and working in different environments.
The first night can feel a bit overwhelming. You and your puppy are both in a new space with lots of new things to learn. Try to arrive a little early so your puppy can explore, go potty, and feel more comfortable.
The STAR Puppy Certificate requires you to attend all six classes with your puppy, although there might be a make-up class if you miss one. Some trainers might hold an orientation on the first night for just the humans to meet and talk about class rules.
During the 6 weeks of class, you'll discuss or learn with your instructor the following items:
Maintain your puppy's vaccines, annual exams and general health
Receive the AKC Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge
Describe daily play and exercise routines
Attend at least 6 classes with your puppy
Bring poo bags to clean up after your puppy
Show proof of ID for your puppy, such as a collar tag and/or microchip
Your puppy should be free of aggression toward other people
Your puppy should be free of aggression toward other puppies
Your puppy should tolerate wearing a collar or non restrictive harness
You can hug or hold your puppy, depending on their size
You can take away a treat or toy
Your puppy allows other people to pet them
Your puppy allows you to touch their ears and feet
Your puppy can walk on a leash with you in a straight line (15 ft)
Your puppy can walk on a leash past other people (5ft away)
Your puppy can sit on command (use food lure if needed)
Your puppy can down on command (use food lure if needed)
Your puppy comes to you when called (from 5ft away)
Your puppy does not react to a distraction (from 15ft away)
Your puppy can stay with another person while you take 10 steps away and return
At the end of the course, you’ll get two copies of your evaluation form. Keep one for your records and send the other to the AKC if you’d like to get the STAR Puppy title.
AKC STAR Puppy Brochure:
AKC STAR Puppy Evaluator Guide:
Dog owners can easily submit your AKC STAR Puppy title online: AKC Title Application Portal
For my fellow evaluators: Evaluator Test Summary
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
The Canine Good Citizen, or CGC, is known as the “gold standard” for good manners.
It’s a great next step after STAR Puppy and is often required for dogs in therapy and service dog training.
However, even if you’re not interested in those paths, the CGC is still a valuable way to show off your dog’s good behavior and training.
What to expect from a CGC class:
Some trainers may offer a “CGC prep” class to help set you and your dog up for success. You don’t need any other certifications to sign up, but your dog should be at least six months old. As with STAR Puppy, some clubs and instructors hold an orientation on the first night so you can meet everyone without your dog.
The first night can be a bit of a challenge since you and your dog are adjusting to a new space and learning a lot. Arriving early gives your dog time to go potty, explore, and settle down.
During the 6 weeks of class, your instructor will train you and your dog the following skills:
Accept a friendly stranger
Sit politely for petting
Examine ears, both front paws, light brushing
Walk on a loose leash
Walk through a crowd
Sit, down, stay
Come when called
Reaction to another dog
Reaction to distraction
Supervised separation
In CGC classes, you might also practice helpful skills like “go to your mat,” or “wait at the door,” to help your dog learn calmness and focus.
What to expect on evaluation day:
Your CGC evaluation will be conducted by someone other than your instructor. The evaluator will check that you and your dog are ready for the test. Be sure to have your dog wear a flat buckle collar or martingale collar (no prong or e-collars allowed). During the test, you can use lots of praise and pets, but treats, toys, and treat pouches are not allowed.
You’ll fill out an evaluation form with your information, your dog’s details, the test site, and a Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge. Most of the skills will be tested one after the other. Be sure your dog has had a chance to go potty beforehand!
What if we don't pass?
If your dog has trouble with one part of the test, the evaluator may let you try that skill again. If you don’t pass this time, don’t worry. Many dogs need a bit more training before they’re ready.
Talk to your club or evaluator about their policy on retesting or taking the class again.
Stay tuned for Echo's CGC test video!
CGC Test Items and Descriptions:
CGC Participant/Evaluator Guide:
Dog owners can easily submit your AKC CGC title online: AKC Title Application Portal
For my fellow evaluators: Evaluator Test Summary
AKC Community Canine/CGCA
Congratulations on earning your Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title!
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, the next step is the Advanced Canine Good Citizen, or CGCA. This class builds on the skills you and your dog learned in CGC, so having a solid foundation is key. You'll need a CGC before trying this class.
What to expect from a CGCA class?
In CGCA class, you’ll be taking your dog’s skills out into the real world! Your instructor will share a schedule at the start of class, and each week you’ll head to different dog-friendly locations. This could include parks, businesses, and even outdoor festivals or downtown areas.
During class, you'll work on the following skills:
Dog stands, sits, or downs and waits under control, while you complete paperwork or have a snack and visit with a friend or classmate
Walks on a loose leash during a left and right turn, slow and fast pace and a stop
Walks on a loose leash through a real crowd
Walks on a loose leash past other dogs
Sit stay in a small group (3 other people with dogs) while you have a conversation with the other dog owners
Dog allows person carrying a bag, laptop case or backpack approach for petting
Leave it
Down or sit stay (your choice) at a distance
Come when called with distractions from 20 ft
Dog can enter/exit a doorway or narrow passage under control
What to expect on evaluation day:
On evaluation day, you and your dog will go through all the skills you've been practicing over the past six weeks. Bring a martingale or flat buckle collar and be ready with plenty of praise. Just like with CGC, there are no treats, food, toys, prong collars, or head collars allowed during the evaluation.
Once you’ve completed the test, your evaluator will give you two copies of the test form: one for you and one to send to the AKC if you want to register your dog’s CGCA title.
Enjoy this exciting step in your training journey and have fun strengthening your bond with your dog in new, real-world environments!
CGCA Brochure:
CGCA Evaluator Guide:
Dog owners can easily submit your AKC CGCA title online: AKC Title Application Portal
For my fellow evaluators: Evaluator Test Summary
AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen
Wanting more? Now you're addicted to training your dog! Welcome!
The CGCU Urban Canine Good Citizen tests you and your dog's CGC skills in the city. You'll practice and work around city sidewalks, traffic, crowds and distractions that come with it.
Your dog will need to pass the CGC before taking a CGCU class or test.
What to expect from a CGCU class?
In CGCA class, you’ll be taking your dog’s skills out into the real world! Your instructor will share a schedule at the start of class, and each week you’ll head to different dog-friendly locations. This could include businesses and downtown areas.
During class, you'll work on the following skills:
Exit or enter a doorway to a dog friendly business without pulling on the leash
Walk through a crowd on a busy sidewalk
Appropriate reactions to distractions, such as sirens, construction equipment, skateboarders, runners, pavement, grates, tarps or other surfaces
Crosses the street under control
Ignoring food or trash on the sidewalk
Accepts pets from a stranger holding a bag or other small item
Walks under control in a building, can down stay and relax for 3 minutes
Walks up and down steps OR ride in an elevator under control
Housetrained for city living, such as condo or apartment (you may verify to the evaluator or they may observe during class)
Can enter/exit your car and ride calmly in a crate or car harness and seatbelt OR ride calmly on the subway (check your local subway rules)
What to expect on evaluation day:
On evaluation day, you and your dog will go through all the skills you've been practicing over the past six weeks. Bring a martingale or flat buckle collar and be ready with plenty of praise. Just like with CGC, there are no treats, food, toys, prong collars, or head collars allowed during the evaluation.
Once you’ve completed the test, your evaluator will give you two copies of the test form: one for you and one to send to the AKC if you want to register your dog’s CGCU title.
CGCU Brochure:
CGCU Evaluator Guide:
Dog owners can easily submit your AKC CGCA title online: AKC Title Application Portal
For my fellow evaluators: Evaluator Test Summary
*Canine Good Citizen testing and titles are not a replacement for service dogs, pet therapy dogs or emotional support animals. Check local and national laws for requirements and specialized training.
*Michelle/Paragon Pups is an AKC Approved STAR Puppy, CGC, Trick Dog Evaluator and Fit Dog Instructor. All logos and brochures are owned by AKC.
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