AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification in St. Petersburg, FL

Three dogs are standing next to each other on a porch.

Set Your Dog Apart with the Canine Good Citizen Title

The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification is a respected benchmark of good manners, obedience, and reliability for dogs in public settings. At Always A Warrior Professional K9 Training in St. Petersburg, Florida, we prepare you and your dog to successfully complete the CGC test—helping you build a well-mannered companion you can be proud to take anywhere.



As a veteran-owned, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to help dogs and their handlers reach their full potential, whether CGC is your end goal or the first step toward therapy, service, or advanced training programs.

Why Earn the Canine Good Citizen Certification?

The CGC program, developed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), proves that your dog is well-behaved, reliable, and under control in a variety of real-world situations.

Benefits of CGC Certification

  • Recognition as a well-mannered dog in the community

  • A strong foundation for therapy dog or service dog training

  • Improved confidence for both handler and dog

  • Easier access to public spaces and dog-friendly environments

What the CGC Test Involves

The CGC test evaluates 10 key skills that every dog should know, including:

  • Accepting a friendly stranger

  • Sitting politely for petting

  • Walking on a loose leash and in a crowd

  • Coming when called

  • Reacting calmly to distractions

  • Staying composed when separated from the handler

Our program prepares your dog for each of these elements through structured, goal-focused training.

Why Choose Always A Warrior for CGC Training?

Experienced Guidance from Skilled Trainers

We know exactly what it takes to pass the CGC test and will provide step-by-step support throughout your training journey.

Mission-Driven Approach

As a veteran-owned nonprofit, we specialize in helping dogs become stable, well-mannered companions for families, veterans, and first responders.

Beyond CGC

For many clients, CGC is just the beginning. We can help you transition from CGC to therapy dog certification or other advanced training programs.

FAQs About Canine Good Citizen Training

  • How old does my dog need to be?

    There is no age limit for CGC testing. We train both young and adult dogs for certification.

  • Can my dog still train if they have behavior issues?

    Depending on the behavior, we may recommend starting with our behavior modification program before pursuing CGC.

  • How long does CGC preparation take?

    The timeline depends on your dog’s current skill level. We’ll design a personalized plan during your consultation.

Start Your CGC Journey Today

Let us help you earn this respected certification and set your dog apart as a true Canine Good Citizen. Training with purpose. Building with trust. Schedule your CGC preparation consultation today.