CGC Advanced Classes
Our Canine Good Citizen Advanced classes are designed to empower you and your dog with the skills and confidence needed to be exemplary companions in any setting. This class builds on the normal CGC class you may have taken here at Pickles or at another facility.
While not every team will achieve certification, successful participants will earn a prestigious Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club, a Pickles Playland certificate, a mini trophy, and for dogs 50 pounds or less a package of 5 free daycare visits.
Class Details:
Dates, Times, & Locations:
August 6th - 27th (weekly on Thursdays). 7pm - 8/8:30pm. Pickles Playland in REDMOND.
Duration: 4 weekly sessions. 1 hour - 1.5 hours per class. The 1st session is class room style with minimal dog to human interaction, on purpose.
Cost: $200 per dog
Open to: Puppies 6 months or older and adult dogs of all ages. Your dog must Pass the normal CGC test before taking this class (this is an AKC regulation). Your dog must have either an AKC registration # or a PAL # (for mixed breed dogs).
Awards: American Kennel Club’s C.G.C. certificate, Pickles Playland certificate, mini trophy, 5 free daycare visit package (for dogs 50lbs or less), & an amazingly well behaved dog
How to register: Request via the ‘Special Services’ location in the client portal, ‘Add booking’ & ‘Training’. Or email us PicklesinKirkland@gmail.com. You must have a profile in the client portal. So if you don’t yet, feel free to click the ‘Client Portal’ button above.
Skills Covered:
*This class does not allow treats during training, because they are not allowed, per AKC regulations, during the test.
Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control while the owner:
sits at the registration table and fills out paperwork, or,
if the test is done in the community, dog waits while the owner sits and has a snack or visits with another person (e.g., at a park)
Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring) — does not pull.
left turn
right turn
stop
fast and slow pace
Walks on loose leash through a crowd:
at a show or in class, this item is tested in a real crowd, not in a ring
in the community, dog walks on sidewalk, through a crowd at a community fair, park, on a trail, through a busy hallway, etc.
Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull.
This item may be tested along with #3 if there are dogs in the crowd, etc.at a show or class, dog walks by dogs waiting in the crowd–dogs 2 ft. apart
in the community, dog walks by other dogs on a trail, sidewalk, in a hallway, etc.
Sit-stay in small group (two other people with dogs, total of 3 people, 3 dogs in group).
Dog allows person who is carrying something (backpack, computer bag, etc.) to approach and pet it.
“May I pet your dog?” (Item is placed on floor/ground before the person pets the dog)“Leave it.” Dog walks by food and follows owner instructions, “Leave it.”
This can be food placed by the evaluator on the floor or ground in a food dish with a wire cover as in Rally.Down or sit stay — distance (owner’s choice).
Dog is on 20–ft line, owner walks away with back to dog, picks up an item (e.g., backpack, training bag, clipboard, folder etc.) placed on the floor/chair/ground by the evaluator and returns to the dog.Recall with distractions present (coming when called). Handler goes out 20–ft. **(off center) and calls dog.
Dog is on the 20–ft. line from #8 above.Dog will sit or stand stay (owner’s choice) while owner enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway. Owner calls dog through door when ready.
Owner may also choose to:send the dog through first and have the dog wait for the owner, or
the owner may choose to have the dog go through the doorway at the owner’s side.
Whichever method is used, the dog must not pull the owner and must be under good control. Think of the handler having the leash in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
Doorway or gate can be real or simulated with ring gates, two chairs, or a natural passageway (e.g., entrance to trail) in the community.
What to Bring:
Your dog
A small bed, towel, or blanket (this is important for every class)
A list of questions for the Q&A session at the end of each class
A way to take note if you’d like
A standard leash (non-retractable leashes. If you show up with a retractable leash we will not be able to proceed with that day’s training.)
Your dog’s collar or harness (harnesses are not recommended unless medically necessary)
Three types of tiny training treats (about the size of a kibble)
A treat bag or dispenser that clips to you
For the recall class on week 3: a 10 - 15 foot leash (non-retractable)
Any family members or caregivers 12yrs+ who wish to participate
Join us to build a strong bond with your dog and achieve certification that highlights your commitment to responsible pet ownership!
The fine print:
Your dog must know how to sit, lay down, & stay for a short period of time in order to take this class. Your dog does not have to be a master of these skills, but they do need to be able to perform them already. Aggressive behavior towards a person or other dog will disqualify your dog from passing the CGC portion of the class.
If your dog does not pass you’re welcome to re-take the test at no additional charge, during a future class series. Just tell us that you’re coming so we can plan accordingly. You can also re-take the test for free if your dog does pass (this can be fun as a refresher for you and your dog).
Puppies and dogs must have at least one bordetella, one distemper, and one rabies vaccine before registering for class.
These classes are for people 12yrs+ only. Please register in the client portal (see client portal button on this website) to reserve your dog’s spot in class.
Additional private sessions available upon request at $200/session. These can take place in your home, in public, or at one of the Pickles Playland locations. If you can not make it to one of the classes and want private instruction to see what you missed this will be the option to make up that class.
If you send different people to classes please ensure they know and have the skills to follow up with the next steps of training for the class. This will help them and your dog become more comfortable. You’re welcome to bring dog sitters, friends, and family members at no additional charge.
Please refrain from recording our classes. The information in these classes is not widely distributed on social media and/or recorded because we have chosen not to. If you have questions or want to record a specific training technique for you and your dog we can schedule a private session to do so.
Cancelation policy: We only accept 6 dogs per class. Reservations are non-refundable for any reason. If you miss a class you can choose to schedule a private training session if you’d like, at the standard rate of $200 per private session.
Did your dog pass the class? You can register with the AKC for the CGC certification by clicking HERE. Scroll down to the yellow & blue CGC logo & click on that option.
