A key component to my private training with client's and their dogs is the customized plan we develop together. Not all training is reactive, meaning done as a way to "fix" problems, often, we train proactively, in a way to develop puppies and dogs to be well mannered in many environments and situations. I find it is helpful, to have a baseline of key behaviors to work towards when determining our training priorities for puppies and adult dogs. As someone who has been through the process of obtaining the American Kennel Club (AKC) Puppy S.T.A.R and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) titles with my own dog, I understand the value these programs offer for setting the standard of behavior for canines in the community.
I am pleased to share that I am now an AKC CGC Evaluator. I take this responsibility very seriously as it ensures the integrity and quality of the AKC and the dogs who come away as titled AKC S.T.A.R., Canine Good Citizen, and AKC Community Canine (the advanced level of CGC).
The titles I evaluate for fall under the AKC Family Dog which is a comprehensive good manners program for all dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed. As with all my training, these programs consist of enjoyable activities that are fun for both dogs and people. Through the AKC Family dog programs, family members are taught how to best communicate with their dogs and build a strong bond together. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and AKC Community Canine begin with teaching basic skills such as sit, down, and come and they build on these skills as dogs move from one activity to the next. The result is a dog that any Guardian can be proud to take into the community. The AKC Family Dog program also includes other beneficial titles that extend beyond my coverage, but I also highly recommend be explored (AKC Urban CGC, AKC Trick Dog, Therapy Dog and Fit Dog,).
