Dog Training to Help Your Dog Pass the CGC Test
If you’re looking for Canine Good Citizen training in the Riverview, FL area, Canine Cabana proudly offers professional dog training to help your dog become a well-mannered and respected member of the community and prep you and your dog for the AKC CGC certification test.
Canine Good Citizen is an AKC (American Kennel Club) title earned by passing a 10-skill test that demonstrates good behavior at home and in public.
What Is the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program?
The purpose of the CGC Program is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community because it has been trained to be well behaved in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen certification is designed to reward dogs who demonstrate:
Good manners at home
Polite behavior in public
Safe interactions with people
Appropriate behavior around other dogs
The CGC test includes 10 skills that evaluate real-world obedience and temperament. It is:
Non-competitive
Open to both purebred and mixed breed dogs
Focused on practical behavior (not precision competition obedience)
Dogs who pass all 10 items are listed in official AKC CGC records. Owners may then apply for an official AKC CGC certificate directly through the American Kennel Club.
Meet our AKC Approved CGC Evaluators
The CGC assessment must be completed by an approved AKC CGC Evaluator. Meet Canine Cabana’s CGC Evaluators, Chris and Melissa.
Our evaluators ensure your dog is tested fairly, safely, and according to official AKC standards.
Our CGC Dog Training Program at Canine Cabana
Our CGC training program in Riverview, FL, is designed to prepare your dog for the Canine Good Citizen test through structured obedience training and responsible ownership education.
STEP 1:
Private Onsite Orientation
At Canine Cabana, all new training clients begin with a Private Onsite Orientation to assess your dog’s current skill level and determine the best path toward CGC test prep.
If your dog is new to training at Canine Cabana:
Dogs begin with our Cabana Manners 1-3 programs
Puppies under 6 months start with our Puppy Social program before advancing to Manners 1-3
After completing foundational obedience, dogs progress into CGC test preparation
If your dog has previous training elsewhere:
We begin with a Private Onsite Orientation with one of our approved CGC Evaluators
We assess eligibility for the CGC test and determine if additional test prep is recommended
After orientation, we’ll guide you to the best program for your dog’s success.
Our programs are available:
With daycare
With lodging
Through private onsite training sessions
After orientation, we’ll guide you to the best program for your dog’s success.
What Skills Are Tested in the CGC Evaluation?
The 10-skill CGC test evaluates whether your dog:
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting politely for petting
- Appearance and grooming
- Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
- Walking through a crowd
- Sit and down on cue and stay in place
- Coming when called
- Reaction to another dog
- Reaction to distraction
- Supervised separation
Dogs that pass are considered under good control and safe around people and other dogs.
CGC Testing & AKC Certification Fees
Our Cabana Manners programs are offered with daycare and lodging, or the program can be completed with private onsite training sessions. After your pup’s orientation, we can help guide you to the program that will be the best fit for you and your dog.
If you’re searching for CGC testing near Tampa, FL, here’s what to expect:
CGC Test & Evaluation
$120 per test*
- Includes official evaluation by an approved CGC Evaluator
- Includes CGC ribbon and completed paperwork
AKC Certification Fee
After passing the test:
- Submit paperwork to AKC to receive your official certificate
- AKC processing fee: approximately $30 (paid directly to AKC)
- Apply online here
- Mail your form to:
P.O. Box 900064
Raleigh, NC 27675-9055
*Test fee is non-refundable, even if the dog does not pass.
Why Choose Canine Cabana for CGC Training?
Canine Cabana proudly serves dog owners in:
- Brandon, FL
- Valrico, FL
- Riverview, FL
- Seffner, FL
- Tampa Bay area, FL
When searching for CGC training near me, it’s important to choose a facility that combines structured obedience, experienced trainers, and certified evaluators — all in one place.
Our programs focus on:
- Real-world manners
- Responsible ownership
- Clear communication between dog and owner
- Safe, positive training methods
Enroll in CGC Dog Training in Riverview, FL
Ready to help your dog earn their AKC Canine Good Citizen certification?
Whether your pup needs foundational obedience or is nearly ready for the test, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
- Located in Riverview, FL
- Contact Canine Cabana today to schedule your Private Onsite Orientation
