Obedience Beginning Class/Basic Manners

Good Citizen (CGC) | Therapy Dog (TDI)

May 2008 Canine Good Citizen (Basic Manners) Graduates:

Perrie with Honey (Golden Retriever);
Diana with Pepper (Cairn Terrier);
Beverly with Paco (Labradoodle);
Trisha with Latte (Golden Retriever);
Bernie with Chance (Golden Retriever);
David with Ryder (German Shepherd);
Kathy with Sitka (Labrador & Boxer mix)

Basic Manners Class: The "Canine Good Citizen"

Is your dog a great dog, but doing one or two things that are driving you bonkers?
Do you just wish your dog would listen better?

The purpose of the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Test® is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community because it is trained and conditioned to act mannerly in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs. The program embraces both purebred and mixed-breed dogs, as the anti-canine sentiment does not discriminate between purebred and the nonpurebred.

Canine Good Citizen training is fun and useful. Through it, you and your dog will establish a closer bond, and your dog will have the added benefit of knowing how to please you. This test of your dog's manners and training is not a competition and does not require that you and your dog perform with precision.

The American Kennel Club urges all dog owners to participate in this program, thereby assuring that our beloved dogs will always be welcome and respected members of the community.

TDI Additions to the AKC's CGC Test

Therapy Dog (TDI) registration is a natural extension of the AKC-CGC for dogs who are particularly sensitive and attentive to people. Canine membership includes all breed and mixed-breed dogs. All dogs are tested and evaluated for Therapy Dog work by Certified TDI Evaluators. While many dogs provide love and companionship in the home, not all dogs are qualified or have the temperament suited to be a Therapy Dog.

February 2008 Canine Good Citizen (Basic Manners) Graduates: Sonja, Sean & Alison with their Long Haired Chihuahuas Brindle, Yogi & Lexus [click to view larger image]

February 2008 Canine Good Citizen Graduates:
Sonja, Sean & Alison with their Long Haired Chihuahuas Brindle, Yogi & Lexus

We can help with indoor manners for issues like:

Jumping up
Housetraining
Destructive chewing
Bothering guests
Barking/pawing at you for attention
Crate manners
Playing 'keep-away' with your things
Counter surfing
Getting into the garbage
Not listening
Socialization with people and dogs

...and outdoor manners issues like:

Pulling on leash
Come when called
Not bringing the ball back
Not listening
Jumping on people
Socialization with people and dogs
Picking up/consuming objects off the ground

We help people teach their dogs practical cues such as:

Come
Sit-stay for greeting
Leave it
Wait at doorways and stairs
Tricks
Fetch, Tug and other games
Let's Go - for a walk
Go to your place and stay
Go to your crate
Hop into the car

Obedience Course Work Includes:

Pre-Registration is Required

This class has a limit of 10 students. To pre-register, please submit the following:

Completed registration form for the Obedience-Beginner's Basic Manners Class/Canine Good Citizen (CGC).

[Online Registration Form] [Word Doc Form] [PDF Form]
Completed Student Questionnaire. [Word Doc] [PDF]
A copy of your dog's shot record showing his current DHLPP and Rabies records (if old enough). We also highly recommend that your dog has the Bordetella (kennel cough) shot & is taking Heartworm. You can note the brand name of the Heartworm on the application.
Full payment to reserve your place. The fee for the seven week Obedience Beginning Class Good Citizen (CGC)/Therapy Dog (TDI) is $85. (There is a $10 discount for those who have taken Mother Lode K9 Training classes previously.)

You will need the follow items at class:

A two to six foot leather* or nylon leash
A training collar* (pinch* or Gentle Leader* preferred) & a flat collar.
A bait bag* or baggie of very small, soft treats for the dog such as: cheese, liver, chicken, hot dogs, etc. - *We sell Solid Gold - #11, Natural Balance - 4 pounds for $12, Kong - $8 and Plato Salmon - $12
Clicker*
We have additional *items available.

We recommend:

That you wear comfortable clothing (slacks) & tennis shoes.
Please Do Not feed your dog before class.

We look forward to working with you and your dog! We will meet at our home, call for the address and directions.

Confirmation & directions to our home will be sent if you have an e-mail address. If you have any questions, please contact us at:

Phone: (209) 532-9217
Fax: (209) 533-8497
E-mail: Mother Lode K9 Training

* Items available for purchase at class. For a full list of available items, see the K9 store.