AKC Trick Dog® Classes
5-Week Group Class | Train, Test, & Title Your Dog
Our AKC Trick Dog® class is a fun, structured 5-week group program designed to teach dogs the skills they need to successfully pass the AKC Trick Dog test and earn an official AKC title. Whether your dog is brand new to training or already knows a few tricks, this class builds clear communication, confidence, and teamwork while working toward a concrete goal.
At the end of the session, dogs will be prepared to take the American Kennel Club Trick Dog evaluation, giving owners the opportunity to walk away with a recognized AKC title and a proud sense of accomplishment.
What Is AKC Trick Dog?
AKC Trick Dog is a titling program that celebrates training, creativity, and the bond between dogs and their people. Dogs learn a variety of tricks, such as spins, bows, paws, targeting, balance work in an engaging and fun testing environment. Titles are available at multiple levels, so teams can continue advancing as their skills grow.
Why Trick Training Is So Beneficial
Trick training is more than just cute behavior - it’s mental enrichment with purpose! Learning tricks improves focus, problem-solving skills, body awareness, and confidence. For many dogs, especially busy or high-drive dogs, trick work is an excellent outlet that helps reduce boredom and stress while strengthening engagement with their handler.
Because tricks are taught using clear markers and rewards, dogs learn to love the training process itself—making this class both productive and joyful.
Group Sessions:
Course Schedule: Engage in 5 consecutive weeks of interactive training, with a 1 hour session each week.
Cost: $210 for the complete 5-week course.
Small Class Sizes: Limited to 3-5 dogs per class, ensuring personalized attention and effective learning.
Ready to Register? Check out the schedules and booking links below to secure your spot!
Upcoming Group Sessions:
AKC Trick Class
Trainer: Rachel
Saturdays @ 9:15 AM
February 21, 2026
Why Owners Love This Class
Owners consistently say this is one of the most fun and rewarding classes they’ve ever taken with their dog. Trick training is lighthearted, creative, and pressure-free, yet it still works toward a meaningful goal. Watching your dog figure things out, offer behaviors, and proudly show off new skills builds confidence on both ends of the leash.
Best of all, you’ll leave with:
A stronger bond with your dog
Practical training skills you can use at home
A confident dog who loves learning
And the opportunity to earn an official AKC title together
Whether your goal is enrichment, confidence-building, or earning that Trick Dog ribbon, this class is designed to be engaging, supportive, and genuinely fun for both dogs and their humans.
AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Test
AKC-Approved Evaluators | Testing Available
The AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) program is one of the most well-known and respected behavior evaluations for pet dogs. The CGC test assesses a dog’s manners, reliability, and ability to behave appropriately in everyday situations, both around people and other dogs.
We are proud to be approved evaluators through the American Kennel Club, and we offer CGC testing for clients whose dogs are ready to demonstrate these skills.
What Is the Canine Good Citizen® Test?
The CGC test is a 10-skill evaluation that focuses on real-world behaviors such as polite greetings, loose leash walking, calm handling, staying with a handler, and remaining composed around distractions. The goal is not perfection; it’s to show that your dog is a well-mannered, controlled, and trustworthy companion.
Dogs who pass earn the official AKC Canine Good Citizen title, which is recognized nationwide and often serves as a foundation for therapy work, housing approval, and advanced training goals.
Do You Offer a CGC Class?
While we do not offer an official CGC class, many of the skills required for the CGC test are taught and practiced extensively in our Basic Obedience Class.
Foundational behaviors such as:
Loose leash walking
Sit, down, and stay
Polite greetings
Focus and engagement around distractions
Calm handling and body awareness
are all core components of good CGC performance. For many dogs, Basic Obedience provides exactly the structure and practice they need to be successful on test day.
Why Take the CGC Test?
Earning a CGC title is about more than a certificate. It’s a meaningful milestone in your dog’s training journey. The CGC shows that your dog can navigate the world safely and politely, even in mildly stressful or distracting situations.
Owners often pursue the CGC because it:
Builds confidence in both dog and handler
Establishes strong real-life manners
Creates a solid foundation for advanced training, sports, or therapy work
Demonstrates responsible dog ownership
For many teams, passing the CGC is a proud moment that reflects months of consistent training and teamwork.
Is My Dog Ready?
If your dog can walk politely on leash, respond reliably to basic cues, remain calm during brief handling and separation, and recover easily from distractions, they may be ready to attempt the CGC test.
If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help guide you toward the right next step—whether that’s continuing work in Basic Obedience or scheduling an evaluation when your dog is ready to shine.