Freedom Canines International

If you have a solid start on your foundation manners, this class will guide you and your dog toward passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test while taking your first step into therapy dog work with Freedom Canines.

The CGC is a 10-skill evaluation that reflects real-world manners and responsible dog ownership. In this class, we will build reliability and confidence in your dog’s ability to navigate everyday situations with calm, controlled behavior. Dogs are evaluated on their acceptance of friendly strangers, polite greetings, comfort around other dogs, response to distraction, supervised separation, and core skills including sit, down, stay, come, and loose-leash walking.

This class is more than test preparation. It is the foundation for therapy dog training. We place a strong emphasis on helping dogs feel comfortable and confident in a variety of settings, while building positive, appropriate interactions with all types of people and other dogs. These are key qualities for dogs who will go on to support others in nursing homes and hospitals. There will be extensive greeting practice and real-life scenario work to help your dog succeed.

To become a therapy dog with Freedom Canines, dogs must complete a three-class series. This is the first step, and all dogs must pass the CGC Test before continuing in the program.

You can view full test requirements here: https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/ 

During the final class, we will offer the official CGC Test. Teams that pass will be registered with AKC and receive an official certificate (additional $20 fee).

This class is also an excellent option for those looking to move beyond basic manners and develop more consistent, real-world reliability in their dog’s behavior.

To attend class, dogs must have a working foundation in sit, down, stay, and a good start on loose-leash walking. If you have not taken Foundation Manners with us, we may request a video of your dog demonstrating these skills prior to approval.

Please do not bring dogs on any all-metal collars, including choke or pinch collars. Harnesses, head halters, regular collars, and martingale collars are all welcome. Please note that dogs may not test on a head halter for the official CGC evaluation.

Motivation is essential to effective training. Please bring bite-sized, high-value treats to class. Treats your dog enjoys at home may not be valuable enough in a group setting. Favorites include cheese, chicken, hot dogs, and meatballs. Variety is encouraged so you can mix in lower-value treats as needed. If your dog enjoys toys, feel free to bring those as well.

Class runs for 6 weeks, including 5 instructional classes and a final class where the CGC Test is offered. Class is held indoors at Scudder Campus in Wimberley.

If you have not attended class with us before, please contact us prior to registering to ensure this class is the right fit for your team.

Important: Registration is per dog. Please only add one person when registering. Multiple people may attend with one dog at no additional charge. Adding additional people during registration will result in full registration fees per person.

Please call or email Laura with any questions: 512-636-0974 | laura.dalton.austin@gmail.com