AKC CGC Evaluation

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AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluation

On-site testing with an AKC-Approved Evaluator

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Palos Verdes K9

trained right.
trusted for life.

IAABC logo, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants certification mark
CCPDT logo, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers credential mark
IACP logo, the International Association of Canine Professionals membership mark
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RECOVER initiative logo with star of life and veterinary caduceus, for pet CPR certification
Team Dog logo, a blue dog-head emblem
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What is the Canine Good Citizen test?

The AKC Canine Good Citizen, or CGC, program is the gold standard for canine manners in the United States. It is a ten-skill evaluation that measures how your dog behaves in everyday situations, from greeting a stranger to walking calmly through a crowd. Dogs that pass earn the official AKC Canine Good Citizen title and certificate.

Mike McGowan is an AKC-Approved CGC Evaluator, so you can prepare and test with the same trainer who already knows your dog.

A golden retriever and a black and white dog sit next to each other on a blanket in a backyard.

Official AKC tests & Programs

We can help you train for and administer the following official AKC tests and programs: 

Official AKC tests & Programs

A nationally recognized AKC credential

A strong foundation for therapy and service work

Proof of good manners in public spaces

Open to all dogs, purebred or mixed, of any age

Viewed favorably by many landlords and insurers

A confidence-building milestone for you and your dog

The 10 test items

The CGC test is pass or fail and covers ten everyday skills:

01
Accepting a friendly stranger
02
Sitting politely for petting
03
Appearance and grooming
04
Walking on a loose leash
05
Walking through a crowd
06
Sit, down, and staying in place on command
07
Coming when called
08
Reaction to another dog
09
Reaction to distraction
10
Supervised separation

Why earn the CGC title?

A nationally recognized AKC credential

A strong foundation for therapy and service work

Proof of good manners in public spaces

Open to all dogs, purebred or mixed, of any age

Viewed favorably by many landlords and insurers

A confidence-building milestone for you and your dog

How it works

Not sure your dog is ready? We can prepare you both so you walk in confident.

 

  1. Schedule an evaluation or prep session.
  2. Practice the ten skills with hands-on coaching.
  3. Take the official CGC test with an AKC-Approved Evaluator.
  4. Earn your dog’s CGC title and certificate from the AKC.

Building toward a service dog?

The Canine Good Citizen certificate is also one of the building blocks of a legitimate service dog. If that is your goal, the same trainer who runs your CGC test can guide the entire process, from task training to your dog’s advanced handler certificate.

CGC Testing and Prep

Contact us for current CGC evaluation and preparation pricing. A small AKC recording fee applies to add the title to your dog’s permanent record.

5-Star pet owner experiences

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Jackson Brunner
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We would gove this 100 stars if we could. From beginning to end our experience was nothing but incredible. We have finally found someone who is not only incredible at what they do, but cares just as much as we do about our pup. We were kept up to date every step of Henry’s boarding journey which put our mind at ease. They went above and beyond. We will definitely be sending our pup back whenever we need boarding.
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Joyce Rista
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My golden retriever puppy stayed with Mike for his in home boarding. The entire process was so easy and seamless. We went on vacation for an extended period of time and wanted her to feel like she was part of a family, which Mike and his family definitely did! He kept us updated daily with photos and progress, and she came back a different dog. Before we boarded her she was pulling and reactive to every dog that walked by, because she wanted to play. When we picked her up and took her home, she was walking on a loose leash and attentive during our entire walk, so we know he spent so much time with her. During our training sessions he was very thorough and explained the why (even to our young kids) to everything he was teaching which helps an owner being successful in training when he’s not around. Our pup will definitely stay with Mike again, and we will use him for future training sessions as we progress with our young pup! Thanks again Mike!
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Vanessa Lanza
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We have found the best of the best, and for that we are entirely grateful! Mike’s training style is exceptional and easy to integrate into daily life. He is an expert trainer for working breeds, which is why we’ve had such great success with our cattle-staffy mix and pit mix rescues. Mike will curate a custom strategy that fits your household dynamic and goals. He has a way of breaking down the principals of each correction in a way that just clicks. Our pups simply adored their time working with him—as did we! We feel so secure knowing that Mike advocates for each and every dog he works with, keeping them safe and comfortable throughout the entire process. He really shifted our perspective around reactivity and how to properly manage certain situations that previously felt stressful or overwhelming. Discovering Palos Verdes K9 has genuinely changed our lives!
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Richie Petruziello
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Mike has been working with our dog Sophie for about a year and we keep getting compliments on how well-behaved she is. SoFi is a Australian cattle and Staffordshire terrier mix. Mike has a subtle touch that dogs just love and he educates so well that he makes training dogs easy. Mike clearly explains every situation that your dog may get into very clearly and he uses practical interactions that are easy to follow. He truly has the magic touch, flexible with your schedule, and travels to you. I highly recommend using his service.
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Traci Critton
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Mike is the best! Honey Boy is my wonderful but very energetic and strong golden retriever. As he hit adolescence he was getting difficult for me to walk. He started being reactive to other dogs and was constantly breaking free and chasing peacocks. Mike has given me so much confidence and I can now walk Honey Boy without being fearful. Mike is not only uber knowledgeable about dogs, he is easy going, kind and friendly. I look forward to our sessions. He listens to what you want help with and really focuses on your needs. I greatly value Mike and I am so thankful for his help! I cannot recommend him highly enough!
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G Gammell
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Mike helped me control, walk and enjoy my two shepherd mix dogs. They did not like other dogs, or people walking dogs. They are now ok with experiencing dogs at the park, and around the neighborhood. I am so happy Mike helped them and me.
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Dan Lau
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Thanks to Mike he helped our family get the best dog ever!! We couldn’t imagine our house without Zokko, the biggest and most handsome German Shepard you have ever seen. Mike is a master trainer and can help find a dog that suits your family needs. He helped us find Zokko from a breeder in Germany. Once Zokko came here, Mike kept him for several months fine tuning all the training and protection work. Once Zokko was ready to integrate into our home with our 2 elementary aged daughters, Mike gave us our dog. He continued to come over weekly to train Zokko and help with the protection work and commands. Our Zokko is ready to keep us safe and will surely deter any potential intruder. And on the flip side he gets lots of hugs from our daughter’s friends, and enjoys every moment. But most importantly he is our newest family member. We love him!! Thank you Mike for everything!! Oh and to top it off, his wife is a fabulous Veterinarian down the road. VIP treatment all the way!!!
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Ommid Ferdows
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Amazing results with Mike—professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. Easy, effective training and a genuinely great guy. Highly recommend!
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Me
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Went through two other trainers with my rescue dog before PVK9; wish I would've contacted Mike first!! I would have saved THOUSANDS! I hesitated at first, assuming anyone training "working breeds" would have a militant approach. WRONG! He's got a "southbay surfer vibes" approach, yet all the knowledge and experience for elite working class dogs. Plus, he is humble in his confidence! Doesn't overpromise. Isn't fixated on a "system" he created; but rather pulls out the tools for the dog that's in front of him. He works with you; in the environments you live in! AND, my dog LOVES him! Mike makes corrections fun! A little more than halfway through our program and we've made progress I am proud of and that others can recognize. If you want truly specialized dog training with results, this is your guy!
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Restaurant Rescue
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Ok, Zilla is a LOT of dog. I raised him from a puppy and he’s even a bit of a handful for me some times. But ‘Magic Mike’ is able to handle him like he’s a 10lb puppy. PVK9 is the only place I board my dog. They pick him up, drop him off and take excellent care of him. If you love your dog like I do, this is the only place you want your dog to stay while you’re away. Worth every penny, A+, 5 Stars, Two thumbs up!

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