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AKC Canine Good Citizen
& Title Testing

Celebrating the Hard Work and Bond Between You and Your Dog

Intentional Animalship is dedicated to offering AKC testing to give our community opportunities to grow with their dogs. While these titles may look like just a piece of paper, they truly represent the dedication, training, and relationship you’ve built together.

We look forward to evaluating your dog and providing a title that symbolizes your hard work and something to be proud of.

What Are AKC Evaluations?

AKC evaluations are official assessments designed to measure a dog’s behavior, manners, and responsiveness in real-world situations. These tests help ensure that dogs are well-mannered around people, other animals, and everyday distractions.
These are not training sessions, but Intentional Animalship is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals, whether that be through AKC testing, personalized skill-building, or guidance to strengthen your relationship with your dog.

Available Tests:

Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

The Canine Good Citizen test evaluates a dog’s ability to remain calm, friendly, and under control in everyday situations. Skills assessed include polite greetings, loose-leash walking, handling by a stranger, and appropriate behavior around other dogs and distractions.

Cost: $50

Practice test: $30

Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA)

The AKC Community Canine test is the advanced level of the CGC and focuses on reliable manners in real-world community settings. Dogs are evaluated on their ability to maintain focus and composure at greater distances, respond to cues with fewer prompts, and navigate everyday environments with confidence.

Dogs must have already passed the CGC to earn this title.

Cost: $60

Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU)

The Urban CGC test assesses a dog’s behavior in busy public and urban environments, such as sidewalks, public buildings, crowds, and traffic. This evaluation emphasizes calmness, environmental confidence, and safe handling in more complex settings.

Dogs must have passed both the CGC and CGCA prior to testing for the CGCU.

Cost: $75

Video Home Manners

The Video Home Manners evaluation allows dogs to earn an AKC title through a video submission demonstrating polite, calm behavior in the home environment. Skills assessed include handling and grooming, door manners, relaxation around distractions, and appropriate responses to everyday household scenarios.

This option is ideal for dogs who are not yet ready for public testing, live in rural areas, or benefit from a familiar environment.

Cost: $30

Trick Dog
Titles

AKC Trick Dog evaluations recognize a dog’s ability to perform trained behaviors with enthusiasm, clarity, and teamwork. Titles range from Novice through Elite levels, with increasing difficulty and creativity required at each stage.

Trick Dog tests can be completed in person or via video, depending on the title level and requirements.

Cost:
In Person $50
Virtual: $30

Existing IA Clients Receive 10% Off

Not Sure If Your Dog Is Ready?

Not every dog is ready to pass an AKC evaluation, and that’s completely okay. These tests are designed to assess real-world skills that require preparation through training, thoughtful exposure, and strong handler-dog relationship building.

If you’re unsure whether your dog is ready, we offer pre-test evaluations to help you make an informed decision before scheduling an official test.

During a readiness evaluation, we will:

  • Review key skills required for your selected AKC test

  • Identify strengths and areas that may need more practice

  • Assess comfort with handling, distractions, and environments

  • Provide honest, supportive feedback without pressure or judgment

A readiness evaluation can help prevent unnecessary stress, disappointment, or wasted test fees, and gives you a clearer path forward, whether that means testing now or focusing on additional training first.

How to Register Your Dog with the AKC

To earn an official AKC title, your dog must be registered with the American Kennel Club.
Both purebred and mixed-breed dogs are eligible to participate in AKC programs and earn titles.

Purebred Dogs

Purebred dogs can be registered with the AKC if they come from AKC-registered parents.

You can register your purebred dog if you have:

  • An AKC registration application from the breeder, or...

  • Existing AKC registration paperwork

Once registered, your dog will receive an AKC registration number, which is required to submit test results and titles.

Mixed-Breed Dogs & Unregistered Purebreds

Mixed-breed dogs and unregistered purebred dogs can participate through the AKC Canine Partners Program.

This program allows your dog to:

  • Earn CGC, Trick Dog, and other
    AKC titles

  • Compete in AKC performance and companion events

  • Be officially recognized by the AKC

To register through AKC Canine Partners,
your dog must:

  • Be spayed or neutered

  • Be at least 6 months of age

After registration, your dog will receive a Canine Partners number, which functions the same way as an AKC registration number for title purposes.

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