December 2025: Canine Good Citizen & Trick Dog Event
WHEN: Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 from 4pm-7pm
WHERE: Baltimore, MD 21214 (Lauraville) - This event is mostly outdoors, so dress warm!
Restrooms are available indoors for human attendees (No pet dogs are allowed inside, we can hold your leash if someone is available or you can bring a friend to pass them off to during bathroom breaks).
COST: $25 to take the Canine Good Citizen test - OR - $15 to work only on trick titles.
Try both (CGC + one Trick Dog title) for $30!
WHO: Dogs of any age, breed, or size are able to participate in CGC testing; accommodations are available for dogs or handlers with disabilities, if you believe you may need accommodations during testing please contact me before signing up.
Limited slots available! - only four testing slots are open per each hour of the event, you must reserve your time at the booking link below, and pay testing fees at the time of registration. Please do not arrive prior to your scheduled start time!
Refunds are not available on the basis of failed testing or inability to earn a trick title. Partial trick lists can be witnessed and completed at a later date, or completed virtually by sending in videos for remaining tricks. Dogs who successfully pass the CGC test are only required to do five tricks for their Novice Trick Dog title from AKC, instead of ten tricks.
From the American Kennel Club (AKC):
“The CGC Program is a two-part program that is designed to: 1) teach responsible dog ownership to owners, and 2) certify dogs that have the training and behaviors needed to be reliable, wellbehaved members of their families and communities.
Dogs who pass the CGC test should be under good control and be safe around people and other dogs. The purpose of the CGC Program is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community because it has been trained to be well behaved in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Canine Good Citizen: Participant and Evaluator Guide (AKC)
Please review requirements and test items at the link above before signing up!
The test includes 10 items, all must be passed for the dog to be certified.
Handlers are not allowed to use food as reward during the test.
Trick Dog (AKC)
If your dog is reactive or does not do well around new dogs/people, please contact me to ask about private/individual trick witnessing options, this event is not suited for dogs who are dog reactive or fearful of people.
You will need an AKC number to submit your dog’s official title, you can sign up for AKC Canine Partners ahead of time if you don’t have one yet, OR you can submit your dog’s Canine Partners registration at the same time as their CGC title and/or first trick title for a discounted sign-up rate.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Well-fitted collar*: flat, martingale, or slip collars only - NO prong, pinch, electronic, head halter, or other training collars permitted.
Six foot leash: must be nylon/fabric, leather, or BioThane - NO retractable leashed or metal leashes.
Poop bags to clean up after your dog.
Your dog!
Optional: Harness*, a brush your dog is familiar with, personal water bowl, toys to play with while waiting, any props you need for more advanced tricks (props for Novice Trick Dog title will be provided), a friend/partner/family member to watch or hold your dog if you need to use the restroom.
*Dogs can have their leash attached to a harness for testing if handler chooses to use one, but they must ALSO be wearing an appropriate collar during testing!
AUTOMATIC DISMISSALS
Any growling, biting, or attempts to bite.
Handler using harsh corrections with their dog.
Handler acts confrontational, unkind, or disrespectful towards trainer, observers, or other participants.
Eliminating (urinating/defecating) during the test - unless between items or during #10.
Not having correct equipment for dog (collar, leash, bags).
