Certification pathway

Invisible Leash® CGC / Therapy Prep

A certification-focused path for owners who want to prepare for AKC Canine Good Citizen testing or take the next step toward therapy dog work.

Original Program Info

Get started today

Schedule a free evaluation

10-item CGC evaluation prep structure

Open to dogs with foundational obedience

Quarterly testing support via external evaluator

The CGC Prep Class prepares owners and dogs for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program.

The CGC program was established by the AKC to promote responsible dog ownership and well-behaved dogs. To become an official Canine Good Citizen, a dog must pass a short evaluation made up of ten test items.

The class is for dogs that have completed at least Level 1, and it can also be taken while the dog is in Level 2 or Level 3.

The certification is open to all dogs. Dogs do not need to be registered with the AKC, and there is no age minimum or age limit listed by the school.

Therapy dog sitting with a child and adult reading — CGC manners and therapy-dog readiness for calm public work.

Why CGC prep matters

CGC preparation strengthens manners, confidence, and owner-dog teamwork while preparing for a recognized evaluation.

Some insurance carriers require CGC certification for certain breeds
Many therapy dog organizations use CGC as a first step
The training reinforces a well-behaved family dog
It strengthens the owner-dog bond and gives teams another structured goal
It is open to dogs that meet the prerequisite skill level

Program details

There is no private training session for CGC prep because the dog and owner have already learned the Invisible Leash® four-word communication system, Letendre's Learning Ladder, and Letendre's Training Triangle during Level 1.

Enrollment includes a 10-class CGC punch card for Saturday CGC Prep Classes, currently held at 9:15am. Enrollment is ongoing, and owners can use the punch card at their convenience.

Accepting a friendly stranger
Sitting politely for petting
Allowing basic grooming procedures
Walking on a loose lead
Walking through a crowd
Sitting and lying down on command and staying in place
Coming when called
Reacting appropriately to walking by a dog and person
Reacting appropriately to distractions
Calmly enduring supervised separation from the owner
Quarterly testing opportunities with an outside AKC certified evaluator
Additional 10-class punch card option at a reduced rate if more practice is needed

Getting started

Enrollment is simple.

Enrollment is ongoing, so owners do not need to wait for a new class to start.

Owners can schedule the first CGC Prep class on a convenient Saturday and do not need to attend all ten classes in a row.

Owners ready to continue training can call 774-319-6351 to schedule the first CGC Prep Class.

Success stories

Trained across MA & RI.

Paul recommended the training for owners who want a dog that works as part of the family team.

Paul Ferland

Peggy brought a Great Dane for help with on-leash and off-leash cooperation and saw steady gains through weekly classes.

Peggy Spencer

Jill reported that two dogs with poor guest manners stopped jumping, nipping, and hysterical barking after focused training.

Jill Lillie

Program questions

What to know before you start.

Can my dog join without completing Level 1?

Possibly. A free evaluation can determine whether the dog's current obedience level is ready for CGC prep.

What happens if my dog does not pass?

There is no guarantee of passing. Owners can continue practicing and purchase additional prep classes at a reduced rate if needed.

How often are CGC tests administered?

An outside AKC certified evaluator comes to the school once a quarter to administer the test for owners who want to take it.