Because training doesn’t happen in a quiet living room forever.

Maybe your dog listens perfectly at home… until you step outside.
Maybe they know the commands, but everything falls apart around other dogs, people, or distractions. Or maybe you just want a well-behaved dog you can confidently take out in public without stress.

Group classes bridge that gap. They teach your dog to focus on you even around real-life distractions, not just in a controlled environment. They build confidence, improve communication, and help turn “they know it at home” into “they can do it anywhere.” And for dogs who just love to learn? It’s a fun, structured way to build new skills, try new things, and strengthen your bond.

Not sure where to start? That’s okay. Every dog is different, and the right class depends on your dog’s age, experience level, behavior, and your personal goals. Use this guide to help narrow it down 

Our AKC programs follow official American Kennel Club guidelines and focus on building real-world manners, reliability, and confidence. These programs are designed to help dogs progress from foundational obedience to advanced public behavior, with the option to earn AKC titles. 

The S.T.A.R. Puppy program is the AKC’s foundation level for young dogs and new owners. It focuses on building confidence, structure, and early manners in a positive learning environment.

Focus Areas:

• Socialization in safe environments

• Basic obedience foundations

• Handling and body awareness

• Puppy manners (jumping, mouthing, calm behavior)

• Early household structure and routine

Best For:
Puppies and young dogs beginning formal training under 1 year of age

The CGC program is a 10-step evaluation of basic manners and obedience in real-world situations. Dogs are expected to demonstrate calm, controlled behavior around people, other dogs, and distractions.

Skills include:

• Calm greetings with strangers

• Walking on a loose leash

• Sit down, and stay at a distance and away from distractions

• Coming when called

• Appropriate behavior around other dogs

• Controlled behavior in public settings

Best For:
Dogs are ready to become well-mannered, reliable companions at home and in public.

CGCA is the advanced level of CGC. Unlike simulated testing, this level is evaluated in real environments such as parks, stores, or community areas. Dogs must show reliability in everyday situations with real distractions.

Skills include:

• Loose leash walking in real environments

• Walking through crowds

• Calm behavior around distractions and other dogs

• Sit/down/stay with distance

• Recall under distraction

• Polite behavior in public spaces

Best For:
Dogs with solid basic obedience are ready for real-world reliability who have passed the CGC.

Urban CGC is designed for dogs living and working in busy environments. Testing takes place in real city or town settings with traffic, crowds, noise, and environmental challenges.

Skills included:

• Walking through crowds and busy sidewalks

• Ignoring food and environmental distractions

• Calm behavior around noises, movement, and city activity

• Controlled street crossing behavior

• Public building manners

• Stairs, elevators, and transportation handling

• Calm, controlled behavior in real-world settings

Best For:
Dogs that need reliable control in busy public environments that have passed the CGC.