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Raise a Dog You Can Take Anywhere

Private CGC prep sessions in Hyattsville, MD with a certified AKC evaluator. Get coaching that helps your dog listen — not just pass a test.

What is Canine Good Citizen?

Unlock Your Dog's Potential

The CGC test is a 10-part evaluation created by the American Kennel Club (AKC) that recognizes well-mannered, reliable dogs. It’s often required for therapy dog programs, some pet-friendly housing, and even insurance coverage.

But CGC isn’t just a title — it’s proof that your dog can handle real-life situations calmly: walking past distractions, greeting strangers politely, and staying focused under pressure.

I offer private prep sessions that help you train your dog to pass the test — and become the kind of companion you can trust anywhere.

Why I Teach CGC Prep

I’m Tiara, an AKC Certified CGC Evaluator and professional dog trainer. I specialize in helping dog owners — not just dogs — build the structure, clarity, and confidence needed to pass the Canine Good Citizen test.

I believe CGC prep shouldn’t be about outsourcing obedience. It should be about learning how to lead your own dog. When you work with me, I coach you to train your dog. That’s how we create results that last — not just for a test, but for real life.

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Why I Train the Handler, Not Just the Dog

Dogs don’t pass the Canine Good Citizen test on their own — they pass it because their handler knows how to lead. That’s what I teach.

 

I started offering CGC prep because too many owners were being left out of the training process. A dog might obey a trainer, but struggle to listen at home. My job is to coach you — so your dog learns to respond to you, no matter the distractions.

 

When you feel calm, clear, and in control, your dog feels it too. And that’s how we create real results — not just for the test, but for everyday life.

What’s Included in CGC Prep

Structured, private coaching designed to prepare you and your dog to pass — and thrive beyond the test.

Focus & Foundation

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Leash manners, sit-stay, recall, and neutral greetings

We’ll strengthen your dog’s core manners — like sit, stay, leash walking, and recall — while teaching you how to lead with clarity. These are the foundational skills your dog needs to pass CGC and succeed in the real world.

Real-World Readiness

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Walk past distractions, supervised separation, polite behavior

We’ll practice the real-life challenges your dog will face during the CGC test — like staying calm around distractions, greeting strangers politely, and handling short separations. You’ll learn how to guide your dog through these moments with confidence.

Official CGC Evaluation

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Paperwork submission to AKC

Once you and your dog are ready, I’ll administer the full AKC Canine Good Citizen test. I’ll guide you through what to expect and submit your paperwork directly to the AKC — making the process smooth, official, and stress-free.

Focused Coaching

— From the Sidelines

When we work on leash manners, sit-stay, and recall, I won’t be standing right beside you — and that’s by design.

You’ll wear hands-free earbuds, and I’ll coach you from a distance, live and in your ear. This lets your dog stay focused on you — not me — while you build real authority and confidence in their eyes.

Think of it like a behind-the-scenes earpiece in a movie: I guide you step-by-step while the world sees a handler who’s calm, clear, and totally in control.

This method helps you:

  • Earn your dog’s focus naturally

  • Practice real-world handling without trainer interference

  • Build trust and leadership from day one

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Real-World Readiness

The Canine Good Citizen test isn’t just about obedience — it’s about how your dog handles life. That’s why I coach you through situations that actually happen:

  • Walking past other dogs without pulling

  • Politely greeting a stranger without jumping

  • Staying calm while you step away for a moment

I’ll show you how to keep your dog focused and responsive, even when distractions pop up — and how to confidently lead in public spaces without constant correction.

What This Prepares You For:

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CGC Prep Package – $520

​I offer private CGC prep sessions for dog owners who want results that last beyond the test. Most clients are test-ready within 2–4 sessions.

  • Three one-on-one coaching sessions (60 min each)

  • Official CGC test included

  • Title submission directly to the AKC

  • Support between sessions via text or email

Additional sessions (if needed): $75 each
Evaluation-only option available for test-ready teams: $50

Success Stories

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“Tiara worked miracles with our little Shi-Poo, Djinn Djinn. From day one, she was sitting, staying, and actually listening. Djinn Djinn absolutely lit up whenever it was time to train — which told me everything I needed to know about the kind of trust and calm Tiara brings to the process. In just a few weeks, she laid the kind of foundation we’d need to eventually pursue CGC certification. The progress was clear, and the video updates made it easy for our whole family to stay involved and proud.”
— Mary Jessie S.

Seth Burton

Reach out to begin your journey toward a calmer, more reliable companion.

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