Manners That Hold Up in Real Life

Set a clear standard at home and in public. Metro K9 Academy prepares dogs and handlers for AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy with step-by-step coaching, real-world proofing, and test coordination—so you know exactly what to practice and how to pass. CGC is open to all dogs, purebred and mixed breed, with no age minimums or upper limits (your dog should be healthy and vaccinated per your vet’s guidance).

We regularly host AKC testing for the community. Check our Events page for upcoming CGC and S.T.A.R. Puppy test dates, or call/text Bobby at 201-230-2285 to ask about the next evaluation.

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program

What CGC Proves

CGC is a 10-skill on-leash evaluation that confirms polite public manners and handler control—loose-leash walking, calm greetings, supervised separation, and more.

What We Cover to Help You Pass

  • Leash skills & attention (heel, stops, handler focus)
  • Sit, down, stay, supervised separation
  • Polite greetings with people & dogs (no jumping/pulling)
  • Grooming/appearance handling; neutrality in public spaces
  • Test walk-through and paperwork support

How the Program Works

  • Evaluation & Plan – We place you on the right track (group or 1:1) and map your timeline.
  • Train & Proof – Practice the 10 CGC items with real distractions (indoors and on the field).
  • Checkpoints – Short homework, progress notes, and milestone mini-tests.
  • Test Day – We coordinate your AKC CGC or Puppy S.T.A.R. evaluation and celebrate the win.

Who It’s For

  • Families who want polished public manners
  • New handlers building a dependable foundation
  • Teams planning to pursue therapy work or advanced training
  • Any dog can take the CGC test.

Add-Ons That Help You Pass

Questions? call/text Bobby at 201-230-2285

Schedule your CGC Training

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy

AKC STAR Puppy Program

The Best Start: Socialization, Training, Activity, Responsible Owner

S.T.A.R. Puppy is a 6-week class ending with a 20-step evaluation for puppies. It builds early manners and owner know-how, using upbeat, puppy-appropriate reps. Open to purebred and mixed-breed puppies.

What Puppies & Owners Learn

  • Puppy basics: house manners, handling, name response, starter leashwork
  • Socialization: calm exposure to people, dogs, sounds, new places
  • Owner habits: health/vaccines, ID, cleanup bags, daily play/exercise, Responsible Owner Pledge
  • Friendly, confidence-building training that makes learning fun

How It Works Here

  1. Enroll – Rolling start dates; six weekly sessions.
  2. Train Weekly – Short lessons + simple homework for home success.
  3. The 20-Step Check – Evaluator reviews puppy behaviors & owner responsibilities.
  4. Finish Strong – We guide your AKC submission for the S.T.A.R. certificate/title.

Who It’s For

  • First-time owners,
  • Families with kids
  • Anyone who wants rock-solid puppy foundations before CGC.

Add-Ons That Help You Pass

  • Group Training bundle
  • Private Lesson bundle for targeted fixes (recall, neutrality, down-stays)
  • Field trips to proof manners in busy environments

Questions? Call/text Bobby at 201-230-2285

Schedule STAR Puppy Training