As a dog owner, one of the first questions you may ask is, "Does my new companion need training?" The answer is "Yes, and so do you!" Whether you are intentionally teaching him or not, your canine friend is always learning -- and this is true not just for puppies but also for older and adult dogs.

If you do not teach your pet your rules, he will invent his own. Training allows caregivers to safely and humanely control their dog's behavior. Positive training enhances the bond between dog and owner, and helps ensure that your dog will respond happily to your instructions.

Lessons are tailored to fit your dogs specific needs

Jacki Purdham is a certified evaluator with the AKC for CGC testing (Canine Good Citizen)

Welcome to the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program. Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. We sincerely hope that CGC will be only a beginning for you and your dog and that after passing the CGC test, you'll continue training in obedience, agility, tracking, or performance events.

AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program is one of the most rapidly growing programs in the American Kennel Club. There are many exciting applications of this wonderful, entry level that go beyond the testing and certifying of dogs.Many other countries(including England, Australia, Japan, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and Finland) have developed CGC programs based onthe AKC's CGC Program. A CGC Neighborhood Model has been established, police and animal control agencies use CGC for dealing withdog problems in communities, some therapy dog groups use the CGC as a partial screening tool, and some 4-H groups around the country have been using the CGC as a beginning dog training program for children.

A number of specialty (one breed only) clubs give the CGC at their annual national dog show. Dog clubs have discovered that the CGC is an event that allows everyone to go home a winner. Veterinarians have recognized the benefits of well-trained dogs and there are some CGC programs in place in veterinary hospitals. State legislatures began recognizing the CGC program as a means of advocating responsible dog ownership and 34 states now have Canine Good Citizen resolutions.

In a little over one decade, the Canine Good Citizen Program has begun to have an extremely positive impact in many of our communities. This is a program that can help us assure that the dogs we love will always be welcomed and well-respected members of our communities.

K-9 Friends home boarding offers an alternative to kennels and traditional boarding facilities. You can leave your beloved pet with complete peace of mind that they are well taken care of and loved while you are away. We welcome your pet into our home, and care for them as if they were our own. Of course we follow your own ‘house rules' and any feeding schedule/diet, and you never have to worry about your pet trying to sleep in a cold cage, surrounded by dozens of barking dogs. While some boarding facilities offer similar amenities to private home boarding, few, if any, can match the amount of personal attention we will give your pet.