AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep & Testing
Gold-standard behavioral certification for NYC luxury buildings. Elevator etiquette, greeting manners, and official AKC evaluator testing for condo and co-op boards.
Official AKC Certification for NYC High-Rise Living
Many premier cooperatives and condominiums across Manhattan and Brooklyn require canine residents to pass the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen test before move-in. The 10-step evaluation tests calm elevator rides, polite greetings, and neutrality around strange dogs.
Gotham Paw prepares your companion to pass the CGC test with flawless poise. Led by certified AKC CGC Evaluators, our program teaches your dog to ignore hallway distractions, sit quietly in elevators, and accept handling from doormen and neighbors.
Hour-by-Hour Experience Protocol
Every step is designed for maximum biological decompression, safety, and transparent owner communication.
Accepting a Friendly Stranger & Sitting for Grooming
Practicing calm four-paws-on-the-floor greetings and polite body examinations.
Out for a Walk & Walking Through a Crowd
Loose-leash heel work through bustling sidewalks and lobby foot traffic.
Sit, Down, Stay & Reaction to Another Dog
Solidifying distance stays and polite neutrality when passing strange dogs.
Reaction to Distraction & Supervised Separation
Ignoring dropped items or elevator dings, and resting calmly with front desk staff.
Official AKC CGC Test & Certificate
Formal administration of the 10-step test, official paperwork filing, and co-op board letter.
How Gotham Paw Solved the Urban Dilemma for Bentley
The Challenge
Co-op board required an official AKC CGC certification and trainer recommendation letter before granting building lease approval.
Our Protocol
Enrolled in our 4-week CGC intensive focusing on elevator manners, lobby silence, and controlled neighbor greetings.
The Outcome
Passed the official AKC test with a perfect score. The co-op board approved the family lease unanimously within 48 hours.
"Gotham Paw made the co-op board approval process effortless. Bentley was prepared to perfection, and the trainer letter was flawless."— Verified Client in Upper East Side (Park Ave)
CGC Preparation Standards
Structured curriculum addressing every single test requirement and real-world high-rise scenario.
Official AKC Evaluator on Staff
Testing administered directly by accredited evaluators with immediate certificate issuance.
Formal Co-Op Board Verification Letter
Comprehensive written behavioral dossier for property management and condo committees.
In-Building Practice Sessions
Drills conducted in real lobbies, elevators, and mailrooms where evaluations matter.
Transparent Rates & Packages
No hidden fees. Every program includes white-glove transport, safety equipment, and full concierge support.
4-Week CGC Prep & Test Package
Four private coaching sessions, official AKC test administration, and formal co-op board letter.
- ✓ Four 60-minute private lessons
- ✓ Official AKC CGC test included
- ✓ Official AKC paperwork & ribbon
- ✓ Formal board verification letter
- ✓ 100% pass guarantee (free re-tests)
Single CGC Test Administration
For dogs who already have established training and simply require formal evaluation and testing.
- ✓ 45-minute formal AKC evaluation
- ✓ Official AKC test paperwork
- ✓ Co-op letter of completion
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about scheduling, building logistics, safety, and care standards.
Q. What are the 10 steps of the AKC CGC test?
1. Accepting a friendly stranger, 2. Sitting politely for petting, 3. Appearance and grooming, 4. Out for a walk (loose leash), 5. Walking through a crowd, 6. Sit and down on command/staying in place, 7. Coming when called, 8. Reaction to another dog, 9. Reaction to distractions, 10. Supervised separation.
Q. Can mixed-breed dogs take the CGC test?
Yes! All dogs—purebred or mixed breed—are eligible to earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen title.
Q. Does passing the AKC CGC qualify my dog for Gotham Paw mountain hikes?
Yes! In lieu of our standard 30-minute in-person consultation, passing an official AKC Canine Good Citizen test automatically fulfills our behavioral prerequisite. CGC certifies loose-leash control, pack neutrality, and obedience under distraction, ensuring mutual safety and enjoyment on Catskills trails.
Q. What if my dog fails an exercise during testing?
Our package includes a 100% pass guarantee. If your dog misses an exercise, we provide additional targeted coaching and re-test at zero added fee.
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Prepare for Your Building's CGC Test
Contact our certified AKC evaluator to schedule your preparation sessions and formal evaluation.
Consultation Request Received
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