Therapy Dog and CGC Training in Northwest Arkansas
Training for Reliable, Real-World Evaluation Standards
Therapy dog work and AKC Canine Good Citizen testing require more than basic obedience. Dogs and handlers must demonstrate calm behavior, clear communication, and reliability in real-world situations.
StrayDogs Training provides focused preparation for teams pursuing the Love on a Leash control evaluation and AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing throughout Northwest Arkansas.
Who This Training Is For
This training is designed for dog and handler teams who:
- Are preparing for the Love on a Leash control evaluation
- Want to pursue AKC Canine Good Citizen certification
- Need help meeting evaluation standards reliably
- Want realistic preparation, not just practice drills
- Value clarity, structure, and calm handling
This is not general obedience training. It is preparation for specific standards and expectations.
Love on a Leash Control Evaluation Preparation
The Love on a Leash control evaluation assesses a dog’s ability to remain calm, responsive, and under control in public settings.
Training focuses on:
- Loose leash walking and controlled movement
- Calm behavior around people and distractions
- Reliable responses to handler cues
- Appropriate reactions in public environments
Preparation is structured to mirror real evaluation conditions as closely as possible, so teams are not surprised on test day.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Preparation
AKC CGC testing evaluates basic manners and responsible handling in everyday situations.
Training supports teams working toward:
- Polite behavior around people
- Controlled walking and positioning
- Reliable response to cues
- Confidence in public and unfamiliar environments
Sessions focus on clarity, consistency, and realistic expectations so skills hold up beyond the test.
Training Approach
Preparation for therapy work and CGC testing is built on the same relationship-first foundation as all StrayDogs Training programs.
Training emphasizes:
- Clear communication between handler and dog
- Calm, consistent follow-through
- Real-world practice, not artificial setups
- Understanding expectations rather than memorizing patterns
The goal is not to rehearse a routine, but to build reliability and confidence.
Handler Support and Expectations
Handlers play an important role in therapy dog and CGC preparation.
You will learn:
- How evaluations are structured
- What evaluators are looking for
- How to handle calmly and consistently
- How to maintain skills beyond testing
Support is practical and realistic, designed to build confidence for both handler and dog.
Not Sure If Your Dog Is Ready?
Some dogs need additional foundation work before pursuing evaluation or testing. Others are close but need clarity and polish.
If you are unsure where your dog fits, you do not need to decide yet.
Let’s Start With a Conversation
Every team is different.
Start with a conversation about your goals, your dog’s experience, and where you are in the process. From there, we can determine whether therapy dog or CGC preparation is the right next step.
Therapy Dog and CGC Training in Northwest Arkansas
StrayDogs Training offers therapy dog and CGC preparation throughout Northwest Arkansas, including Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and surrounding areas.