American Kennel Club (AKC) Training & Title Programs

A brown and white dog with a short coat looking up.

Keon K9 proudly offers a full range of American Kennel Club® (AKC) Family Dog  training and title programs designed to build confident, well-mannered dogs with real-world reliability. 

These programs emphasize responsible ownership, clear communication, and practical obedience while strengthening the bond between dog and handler. 

Preparation for AKC programs is available through group classes, private sessions, and select board & train programs, allowing each dog’s training path to be tailored based on age, experience, and goals.

For detailed information about the programs visit:

Smiling woman kneels by a German Shepherd holding a certificate outdoors.

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Program

Designed for puppies, the S.T.A.R. Puppy program focuses on early training, socialization, and responsible ownership during a puppy’s most important developmental stage.

This program emphasizes:

  • Basic obedience foundations
  • Confidence-building exercises
  • Socialization with people and dogs
  • Engagement and household manners

S.T.A.R. Puppy provides a strong foundation and a smooth transition into more advanced training programs. 

Blue and yellow AKC puppy program badge

S.T.A.R. Puppy is not an official title, but upon completion and registration with AKC
your pup will receive a metal and be listed on the AKC webpage S.T.A.R. Puppy list.

AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC)

The CGC program is the gold standard for polite canine behavior in everyday life. Dogs learn to demonstrate calm manners, reliable obedience, and appropriate social behavior in public settings.

Skills include:

  • Polite greetings with people 
  • Loose-leash walking
  • Sit, down, and stay reliability
  • Calm behavior around other dogs
  • Handling and supervised separation

CGC is ideal for dogs preparing for therapy work, advanced obedience, or improved real-world manners.

Logo of Canine Good Citizen by AKC.

AKC Community Canine® (CGCA / Advanced CGC)

Community Canine is the next step after CGC and focuses on advanced manners and reliability in community-based environments. This title ensures dogs can remain focused and responsive in everyday public situations with increased distractions.

Dogs work on:

  • Maintaining control and engagement in public spaces
  • Polite behavior around people and dogs
  • Reliable obedience while moving through
    community environments
  • Improved responses to noise, activity, and environmental distractions

This program bridges the gap between basic manners and advanced urban reliability.

Logo of AKC Community Canine featuring a person walking a dog.

AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen® (Urban CGC)

Urban CGC builds on CGC and Community Canine skills by testing dogs in real-life urban environments.

Dogs are evaluated on their ability to:

  • Navigate crowds calmly
  • Remain composed around traffic and noise
  • Enter and exit buildings appropriately
  • Maintain focus in high-stimulation settings

Urban CGC is ideal for dogs who regularly accompany their owners into public spaces.

Logo of AKC Urban CGC with cityscape and dog silhouette.

AKC Trick Dog Program

The AKC Trick Dog program focuses on creativity, confidence, and teamwork through fun, engaging skill-building.

Benefits include:

  • Increased confidence and focus
  • Stronger communication between dog and handler
  • Mental enrichment and problem-solving
  • Continued progression through multiple title levels

Titles range from Novice to Elite Performer, allowing teams to advance at their own pace.

AKC Trick Dog logo featuring a dog jumping through a hoop.

AKC FIT Dog® Program

At Keon K9, we incorporate the AKC FIT Dog program through guided walks, scenic hikes, and organized community fitness events, helping teams stay active while reinforcing real-world obedience and handler-dog connection. Activities may include neighborhood walks, trail hikes, pack walks, and participation in community runs such as local Turkey Trots and charity fitness events.

Dogs and handlers work together toward official AKC FIT Dog titles by completing structured fitness activities that support:

  • Physical conditioning
  • Mental engagement
  • Confidence in public environments
  • Reliable manners on leash and in motion
AKC Fit Dog logo featuring a person and dog in motion.

This program is suitable for dogs of all ages and experience levels and pairs well with group classes, alumni drop-ins, or ongoing training programs. It’s an excellent option for handlers looking to build consistency, maintain fitness, and earn an AKC-recognized title while enjoying active time with their dog.

Whether you’re logging miles on the trail, joining a community run, or simply building healthier routines, the AKC FIT Dog Program offers a rewarding way to move together with purpose — and get recognized for it.

People walking dogs in a parking lot on a cloudy day.

Testing & Certification

Once dogs are prepared, AKC testing and evaluations are offered through Keon K9, creating a seamless transition from training to certification. 

Each Test cost $45. 

Successful teams earn official AKC titles and certificates recognized nationwide.

At Keon K9, AKC programs aren’t just about earning titles — they’re about building leaders on both ends of the leash.

Please note there is an additional cost through AKC to receive official title certificate. 

A dog wearing sunglasses with a blue ribbon, standing on a skateboard.
Happy dog wearing multiple blue and yellow award ribbons.