AKC Canine Good Citizen Class in Covina, CA

Cost: $200

Six weekly sessions, starting September 26th at 6:00PM

Text Sarah to Enroll: (626) 655-1625

Prep School for Pups: AKC CGC Prep Class and Evaluation

The AKC Canine Good Citizen test showcases a dog’s manners in public and with unfamiliar dogs and people. This intensive, six-week class will prepare you and your pup to take the CGC. As an AKC evaluator, I can evaluate your pup at the end of the course, or whenever you feel ready and testing is offered again.

In our time together we’ll cover:

  • Polite greetings
  • Loose lead walking
  • Stay with distractions
  • And much more!
Learn more about the 10 components of the CGC test.

Saturdays at 6:00 PM

Class dates:

  • September 26

  • October 3

  • October 10

  • October 17

  • October 24

  • November 7 [skips a week for Halloween!] 

Text Sarah to Enroll: (626) 655-1625

Eligibility

This class is suitable for dogs who are comfortable in new places and around unfamiliar dogs and people. While this course is for dogs who have had basic manners training or puppy training, every dog learns at a different pace and some teams may not feel ready to take the CGC by the end of the course. That’s ok!  For a small fee, the test can be taken at a later time within a year of course purchase.

Get to know your instructor

Hi, I’m Sarah Rodriguez!

I am a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), and Fear Free Professional committed to building deeper bonds between people and their pets. I have volunteered with animals since I was a young teen and have 20 years of experience working with shelter and rescue animals. I have shared my home with dogs for most of my life, both as a dog mom and foster mom, so I understand first hand the difficulties of living with behavior challenges and the joys of living with well-mannered dogs.

My passion for animals is what started my career, and each day my passion fuels the work I do to ensure that dogs and their humans live harmoniously and happily together. I’m here to support you every step of the way of your training journey, and I am committed to solving even the most unique behavior problems. Helping you and your dog in the best way possible drives me to continually learn about the latest research and scientifically proven methods of dog training.

sarah rodriguez dog trainer

Interested in private training?

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Worthington
20 October 2026
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Small classes and an expert trainer place Home Schooled Hound above the rest. This is not one-size-fits-all instruction. Trainer Sarah has a wealth of practical suggestions that she tailors to a client’s specific needs. I learned how to channel my super-high-energy golden retriever’s spirit using humane, positive methods. The tips and techniques I learned through Home Schooled Hound classes gave me the knowledge and confidence to continue my dog’s training on my own. I highly recommend Home Schooled Hound’s gentle guidance for you and your pup!
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Karl Vonn Cruz
13 July 2026
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When I brought home my Goldendoodle puppy in November 2025, one of the priorities was earning his AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification. I went to the AKC website to find a trainer and initially enrolled with a large national pet retailer that was listed there. Unfortunately, after completing their training program is when they told me that they were no longer offering CGC certification. I searched for an evaluator and that’s when I found Sarah at Home Schooled Hound. From the very beginning, Sarah was consistently responsive, approachable, and easy to communicate with. She always answered questions thoroughly and happily, making the entire process feel supportive. What sets Home Schooled Hound apart is Sarah’s training philosophy. Instead of using a generic, one-size-fits-all curriculum, she focuses on understanding each dog’s behavior, temperament, and motivation. Her methods are thoughtful, individualized, and rooted in canine behavior and learning principles. As someone who works in behavioral health, I really appreciate that her training emphasized understanding the “why” behind behaviors and building a relationship based on clear communication and trust and not just teaching commands. Because of Sarah’s guidance, we successfully earned our AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification. Most importantly, I left with a much much better understanding of my dog. I learned things I didn’t know was possible (like that I can make my dog a service dog for my disability). If you’re looking for specialized, behavior-focused training rather than a basic obedience class, I highly recommend Home Schooled Hounds. The difference in quality, knowledge, and individualized instruction is truly noticeable.
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Justin Carella
25 June 2026
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I got my first ever puppy and after a week I was getting burnt out and starting to feel the "puppy blues". I kept reading conflicting information online and didn't know where to go. I was referred to Trish by a friend and working with her has changed my life (honestly!). We went through the problems, how I was trying to resolve them and suggestion moving forward. It has been two weeks since working with Trish and my puppy is crate trained, potty trained and everything is so much more enjoyable. I really appreciate Trish and the care and concern she had for me and my puppy, I would recommend her to anyone and everyone who has a dog or looking to get a dog. Thank you so much Trish, your the best!
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Diana Rivera
30 May 2026
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Sarah is a legit certified dog behavior consultant & dog trainer! Her expertise in the subject are on point. She is very welcoming, warm, patient and professional. Our dog has completed one of her classes and in the four class meetings she has learned so much! Of course, we had to put in the time, but, with Sarah's guidance and teachings training our pup has been smooth and fun. We are definitely on board for signing up our pup for more of the courses that she offers.
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Karen Casillas
21 May 2026
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I loved these classes and my dog looked forward to them every week! My Looney is high energy and now we have a place to put that energy.