CGCA/CGCU
Credential & Advancement Benchmarks
The CGCA (Advanced Canine Good Citizen) and CGCU (Urban Canine Good Citizen) titles build beyond CGC by evaluating reliability in more complex environments. These titles confirm that communication, engagement, and handler partnership remain intact as distractions, movement, and environmental pressure increase.
Within Wasatch, CGCA and CGCU are treated as confirmations of durability, not finish lines. They reflect a team’s ability to carry clarity and reliability forward as expectations expand, rather than rushing advancement for the sake of titles alone.
Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA)
Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU)
Represents reliable behavior carried into more complex environments
At Wasatch, these titles are not treated as endpoints. They confirm that foundational communication, engagement, and reliability remain intact as expectations, environments, and responsibility increase.
Program Structure
CGC, CGCA, and CGCU preparation at Wasatch is built through deliberate exposure, consistent criteria, and clear expectations rather than checklist rehearsal. Skills are developed to hold under distraction, novelty, and real-world context so the title reflects true reliability, not temporary performance.
Clear evaluation criteria aligned to AKC CGCA/CGCU standards
Progressive exposure to advanced environments and real-world distractions
Consistent handling expectations to ensure reliable, transferable behavior
Preparation that prioritizes stability, clarity, and long-term confidence
Program Availability
CGCA and CGCU exist within the Wasatch system as advanced confirmations of stability, neutrality, and reliability in real-world environments. These titles reflect a dog’s ability to maintain clear communication and composed behavior amid distraction, movement, and pressure, reinforcing standards that extend beyond testing and into daily life and continued progression.
Offered through structured group classes
Private preparation available when appropriate
Stand alone testing available upon request
Within the Wasatch System
This credential exists within the Base Layer of the Wasatch system and reinforces the same standards of clarity, reliability, and composure that support all higher-level training. CGCA and CGCU validate that communication and behavior remain consistent under increased expectation, distraction, and environmental pressure—creating a stable platform for continued progression across disciplines.
Begin Your Ascent
Every program at Wasatch is built on the same foundation: clarity, structure, and intentional progression. The intake process ensures training begins at the correct starting point for each dog and team.
This allows training to remain stable, effective, and aligned with the standards that support long-term development across all disciplines.