The SCDTC offers the opportunity for you and your dog to test for a variety of programs further described below:

SCDTC now offers the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy program through our Puppy and Beginner classes. Puppies under the age of 12 months can participate. Participants will receive:

For more information, see the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.

Canine Good Citizen is an American Kennel Club (AKC) certification program that is open to all dogs – mixed breed or purebred (AKC registration is optional). It is intended to reward responsible pet ownership and good dog manners (see the AKC CGC Program). To receive the certificate, your dog must successfully demonstrate it can perform basic obedience, such as walking on a loose lead and coming when called, as well as behave politely around people and other dogs. Although AKC recommends waiting until a dog is an adult before taking the CGC test, as long as all immunizations have been completed, there are no age restrictions. For test details, please see the AKC CGC Test Items.

SCDTC offers the CGC test a few times each year. There are a limited number of test slots available and they fill quickly. All dogs are welcome though priority is given to SCDTC students. Sign up for the test by filling out and mailing in the CGC/TDI Registration Form. You must sign up and pay for the test before your registration is guaranteed. Those signing up for the CGC test are encouraged to take the TDI Workshop first as it includes a demonstration of the test. There is no charge for the workshop (see Therapy Dogs International (TDI) Test below).

If you are taking the CGC test, bring a brush and, optionally, your dog's AKC registration number. Your dog may wear a buckle or slip collar; pinch collars and head halters are not permitted. You may talk to your dog throughout the test but may only pet it between exercises. Food and toys are not permitted. On the day you take the test, please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in and fill out the test form. The test takes about 10 minutes to complete.

If your dog passes the CGC test and you send AKC the test result form, a CGC certificate will be mailed to you and, if you provided an AKC registration number, will be noted in your dog's AKC record.

Therapy Dogs International is a volunteer organization of dogs and handlers that provide comfort and companionship by visiting care facilities, supporting disaster stress relief programs, and encouraging reading skills through the Children Reading to Dogs program (see TDI Program). Therapy dogs must be at least one year old, in good health, and pass a temperament evaluation. This evaluation includes all components of the AKC Canine Good Citizen test (for more details, see Canine Good Citizen Test above) as well as additional steps to demonstrate your dog's ability to behave well under conditions it might encounter when working as a therapy dog (see test details and instructions from our TDI Evaluator). Note that the TDI test certifies the dog and the handler. Each dog-handler team wishing to volunteer must pass the test and register with TDI. A handler who wants to work with two dogs at a time must first pass the test with each individual dog and then again with both dogs together (i.e., three tests).

SCDTC holds an informational TDI Workshop that covers what to expect:

• In the actual evaluation test (TDI and CGC)
• When working as a therapy dog team
• How to get started as a therapy dog team
• Demonstrations by therapy dog teams
• Question and Answer period

The TDI Workshop is mandatory for those taking the TDI test. However, please join us for the workshop even if you are undecided on being a therapy dog team or just interested in CGC. Please bring a chair, notebook and pen to take notes with. There is no charge for this workshop. Do not bring your dog to the workshop.

SCDTC offers the TDI test a few times each year. There are a limited number of test slots available and they fill quickly. All dogs are welcome though priority is given to SCDTC students. Sign up for the workshop and test by filling out and mailing in the CGC/TDI Registration Form. You must sign up and pay for the test before your registration is guaranteed.

If you are taking the test, bring a brush and, optionally, your dog's AKC registration number. Your dog must wear a buckle collar; slip collars, pinch collars, head halters, etc., are not permitted. You may talk to your dog throughout the test but may only pet it between exercises. Food and toys are not permitted. On the day you take the test, please arrive 20 minutes early to sign in and fill out the CGC and TDI test forms. The test takes about 10 minutes to complete. Note that the TDI evaluation includes the CGC test. If your dog has previously passed the CGC test, you will still need to complete it again as part of your TDI evaluation.

If you and your dog pass the test, the TDI Evaluator will sign your registration form and return it to you. Within three months, you must complete the forms and other TDI registration requirements (see TDI registration requirements) and apply for TDI membership. Once accepted, you will need to remain active as a TDI volunteer and renew your membership annually (you do not need to repeat the test).

Separately, if you send the CGC test result form to AKC, a CGC certificate will be mailed to you and, if you provided an AKC registration number, will be noted in your dog's AKC record.