"Do you recommend or provide a Canine Good Citizen test as part of the class?" -- The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test is a minimal evaluation of the dog's potential as a well-mannered pet and is sometimes recommended. Any instructor teaching basic obedience classes should at least be familiar with the test and should encourage pet owners to certify their dogs. More information about this certification is available at the AKC website http://www.akc.org/.

Attending a class before enrolling: Make any arrangement necessary for you to observe a class of the level you are considering. Whether you have a puppy or young dog and possess little or no knowledge about obedience training, be sure to attend either a puppy or a basic obedience class. Watching a higher level class will not give you a firm grasp of the training techniques or problem-solving tactics used by the club, business, or instructor. If you intend to enroll your dog at training club classes, be sure to observe the instructor who will be teaching your class, for club instructors are volunteers whose skills may vary greatly.

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