American Kennel Club (AKC) Training Programs
Known as the oldest and most respected canine organizations in the US, the American Kennel Club’s (AKC’s) training programs are offered at The Dog Wizard. We help with everything from laying the puppy foundations through the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training program to earning the prestigious Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title.
Certified AKC Trainers
For Puppies and Adult Dogs
Step-by-Step Certification Support
Why AKC Dog Training Matters
AKC dog training is considered the gold standard in dog behavior and obedience. Training your dog through AKC programs such as S.T.A.R. Puppy or Canine Good Citizen training builds reliability, focus, and trust while strengthening your bond. The training is comprehensive and covers aspects such as:
- Basic manners
- Obedience
- Commands
- Mastering calm and confident behavior in daily life
- And much more.
With an AKC certified dog trainer and a supportive learning environment, your dog will become a well-behaved companion, promoting good community citizenship and responsible dog ownership.
How AKC Training Works
Our process is simple, structured, and designed for progress. From evaluation to certification, each stage brings you closer to a confident, well-mannered dog.
Free Evaluation and Program Match
Meet our AKC-certified dog trainers. Your assigned trainer will assess your dog’s behavior, age, and experience to recommend the right track (S.T.A.R. Puppy, Obedience, or CGC).
Hands-On Classes and Guidance
Attend weekly lessons that focus on manners, leash skills, recall, and public behavior. Our trainers provide real feedback and assign homework tips for home practice.
Certification and Continued Growth
Once your dog masters the skills, we prepare you for AKC testing and help you maintain training through ongoing group classes and lifetime support. We can also evaluate your dog and issue your dog certification.
Our AKC Dog Training Programs
We offer AKC-approved programs such as AKC obedience training, puppy manners training, crate and potty training and more. We help dogs and their owners achieve excellence, no matter what the dog’s age or breed may be. From new puppy foundations to Canine Good Citizen certification, our courses are designed to meet your every goal as an owner, from obedience and social confidence to pursuing official AKC titles.
What Your Dog Will Learn
Ready to be a responsible community citizen, proud of your dog’s manners and good behavior? Solidify that with AKC dog training certification from The Dog Wizard. With us, each class builds skills that last a lifetime. From social manners and advanced obedience under distraction to public confidence, AKC training leads to dogs that are a pleasure to live with and proud to show off. You’ll master
- Leash handling
- Off-leash focus
- Calm greetings
- Recall
- Structured play
Our balanced, reward-based approach ensures learning stays positive and progress remains steady.
Why Choose The Dog Wizard for AKC Training
Magical Methodologies
All of our trainers use balanced training techniques that are proven to be effective in and out of the classroom.
Everywhere Dogs Are
With over 100 locations — the majority of them being mobile — we have the ability to bring balanced dog training right to you.
Trained to Transform
Our knowledgeable trainers complete a rigorous dog training curriculum through The Dog Wizard Academy that teaches them methods that truly work
A Lifetime of Support
Those who complete our obedience programs have access to indefinite group class training support.
Become a Proud AKC Certified Owner
Whether you’re wondering what AKC training is, how to start AKC puppy training, how to earn a Canine Good Citizen title, or even how to register for AKC certification, The Dog Wizard is here to help. We know and deeply recognize that earning an AKC certification is more than recognition. It’s proof of your dog’s manners, obedience, and focus. That’s why our certified trainers support you at every step, from registration to passing evaluations. You’ll gain the skills and confidence to maintain your dog’s training long after graduation. Regardless of what your ultimate goal is, from passing the S.T.A.R. Puppy program or getting certified as a Canine Good Citizen, we’ll help you and your dog reach it together.
AKC Canine Good Citizen and Beyond
Why Balanced Dog Training Works
The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title represents the highest standard in responsible dog ownership. Dogs that pass show confidence, composure, and obedience in public. Once achieved, you can continue with advanced AKC titles like Urban CGC or Community Canine. Looking for professional and helpful AKC dog classes near me? Let our trainers at The Dog Wizard guide you through each requirement, ensuring your dog is fully prepared for testing and success, at home, in parks, or on city streets.
All Dog Breeds Are Welcome
AKC training is open to all breeds, from purebred to all types of mixed breeds, and all age groups. We believe that every dog has the potential to earn AKC titles. Our trainers adapt lessons to your dog’s temperament, ensuring fair, inclusive learning experiences. Whether you’re training a rescue, a family pet, or a show dog, we celebrate every milestone and help you showcase your dog’s unique strengths.
Real Success Stories
Ready to read some of our puppy training testimonials and puppy training success stories? Here’s what some of our puppy parents have to say about working with us:
I can’t tell you how much a difference The Dog Wizard has made in our lives. I highly recommend them! Our dog Roxy was a bolter, and we chased her countless times around our neighborhood. Several times she would run up to the main road, and we were terrified Roxy was going get hit by a car. However, after her training at the Dog Wizard, she is like a new dog. We can now take her outside with us and not be afraid she will bolt off. I can also take her to my kids games and let her run and have fun. As much time as we like to spend outdoors, it has been life changing for us to be able to include Roxy in all our family activities without the anxiety of her taking off. Thanks Dog Wizard!
Contacting Patrick with Louisville Dog Wizard was one of the greatest things I could have done for my dog! Obedience was never the issue for us, but rather reactivity and anxiety that resulted in some fear-based aggression. I’ve been through several trainers, but Patrick gave me the most realistic approach to handling the issues that were inherited with adopting an older dog. He fully understood what we needed to accomplish, and guided us in establishing a training plan with goals that didn’t overreach her capabilities. I learned so much about how to better communicate with my dog, thereby strengthening our relationship, and giving me a sense of confidence in her and my ability to handle her. Two thumbs up from a happy customer here!!!
I brought my 8 year old beagle Eli to the Dog Wizard and completed the 4 day fundamentals program. All I can say is WOW. I was at a loss of what to do as anytime Eli saw another dog on walks he would bay and howl uncontrollably which was really stressful for us both and other people walking their dogs. We had done private training lessons before at another place but it did not improve his behavior. I was scared that since he is an older dog, the behavior would be so engrained in him that it could not be corrected. I was completely wrong! I couldn’t believe the transformation that took place within a few days. When I came to pick him up he was around 5 other dogs but his focus was solely on me while walking on leash. He now walks on a leash well at home and when he sees other dogs is able to remain calm. Most importantly the trainers gave me the tools to refocus Eli if he gets off track so I don’t feel nervous bringing him on walks anymore, I actually thoroughly enjoy it. My boyfriend and I still can’t believe this is the same dog! Cannot wait to bring him on a hike in a few weeks, which I thought would never be possible! Truly life changing. Can’t wait to participate in pack walks!
AMAZING! AMAZING! You know in life how you always buy services that turn out to be a waste of money? This is the first time in a LONG time I can honestly say it was WORTH every cent! At first I was a NERVOUS wreck leaving my Gator from 2 weeks for the homeward bound program. Our trainer did a fabulous job with follow up calls, texts and on facebook posts. Immediately my husband and I were blown away seeing what he was doing online. When we went to pick him up it was such a happy teary day! My dog blew our minds! Just like anything in life our dog Gator’s success is dependent on our follow through and practicing with him. Before you couldn’t even walk our dog without your arm being pulled out of its socket, now he calmly trots in heel beside us. I highly recommend DOG WIZARD. For those reading this whose dog is at DOG WIZARD now and are missing your dog so so much… trust me… he/she will remember you and be so happy to see you when you pick them up. Such a great moment. GOOD LUCK DOG LOVERS! I am writing this now 2 months post dog wizard. The examples of how he is calm when the doorbell rings, walks perfect, stays in “place” for LONG periods of time continues to amaze me. I gladly boast about Dog Wizard on a weekly basis. Best investment. The key is you the owner HAVE to be dedicated to work with your dog once they get home. We go to the free classes on Saturdays. They really mean it when they say “free training for the life of your dog.”
Our 15th month old German Shepherd was a bundle of energy with no structure. It has been years since we’ve had a puppy in our home and we were frazzled. After doing extensive research, we called Matt and discussed our issues with chaos. After a evaluation we decided to go with the 2 week program they offered. Matt was excellent with chaos and with us. Chaos now has the structure he needed and we learned how to provide that structure for him. Best decision we ever made! For anyone looking for an excellent trainer, I highly recommend Matt and The South Atlanta Dog Wizard.
The Fort Collins Dog Wizard and Jess is an AMAZING trainer and I highly recommend her! I have been very pleased with her services both for my own dogs and for my client’s dogs. Her attention to detail and down-to-earth approach is great.
