The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen program is ideal for owners seeking a recognized certification and structured obedience training in a real-world setting. Brain Training For Dogs is a better choice for owners looking for an affordable, online program to address specific behavioral issues and provide mental stimulation through games and puzzles.
| Attribute | American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Program | Brain Training For Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Name | American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Program | Brain Training For Dogs |
| Certification Offered | AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate | The program itself doesn't offer a formal certification. It is created by Adrienne Farricelli, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer. |
| Trainer Qualifications | AKC-approved CGC evaluator | Created by Adrienne Farricelli, a CPDT-KA certified professional dog trainer with over 10 years of experience. She also holds certifications from the Italian Association for Dog Trainers and Canine Consultants. |
| Training Methods | Basic obedience commands (sit, stay, down, come, heel), positive reinforcement, real-world exposure in public spaces, controlled interactions with other dogs and people | Uses positive reinforcement techniques. Focuses on mental stimulation through games and puzzles. Avoids harsh methods or punishment. |
| Curriculum Structure | Teaches 10 skills, covers responsible dog ownership, 8-week sample curriculum available | Structured like a school curriculum, progressing through levels: Preschool, Elementary, High School, College, University, Graduation, and Einstein. Each level includes step-by-step guides, pictures, and video demonstrations. Includes Obedience 101 training to teach basic commands. |
| Personalization | Some programs account for a dog's unique personality and needs | Suitable for all breeds and ages. Allows owners to address specific behavioral issues. |
| Support Availability | Training resources provided by AKC, list of AKC Training Clubs available | Includes a support system. Users can submit questions directly to Adrienne Farricelli. Provides access to a private forum for discussions. |
| Accessibility | Open to all dogs regardless of age, breed, or prior training, classes offered at local AKC Training Clubs and some Petco locations | An online program, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Training materials are available as ebooks and videos. |
| Time Commitment | Training: 1-2 months, classes: 4-8 weeks, 1 hour per week | Lessons are broken down into 10-15 minute sessions. |
| Equipment Needed | Collar, leash, legally compliant identification tag, toys, treats, grooming brush, drying towel | Some games may require readily available items like tennis balls or muffin tins. Substitutions are often provided. |
| Guaranteed Results | Designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community | Offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. |
| Cost | Test only: $20-$85, AKC title/certificate submission: $15-$25, varies depending on the training facility | $47 to $67 (one-time payment, some sources mention a previous price of $97) |
| Price | Not available | $47 to $67 (one-time payment, some sources mention a previous price of $97) |
| Ratings | Not available | Overall positive based on user feedback. |