Canine Good Citizen Classes

Our Canine Good Citizen classes are designed to empower you and your dog with the skills and confidence needed to be exemplary companions in any setting.

While not every team will achieve certification, those who do demonstrate will their ability to be respectful and well-mannered members of society. Successful participants will earn a prestigious Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club and Pickles Playland, a trophy, and, for dogs 35 pounds or less, a package of 5 free daycare visits.

As with every kind of event at Pickles Playland we are not able to accept people under 21yrs old in our building. This is a state law, not our rule.

Class Details:

  • Duration: 5 weekly sessions.

  • Cost: $250 per dog

  • Open to: Puppies and adult dogs of all ages

  • Awards: American Kennel Club’s C.G.C. certificate, Pickles Playland certificate, mini trophy, 5 free daycare visit package (for dogs 35lbs or less), & an amazingly well behaved dog

  • Upcoming dates: Issaquah: Mondays at 7pm. Nov 11th, 18th, 25th, Dec 2nd, 9th. Kirkland: Sundays at 11am. Dec 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th.

Skills Covered:

  • Greeting friendly strangers

  • Welcoming people into your home

  • Sitting politely for petting

  • Appearance and grooming

  • Walking on a loose leash

  • Proper on-leash interactions

  • Navigating through crowds politely

  • Mastering sit, down, and stay commands

  • Reliable recall

  • Positive dog-to-dog interactions

  • Responding appropriately to distractions

  • Handling supervised and unsupervised separations

What to Bring:

  • A list of questions for the Q&A session at the end of each class

  • A notepad and pen

  • Your dog

  • A standard leash (no retractable leashes)

  • Your dog’s collar or harness (harnesses are not recommended)

  • Three types of tiny training treats (about the size of a kibble)

  • A treat bag or dispenser that clips to your pants

  • For the recall class: a 10-foot leash (non-retractable)

  • A small bed, towel, or blanket

  • Any family members or caregivers 21+ who wish to participate

Join us to build a strong bond with your dog and achieve certification that highlights your commitment to responsible pet ownership!

The fine print:

  1. Puppies and dogs must have at least one bordetella, one distemper, and one rabies vaccine before registering for class.

  2. These classes are for people 21yrs+ only (it’s a state law, not ours). Please register in the client portal (see client portal button on this website) to reserve your dog’s spot in class.

  3. Additional private sessions available upon request at $200/session. These can take place in your home, in public, or at one of the Pickles Playland locations.

  4. Dogs who do not pass this class or want to take it again receive $50 off for the next class.

  5. If you send different people to classes please ensure they know and have the skills to follow up with the next steps of training for the class they’re joining. This will help them and your dog become more comfortable. You’re welcome to bring dog sitters, friends, and family members.

  6. Please refrain from recording our classes. The information in these classes is not widely distributed on social media and/or recorded because we have chosen not to. If you have questions or want to record a specific training technique for you and your dog we can schedule a private session to do so.

  7. Cancelation policy: We only accept 6 dogs per class. Reservations are non-refundable for any reason. If you miss a class you can choose to schedule a private training session if you’d like, at the standard rate of $200 per private session.