A six-week 4-H dog obedience class will be held Tuesday nights beginning March 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building in Voorheesville. The cost is $25.

This class is geared to dogs with basic obedience skills.  Participants will practice the skills necessary to meet test requirements for the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Program. Testing will be available at the 4-H Regional Dog Day to be held Saturday, April 30, at the Albany Obedience Club on Wemple Road in Glenmont.

Started in 1989, the CGC Program is designed to recognize dogs that have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs.

All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Owners interested in placing a title (CGC) after their dog’s registered name may register with the American Kennel Club.

The evaluation consists of ten objectives. Test items include:

— Accepting a friendly stranger;

— Sitting politely for petting;

— Allowing basic grooming procedures;

— Walking on a loose lead;

— Walking through a crowd;

— Sitting and lying down on command and staying in place;

— Coming when called;

— Reacting appropriately to another dog;

— Reacting appropriately to distractions; and

— Calmly enduring supervised separation from the owner.

Testing is not a necessary end for this class, but it is a nice way to recognize the efforts of your dog and to let others know what you already know — you have a great dog!

To register, contact Barb Stevens by e-mail at or the 4-H office at (518) 765-3500.