Obedience 2 — CGC Prep | Clever Canine Dog Training | Waterford, MI
Group Class — Oakland & Macomb Counties, Metro Detroit

Obedience 2 —
CGC Prep

Next stop: Neighborhood role model.

Your dog knows the basics — now it's time to make them reliable. Obedience 2 takes everything from Obedience 1 and proves it works in the real world: bigger distractions, advanced skills, and a clear path to AKC Canine Good Citizen certification.

✓ 4 weekly sessions ✓ Two certified trainers ✓ Max 6–8 dogs ✓ CGC certification path ✓ Any breed or size
Register Now — $200 Book a Free Discovery Call

Not sure if your dog is ready? Book a free call — we'll tell you honestly.

Dog obedience training class in Waterford Michigan
$200 Total Investment
4 Weekly Sessions
2 Certified Trainers
6–8 Dogs Max
Thu Apr 9 Next Class Starts · 6pm
Is this the right class?

Who Obedience 2 Is For

Prerequisite Must have successfully completed AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Obedience 1, a Clever Canine private training program, or have instructor approval.

You've done the foundation work. Your dog knows the commands — at home, in your backyard, when things are quiet. But the moment you're out in the world — other dogs, strangers, distractions everywhere — it falls apart. That's exactly what this class fixes.

Obedience 2 is where "sometimes listens" becomes "reliably listens." You're in the right place if:

  • Your dog has completed Obedience 1 and you want to keep progressing
  • Commands work at home but fall apart around distractions
  • You want to work toward the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification
  • Your dog is well-behaved but needs more reliability and polish
  • You want to brag about your dog — and actually have the proof to back it up
The CGC test can be administered by Clever Canine Dog Training and is available by appointment. Dogs that pass receive the official AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate Title.
Working toward
AKC Canine Good Citizen
The gold standard for dog behavior. Recognized by the American Kennel Club as proof that your dog is a well-mannered member of the community — at home and in public.
Open to all breeds
Both purebred and mixed-breed dogs are welcome to earn their CGC. Any size, any breed — what matters is training, not pedigree.
Register for Obedience 2 →
$200 · 4 weekly sessions · Starts April 9th
What you're working toward

The 10 AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Items

The CGC program is the gold standard for dog behavior — recognized by the American Kennel Club as proof of a well-mannered dog. Obedience 2 prepares your dog for every item on the test.

1
Accepting a Friendly Stranger
Dog allows a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the handler without showing resentment or shyness.
2
Sitting Politely for Petting
Dog sits and allows a stranger to pet it, showing no resentment or shyness.
3
Appearance and Grooming
Evaluator inspects the dog and lightly combs or brushes — showing the dog accepts handling from strangers.
4
Out for a Walk
Dog walks on a loose leash without pulling as the handler turns left, right, about-turns, and stops.
5
Walking Through a Crowd
Dog walks on-leash among people without pulling, lunging, jumping, or showing shyness.
6
Sit, Down, and Stay in Place
Dog demonstrates sit and down on command, then stays in position on a 20-foot line.
7
Coming When Called
Dog comes when called from 20 feet — reliably, not just when nothing else is going on.
8
Reaction to Another Dog
Dog shows only casual interest without approaching or reacting to another dog and handler.
9
Reaction to Distraction
Dog remains confident when exposed to both noise and movement distractions without panicking or becoming aggressive.
10
Supervised Separation
Handler leaves the dog with the evaluator for 3 minutes — dog doesn't become agitated or overly anxious.
The curriculum

What You'll Work On in Class

Obedience 2 takes every skill from Obedience 1 and builds reliability into it. The commands are the same — the challenge level is significantly higher.

Distraction Proofing

Commands that hold up when other dogs, people, sounds, and movement are nearby — not just in your quiet living room.

Advanced Loose Leash Walking

Turns, stops, crowds, and other dogs — loose leash walking that holds up in real-world environments, not just the training floor.

20-Foot Recall

Come reliably from 20 feet with distractions present — the standard required for CGC and one of the most important real-world skills.

Polite Greetings with Strangers

Stay calm and well-mannered when approached by unfamiliar people — sitting politely instead of jumping or pulling.

Calm Around Other Dogs

Show only casual interest when another dog is nearby — no lunging, no fixating, no reactivity. This is where impulse control gets tested.

Supervised Separation

Remain calm when the handler steps away for 3 minutes — building the confidence and self-regulation that prevents anxiety behaviors.

What makes this different

Why Clever Canine Gets Results When Others Haven't

Two certified trainers. Maximum 6–8 dogs. Individual coaching inside a group setting. No other training school in Metro Detroit offers this combination.

👥

Two Certified Trainers Per Class

Every session, every time. While one trainer runs the group, the other coaches you individually. You leave every session knowing exactly what to work on at home.

🐕

Maximum 6–8 Dogs

Small enough that your dog gets real attention. Large enough to provide genuine distraction training around other dogs and owners — exactly what CGC prep requires.

🏅

CGC Testing On-Site

Clever Canine is an authorized CGC test administrator. Ready to test? We can schedule it by appointment — no need to find a separate testing location.

What Metro Detroit families are saying

Real Dogs. Real Families. Real Results.

★★★★★

"I honestly had my doubts that she would ever be able to go for a walk with us, stop barking at strangers, or basically listen to us in general — but they proved me wrong. We got our life back and we are now very proud parents. Best money I ever spent."

Jenn B.
German Shepherd · reactivity & leash walking
★★★★★

"This is the first time we've left a training and been able to see that okay, this is actually working this time. We have tools, we have ways to manage him. It's been unlike any other experience we've had thus far."

Duke's owner
Australian Shepherd · fear, anxiety & reactivity
★★★★★

"It's definitely worth at least having the conversation at a free discovery session. They give the training more to you than the dog — they teach you with your dog. I have seen results and we are only halfway through."

Brittany A.
Pit Bull Terrier Mix · Oakland County
Obedience 2 — CGC Prep

Register for the April Class

Next class starts Thursday, April 9th at 6pm. Spots are limited to 6–8 dogs — click the date on the calendar below to register.

Not sure if your dog is ready for Obedience 2? Book a free discovery call first →

What to expect

What's Included in Every Session

Each week builds on the last with progressively more challenging distraction environments. You'll leave every session with a clear practice plan so progress continues at home between classes.

Students are given the opportunity to continue for additional sessions at the end of each round — as long as space is available — making Obedience 2 a class you can keep growing with until you're ready to test.

1
Register and confirm your spot
Register below. You'll receive a confirmation with everything you need before your first session.
2
Attend 4 weekly sessions with two certified trainers
Progressive distraction training each week. Two trainers means you get individual feedback alongside the group.
3
Practice at home with a clear plan
Specific take-home exercises after every session so the skills keep building between classes.
4
Test for your CGC when you're ready
We administer CGC tests by appointment on-site. When your dog is ready, we'll schedule the test — no need to go anywhere else.
What's included in Obedience 2
  • 4 weekly group training sessions
  • Two certified trainers present every session
  • Maximum 6–8 dogs per class
  • Progressive distraction training each week
  • All 10 AKC CGC test items practiced in class
  • Individual coaching within a group setting
  • Take-home practice plan after every session
  • Option to continue for additional sessions after graduation
  • CGC testing available by appointment at our facility
What to bring
Your dog on a regular 6-foot leash and high-value treats they love. The trainer will advise on any additional equipment. No new gear needed before the first session.
Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — completion of AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Obedience 1, a Clever Canine private training program, or instructor approval is a genuine prerequisite, not just a formality. Obedience 2 builds directly on the commands and concepts from Obedience 1. Dogs who skip the foundation work tend to struggle with the distraction levels in this class, and it isn't fair to other dogs in the group. If you're not sure whether your dog's prior training qualifies, book a free discovery call and we'll give you an honest assessment.
Obedience 2 is a CGC prep class — not a guaranteed certification. The class prepares your dog for every item on the CGC test, but the actual test is administered separately by appointment. Some dogs are ready to test after one round of Obedience 2; others benefit from continuing for another session first. We'll tell you honestly when your dog is ready. The good news: we administer the CGC test right here at our facility.
Yes — students can continue for additional sessions at the end of each round as long as space is available. Many owners find that continuing for a second or third round is what takes skills from "pretty good" to genuinely solid. It's a great option if you're not quite ready to test or simply want to keep progressing.
It depends on where your dog is. Obedience 2 involves working around other dogs at close range — which is great for building impulse control, but requires that your dog can be managed safely in that environment. Dogs with significant remaining reactivity may be better served with additional private sessions first. Book a free discovery call and describe what you're seeing — we'll tell you honestly whether the class is the right next step.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen is widely recognized as proof of a well-trained, well-mannered dog. Some landlords and homeowners associations accept CGC certification in place of breed restrictions. Many therapy dog organizations require CGC as a starting point. And beyond the practical benefits — it's bragging rights you've actually earned. Your dog passed a real test that most dogs never take.
All group classes are held at our facility at 4396 Dixie Hwy #3, Waterford, MI 48329. We're centrally located to serve Oakland County and Macomb County, and many of our families drive in from across Metro Detroit.