Dog Training & K9 Good Citizen Classes in Houston, TX

At CAWLM Veterinary Hospital + Spa, we believe a well-trained dog is a happy dog — and a happy dog makes for a happy home. That's why we're proud to offer professional dog training programs right here at our Houston facility, led by a certified partner trainer who is certified by the Animal Behavior College (ABC) and shares our commitment to compassionate, effective care.

Whether you have a brand new puppy, an adolescent dog with some rough edges, or a pup you'd love to see earn their AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate, we have a program for you.

AKC K9 Good Citizen (CGC) Class

The AKC Canine Good Citizen program is one of the most recognized dog training certifications in the country — and it's a wonderful goal for any dog and owner team. Our K9 Good Citizen classes teach your dog the foundational skills they need to be a well-mannered companion in everyday life.

Skills covered in the CGC program include:

  • Accepting a friendly stranger

  • Sitting politely for petting

  • Appearance and grooming acceptance

  • Walking on a loose leash

  • Walking through a crowd

  • Sit, down, and stay on command

  • Coming when called

  • Reacting appropriately to other dogs

  • Reacting calmly to distractions

  • Supervised separation

Upon successful completion, your dog will be eligible to receive their official AKC Canine Good Citizen certification — a milestone that's great for building confidence in both dogs and their owners!

Classes are held in a group setting, making them a wonderful opportunity for socialization as well as learning.

Board & Train Program

Want faster results? Our board & train program is an immersive training experience where your dog stays with us and receives focused, consistent training throughout their visit. It's an ideal option for busy Houston families, dogs who need extra attention, or owners who want to jumpstart their dog's training before transitioning to at-home practice.

Our board & train program is great for:

  • Basic obedience (sit, stay, come, heel)

  • Leash manners

  • Jumping and impulse control

  • Building confidence in anxious or reactive dogs

  • Puppies getting a strong start

When you pick your dog up, we'll walk you through everything they've learned and give you the tools to continue their progress at home — because consistency between sessions is key.

Why Train at CAWLM?

Training at a veterinary hospital means your dog's overall wellbeing is always front and center. Our partner trainer works hand in hand with our veterinary team, so if behavioral concerns have an underlying medical component — like anxiety, pain, or a neurological issue — we can address the whole picture together.

It's a level of integrated care you simply won't find at a traditional training facility.

Ready to Enroll? Call us at (832) 662-2956 or visit our K9 Good Citizen class page to sign up. Spots fill quickly, so we recommend enrolling early!

Serving Houston, TX including Museum District, Third Ward, Midtown, Medical Center, Downtown, Pearland, Katy, Sugar Land, Kingwood, Spring, Cypress, The Woodlands, and surrounding areas.

A person in gray pants and brown shoes is standing on grass, reaching out to a small, white and brown dog wearing a red and black checkered bandana, on a green outdoor field with blurred trees in the background.

Did you know? The CGC certificate can also help your dog get accepted into pet-friendly apartment housing in Houston. Many landlords and apartment communities recognize the AKC CGC as proof that your dog is well-behaved and safe around others. If you're renting or planning to move, this certification could make all the difference.

Classes are held in a group setting, making them a wonderful opportunity for socialization as well as learning. All classes are led by our Animal Behavior College (ABC) certified trainer, ensuring your dog receives professional, science-backed instruction every step of the way.