A NEW ERA OF LEADING WITH TRUST LOVE AND DIGNITY
You’ve put in the work — now let’s get the recognition.
The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program by the American Kennel Club (AKC) is the gold standard for well-mannered dogs and responsible owners. At Go Anywhere Dog, we’ll help you prepare for — and proudly pass — this milestone the kind way: no intimidation, no forced compliance, just science-based trust and teamwork.
A NEW ERA OF LEADING WITH TRUST LOVE AND DIGNITY
You’ve put in the work — now let’s get the recognition.
The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program by the American Kennel Club (AKC) is the gold standard for well-mannered dogs and responsible owners. At Go Anywhere Dog, we’ll help you prepare for — and proudly pass — this milestone the kind way: no intimidation, no forced compliance, just science-based trust and teamwork.
You’ve put in the work — now let’s get the recognition.
The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program by the American Kennel Club (AKC) is the gold standard for well-mannered dogs and responsible owners. At Go Anywhere Dog, we’ll help you prepare for — and proudly pass — this milestone the kind way: no intimidation, no forced compliance, just science-based trust and teamwork.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen program promotes polite, socially responsible dogs who can confidently participate in everyday life. Think of it as your pup’s “driver’s license for manners.”
Dogs who pass the 10-item CGC test earn a nationally recognized title that demonstrates real-world obedience, calm confidence, and emotional regulation — qualities that make them awesome neighbors, travel buddies, and future therapy dogs.
Each test item evaluates your dog’s ability to stay calm, social, and responsive — even in unpredictable situations. To pass, dogs must:
Greet a friendly stranger calmly.
Sit politely for petting.
Allow grooming and gentle handling by a stranger.
Walk on a loose leash using a flat collar or harness.
Navigate a small crowd calmly and confidently.
Perform sit, down, and stay on cue.
Come when called.
Pass another dog and handler politely without reacting.
Stay composed during a distraction (like a dropped object or sudden noise).
Remain calm with a stranger when their owner steps away briefly.
No treats or harsh tools allowed — just your connection, communication, and skill.
Emotional resilience starts early. Puppies are more open to new experiences and recover from surprises faster than adult dogs. Our puppy curriculum focuses on co-regulation, play, and trust — the same foundations required for a CGC-ready adult dog.
The CGC test isn’t just about obedience — it’s about confidence. Our classes build emotional fluency through carefully structured off-leash play and real-world exposure. Your dog learns to handle people, dogs, and environments without fear or overexcitement.
We train for life, not for test day. You’ll practice leash skills at parks, patio manners at breweries, and calm greetings in real environments across Minneapolis. By the time you test, your dog’s CGC behaviors are second nature.
We love the CGC for what it stands for — but we’ve got opinions. 😉
We believe dogs should always be allowed to earn rewards. The AKC’s “no-treats” rule is outdated and sometimes counterproductive. Reward-based training creates reliability and joy — the very behaviors the test aims to measure.
So we teach our dogs with reinforcement first. Once those behaviors are rock-solid, passing the test without treats becomes effortless.
Absolutely! The CGC is open to all dogs, purebred or mixed, AKC-registered or not. Any dog who can complete all 10 test items with calm confidence can earn the title.
If your dog’s still working on confidence, social skills, or leash manners — no problem. Our programs meet you right where you are.
You’re already in the right place. Every Go Anywhere Dog class lays the groundwork for CGC success.
Puppy Classes — for pups under 16 weeks
Life Skills 101 — for dogs over 16 weeks
In-Home Training — customized, one-on-one guidance
Private Dog Training — refine CGC skills in real environments
We offer CGC prep and testing in Minneapolis, Edina, Bloomington, Richfield, Hopkins, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, and surrounding nearby suburbs.
We provide both CGC Training and official testing.
Your dog can train, practice, and earn the title all with one trusted team.
Whether your goal is bragging rights, a therapy dog pathway, or simply a calm companion — we’ll help you get there, with boundaries that build trust, not trauma.
Schedule your CGC prep or test →
Go Anywhere Dog’s trusted team of certified dog trainers have helped thousands of pups across Eden Prairie and the Twin Cities become calm, confident companions. With over a decade of experience and a passion for science-based training, we’ve got your back—paws down.
✔ Small Dog Classes Separated From Big Dogs for safe and positive interactions.
✔ Off-Leash Training to build confidence and real-world skills.
✔ A Go Anywhere Dog® Curriculum that prepares your pup for a lifetime of adventures.
✔ Expert Puppy Trainers – over a decade of experience using gentle, science-backed methods.
Dog Life Coach
Emily Niemeyer
Dog Life Coach
Ashley Fordyce
Dog Life Coach - Owner
Jody Karow - CTC
Admin Extraordinaire
Jeannie Bingenheimer
Modern Puppies Need Modern Training – Learn more about The Go Anywhere Dog® Training Methodology
WE LOVE WHAT WE DO & IT SHOWS
Real stories from local families raising Go Anywhere Dogs with us.
🗣️ "Go Anywhere Dog throws out the old ways of how we communicate with and train dogs, welcoming in a new era of leading with love, trust and dignity -
and the results are ASTONISHING!
Sara Pohlad
Ralph's Mom
Edina, MN
🗣️ "In class I learned a lot of skills to reinforce the good behaviors and how to be mindful of the fears the puppies might have. The methods have been extremely effective.
The behaviors stick!"
Janie Lovelock -
Dog Foster Mom
Safe Hands Rescue
Chanhassen, MN
🗣️ "The techniques we've learned opened our eyes to a different approach to puppy training and helped us understand dog behavior. We've seen great progress in our dog!
Highly Recommend"
Kelly Tierney
Baily's Mom
Minneapolis, MN
WE LOVE WHAT WE DO & IT SHOWS
🗣️ "We’ve loved every single class from Go Anywhere Dog! We started with puppy class, and have completed 101 & 201. It’s a super great value for five weeks of class!
The classes are small, and you get a lot of dog-parenting information throughout."
Mary Jacob's
Birdie's Mom
Eden Prairie, MN
🗣️ “Our puppy "graduated" from basic 101 training. We also do private training with Emily at home for additional guidance.
The classes provided awesome guidance & training tips. GAD uses a positive, reinforcing training that clicks with the dogs.”
Mindy Benton
Hawkeye's Mom
Minneapolis, MN
🗣️ "We tried countless other trainers with our first dog, and our vet recommended Go Anywhere Dog.
We’ve been so impressed with how far our Mia has come! Ashley noticed our Mia showing signs of anxiety & fear. She gave us tips to help her feel brave."
Allison Justin
Mia's Mom
Hopkins, MN
WE LOVE WHAT WE DO & IT SHOWS
🗣️ “Emily's has provided really awesome guidance for day to day and minute to minute training tips.
Go Anywhere Dog uses a very positive reinforcing type training that seems to click with the dogs.
Ecstatic with our puppy's progress! ”
Mindy Benton
Haweye's Mom
Minneapolis, MN
🗣️ " You can tell they truly LOVE your pup!
I adopted my pup Zulu, at 6 months old as a rescue. He wasn’t given the chance to properly socialize. He was nervous and timid anywhere I took him. It was amazing how well he progressed"
Barbara C.
Zulu's Mom
Eden Prairie, MN
🗣️ “Here's a marriage of high, high quality information with smart, user-friendly delivery, and on a topic dear to my heart: dog behavior & training.
My fervent hope is to see Go Anywhere Dog change life for thousands of dogs’.
I’m willing to bet on it.”
Jean Donaldson
Dog Behaviorist
Academy For Dog Trainers
Our state-of-the-art puppy & dog training school is open.
📍New Go Anywhere Dog School:
14500 Martin Dr, Suite #1500,
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Near Mitchell Road and Martin Drive, just off 212.
We offer in-home services throughout Eden Prairie & Minneapolis – Western and Southwestern suburbs, and off-leash group classes at our Eden Prairie training school.
All Puppy & Dog Training Classes are held at:
📍14500 Martin Dr
Suite #1500,
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Our new state-of-the-art Puppy Training School is now open.
At Go Anywhere Dog, our team isn’t just passionate — we’re professionally educated, deeply experienced, and 100% invested in helping you and your dog thrive.
Certified Dog Life Coaches with 20+ years of hands-on experience
Science-backed methods rooted in modern canine behavioral research
Ongoing education through leading programs like The Academy for Dog Trainers
We believe that love, trust, and dignity are the foundation of every great training journey — and every Go Anywhere Dog® starts with a coach who gets it.
Whether you’re navigating puppyhood or addressing behavior issues, our Minneapolis & suburban clients love these top-rated training options.
Socialization, obedience skills, and fun! Held at our Premier Puppy School in Eden Prairie. Includes weekly Q&A, contests, & access to our Puppy eCourse.
Under 16 weeks old start here
Go beyond basic obedience with advanced off-leash skills & puppy playtime. Building emotional resilience & real-world readiness. For dogs ready to level up.
Over 16 weeks old start here
Potty training, play biting, crate confidence, come when called — all from the comfort of your home. Private puppy sessions tailored to you.
Jumping? Pulling?
Barking? Aggression?
Our behavior experts create a step-by-step in-home training plan for your dog’s unique needs.
Want it all? Combine in-home puppy training, group classes, virtual coaching, and more. Our most comprehensive training experience.
Based in Eden Prairie. We serve Minneapolis & the Southwest Suburbs.
Classes are held at our Eden Prairie facility; in-home training is available across the Minneapolis metro and southwest suburbs.
