CGC, does it matter where I train?

[Hope]

I have a question about this CGC testing. I really want to send Mondo to a trainer that I have known in my area for over 15 years, he trains all of the police dogs in our area and is especially adept at training large breed dogs like rottweilers, dobermans, German Shepards, etc. But, this trainer does not offer the CGC class or test.

Now, there is also the trainer that I had mondo with in his puppy class, she is very well known in the area, has written many books, and if I were to mention her name, probably many of you would know her. In fact, someone posted an article not long ago about dog training and this trainer was the author. She does offer CGC, but you are supposed to take the obedience class at her place of business if you want to take the CGC course and test.

So, here is the problem, I want to take Mondo to the first trainer, the k-9 trainer as he has more experience with rottweilers. While Mondo's class for kindergarten went well, and Mondo passed with flying colors, I really felt that the trainers and handlers in the class frowned upon having a rottweiler in the class, and I felt uncomfortable in such a situaiton. I stuck it out because Mondo needed the socialization, but no reason other than that did I stay. Indeed, this instructor is adept at trianing Ausrtalian Shepards, and while I feel she is very competent, I felt like the odd woman out in the puppy class, and I don't see that changing with obedience courses. SO, though I don't want to take Mondo to the second trainer, she is the one that offers the CGC test, but that is contingent on Mondo taking obedience with her.

Is this normal practice in terms of offering the CGC test and course only when obedience is taken first at the same business? Are there any other places that I can take Mondo eventually for CGC, and what does this test usually mean? Is this simply the next step in obedience after obedience 1,2, and 3. Is the CGC like his final exam in the end of all the training?

If someone has information about where to test for CGC in the San Diego area, it would be appreciated.

[Joanne in NJ]

Hope,
You need to do what you're comfortable with.
I've seen CGC tests advertised on the bullitan board at my vet. I think the fee quoted was around 10 dollars. Look around, you may find a club or a rescue doing them as fund raisers.
One of my girls passed her CGC a couple years ago but her TDI papers were never sent in so she has to do it again.

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