This looks like a worthy goal to pursue. Does anyone know if we are required to attend a series of obedience classes before testing, or can the dog owners do the training themselves?

[mrandrei]

It's possible to train your dog at home. Obedience classes are not really a necessity. But it takes time and effort. If you plan to train your dog, I suggest you read Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson. This forum also offers tons of canine training tips!

Yes, I have my dog obedience trained pretty well now (I trained her myself). There are just a couple of things we need to work on if we want the CGC-- mostly regarding stranger approach, and distraction around other dogs. I take her to the park every night, and it is often busy, with people playing ball or walking their own dogs, and so forth, so it offers opportunities for practice.