Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Twin Falls is going to the dogs.

Saturday at Sportsman's Warehouse canines from around the Magic Valley showed off their good manners.

It's all part of an American Kennel Club training program.

Buck, an 8–year old Golden Retriever, is certified by the AKC as a Canine Good Citizen.

"He's just really a sweet dog. And, he makes a lot of people smile when I take him out for a walk,” said Amy Rose, Buck’s owner.

Buck was one of several pooches that ran through the ten step evaluation Saturday.

Rose hopes it's the first step on an important journey.

"I'd like him to be a therapy dog, so I thought this would be a good first step. He's very affectionate,” said Rose.

The CGC test is designed to teach responsible dog ownership and provide basic training and good manners to dogs.

It tests dogs based on a variety of scenarios that could happen while out and about.

"Part of it is that you're able to take your dog out in public and people are not afraid. You can walk your dog and present to the public, not all dogs are mean. It's all in how they're trained,” said Donna Rhyne, President Snake River Kennel Club.

As Rhyne explains, one of the most difficult tests is Supervised Separation.

It demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary.

"You may have to just say hey, can you handle my dog for a minute and run to go to an emergency or anything like that. So, they know that anybody could do that," said Rhyne.

State legislatures have begun recognizing the CGC program as a way to advocate responsible dog ownership.

Thirty–four states now have Canine Good Citizen Resolutions.

"There are a lot of people out there that are afraid of dogs and if we can get to the public and let them know that you know they're okay," said Rhyne.

Breaking down barriers, one bark at a time.

For more information on the next Canine Good Citizen test or dog training go to the Snake River Canyon Kennel Club's website.