What is a good age to start CGC classes and evaluation?

[Emery & Watson]

My pup, Watson just finished his puppy class this past week and is currently 14 weeks old.  Other than being a little timid with new objects, he did wonderfully.  He can stay in a sit and down position for at least 20 seconds (guesstimating, I've never timed it) while I walk around the room or disappear out of sight for a second.  He comes when called, gives a toy when asked, fetches, gives paw, rolls over, and can leave it (does it well inside.. we're working on how he does outside with normal distractions).  If he has exercised beforehand, he is decent at loose leash walking.  

He still gets super excited when meeting new people and likes to try to jump up on them, but we're trying to work on that.

Our trainer said he could probably skip the next level class that they have, Pet Manners, and move to their CGC class next.  

I think he is a little young to go into a CGC class (starts in a couple weeks) and I'm anticipating some teenage stubbornness coming up as well.  

When would you all recommend that he goes to a CGC class?  

[Kate, Mel, Tenley & Harper]

You can't test until 6 months, but I think there is no harm in doing the class. I found the CGC class to be one of the most beneficial training classes. Maybe print out the test materials, watch the video online, and start practicing the activities with him at home and make a call closer to the class start date?

Personally, I'd also express the concerns you expressed here with his trainer who knows him well and knows the type of students that are normally in the class. Express concern about what you see as his shortcomings, too. I've seen CGC classes that are full of adult dogs (2+ years in age) and CGC classes that are full of young dogs and puppies. It really depends. The class is designed to prepare you for the CGC so if you're not TOTALLY there yet, that is the entire point of the class :)

[Emery & Watson]

Thanks!  I think I was most concerned with him being in a class with a bunch of adult dogs.  I definitely want to keep working on his training 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Just a thought - why not take the Puppy Manners class, and then progress to CGC.  My first doodle Charlie was off the charts easy to train.  He passed his CGC at 8 months and I was so proud of him, but most of the dogs were so much older.  The instructor generally used Charlie has an example when she was showing the new lesson for the week.  The Puppy Manners class will reinforce everything he already know and then he will be a little older when he starts CGC.  I have found that training is a ongoing thing when you have dogs.  Your puppy is a real cutie and welcome to this site.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Since he can't test until six months, I would have suggested moving to the Pet Manners class followed by CGC.  That said, I think if the Trainer feels that Watson is ready now for CGC I would follow his advice.  He's experienced and he knows your dog.  I really think the key is to continually proof him around all kinds of distractions.  Following commands in a normal environment is so much easier than in a distracted situation.  You're also right about "adolescence" being a challenging time for most dogs, so having him in a solid training program will help you get through that phase.  Good luck and please keep us posted.