Calliesmom
Moderator
Canine Good Citizens Test
- Thread starter adellelauren
- Start date
Shelby's mom
Forums Enthusiast
When we took the CGC test I didn't think we would pass. I was afraid of what the tester was going to use as a distraction (Shelby goes nuts if she sees or even hears a ball bouncing). Fortunately I put her in a sit and she walked around us with a walker and then dropped a folding chair on the cement floor a few times. Shelby barely flinched.
The only thing she slipped up on was the sit stay. Surprisingly she broke her stay (this is very rare for her). I was able to put her back and she kept it like a pro the second try.
Good luck with the test!
The only thing she slipped up on was the sit stay. Surprisingly she broke her stay (this is very rare for her). I was able to put her back and she kept it like a pro the second try.
Good luck with the test!
adellelauren
Forums Regular
Thanls guys. I've been practicing with her a ton. No problems with her 3 minutes of me out of sight but while practicing the loose leash walk she wanted to play tug with her leash. She did it perfect in class though and it was her first time. So that, and getting excited while being touched by the instructor makes me nervous.
Silaria
Forums Sage
Good luck with your test.
Remember, with the CGC test you can talk to you dog throughout the entire test. So during the inspection/grooming section you can use a 'watch me' type of command to focus her on you. Let her know she's doing well with a lot of verbal praise since they live to please us. You'll be surprised, most parts of the test take less than 1 minute to complete.
The test isn't anywhere near as strict as a Rally or Obedience test/trial. Sits don't have to be perfectly straight at perfect heel; same with downs. A loose lead walk has to be reasonably close to a heel.
The biggest thing is to remember to breathe! The more relaxed you are the calmer your dog will be. (Easier said than done, I know. I remember being a huge ball of nerves when I took my CGC.)
Can't wait to hear how you did.
Remember, with the CGC test you can talk to you dog throughout the entire test. So during the inspection/grooming section you can use a 'watch me' type of command to focus her on you. Let her know she's doing well with a lot of verbal praise since they live to please us. You'll be surprised, most parts of the test take less than 1 minute to complete.
The test isn't anywhere near as strict as a Rally or Obedience test/trial. Sits don't have to be perfectly straight at perfect heel; same with downs. A loose lead walk has to be reasonably close to a heel.
The biggest thing is to remember to breathe! The more relaxed you are the calmer your dog will be. (Easier said than done, I know. I remember being a huge ball of nerves when I took my CGC.)
Can't wait to hear how you did.