Dogs

CGC Test #8: Reaction to Another Dog

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy dibytes via Flickr.com
A Calm Approach for Best Results

Welcome back to the Weekly Wag, our Saturday series designed to help you bond with your dog. Currently we are working through the Canine Good Citizen exam, discussing ways to help you with each test on this challenging exam. A 10-test examination, each dog must pass EVERY test in the entire exam in order to qualify for the coveted Canine Good Citizen certification. The exam is facilitated by a qualified AKC evaluator and each of your dog's ten test results are recorded separately on a evaluation sheet for every dog being tested.

Today we're going to talk about Test number 8, Reaction to Another Dog. This test is often one that trips up younger dogs and those who are particularly enthusiastic in temperament. Your less social dog will have a better chance with this test, as long as he is happily accepting of both a human and a dog in the test format. Here's how it goes:

Two handlers each approach one another with their dogs. The handlers shake hands, chat briefly and continue walking past the other. This is intended to simulate a neighborly greeting and the handlers are generally encouraged not to get too enthusiastic. The dogs are expected to wait patiently without barking, jumping, showing signs of fear or aggression. They are not necessarily to be greeted by the other handler and the dogs should not insist on a social greeting.

A more aloof, yet socialized dog will often fly through this test without issue. If your Fido is young, playful, under-exercised or simply highly social, you've got a big challenge on your hands. It's a balancing act, for certain, to socialize your dog with humans and other dogs, while also expecting them to be non-reactive to this opportunity for social engagement. Many dogs, including mine, find the messages are confusing. Quite honestly, it is challenging to have it both ways.

This test is one best practiced in a place where dogs are generally present with their owners and on-leash such as a pet supply store or area where many owners walk their dogs. In order to get the message across clearly, you'll need to practice time after time after time. Repetitive experiences will eventually get your dog to understand what you expect. You are free to use verbal praise, cues or commands, but you should not have to correct your dog or walk away to avoid trouble with your dog's behavior.

Preparing for the CGC with a group is often the easiest way to get your dog ready. You'll find that many trainers offer courses that help with practice and training to ready your pup for this tough series of tests. This particular part of the exam is much easier to prepare for when you have multiple handlers and their dogs to practice with. However, keep in mind that your dog may have become accustomed to and comfortable with these other humans and dogs during the course of the prep class. It is important to also create some of your own individual training at a pet supply store or dog walk. There just no better way to gauge your dog's readiness for this test than to put him in a new atmosphere with different handlers and dogs.

As long as you've taken the initiative to go this far, why not finish the route and assure a better outcome? Good luck with this practice.

Next week we'll be talking about Test 9, Reaction to Distraction. This test is one that some dogs breeze through while others fail miserably. Join me next week for some excellent ways to prepare your Fido for this very different part of the exam.

Catch up on the earlier parts of this series here:

Introductory Tips to Getting the Canine Citizen Certification
CGC Test 1: Accepting a Friendly Stranger
CGC Test 2: Sit Politely for Petting
CGC Test 3: Appearance and Grooming
CGC Test 4: Walking on a Loose Leash
CGC Test 5: Walking Your Dog Through a Crowd
CGC Test 6: Sit/Stay or Down/Stay
GCG Test 7: Come When Called

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping!

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