Dogs
by Carrie Boyko, CEB
Note: Test Two located here
Test #1 is "Accepting a friendly stranger". The best way to practice for this very tough behavior is to get your dog out in public frequently. Camp out at the entrance to your local pet superstore and you'll have plenty of opportunity for practice.
Here's the drill. Fido will have to allow a total stranger to approach you and speak with you in a casual way. He may not bark, jump, show extreme excitement, hide behind you or show fear in other ways. In other words, he has to stay put and shut up.
This one reminds me of that awful rule I had to abide by while a child out to dinner with my family: "Children must be seen and not heard." Your dog may feel the same way.
For friendly dogs and puppies, this is one of the toughest parts of the test. Although it may seem unreasonable, in order to get a CGC certification, your dog will need to acquire the ability to remain calm in all situations, including social ones that may otherwise bring out his exuberance.
Tanner and Oliver, both intensely social dogs, each struggled with this practice. We spent hours greeting people as they entered a pet superstore, and I learned much about the type of person that appeals to each of my dogs. This is one of those learning experiences that does not have a shortcut. The more you practice, the more you will understand how to help your dog manage this calm distance he must project while you chat with a stranger.
Training treats when proper behavior is accomplished, along with calmly praising your dog will help him understand the target behavior. Practice cannot be overdone. Bring a chair and meet your neighborhood!
Happy tails,
Please note that our Weekly Wag's quarterly drawing will occur on July 1. Entries are made by comment about your Weekly Wag experiences at the inaugural post. You will find it easily by clicking on the Weekly Wag button. Good luck!
This post is part of the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop 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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Dogs
Weekly Wag # 25: CGC Test Number One Tips
by Carrie Boyko, CEB
Note: Test Two located here
 |
| © Mika via Flickr.com Your Goal: No Reaction |
Test #1 is "Accepting a friendly stranger". The best way to practice for this very tough behavior is to get your dog out in public frequently. Camp out at the entrance to your local pet superstore and you'll have plenty of opportunity for practice.
Here's the drill. Fido will have to allow a total stranger to approach you and speak with you in a casual way. He may not bark, jump, show extreme excitement, hide behind you or show fear in other ways. In other words, he has to stay put and shut up.
This one reminds me of that awful rule I had to abide by while a child out to dinner with my family: "Children must be seen and not heard." Your dog may feel the same way.
For friendly dogs and puppies, this is one of the toughest parts of the test. Although it may seem unreasonable, in order to get a CGC certification, your dog will need to acquire the ability to remain calm in all situations, including social ones that may otherwise bring out his exuberance.
Tanner and Oliver, both intensely social dogs, each struggled with this practice. We spent hours greeting people as they entered a pet superstore, and I learned much about the type of person that appeals to each of my dogs. This is one of those learning experiences that does not have a shortcut. The more you practice, the more you will understand how to help your dog manage this calm distance he must project while you chat with a stranger.Training treats when proper behavior is accomplished, along with calmly praising your dog will help him understand the target behavior. Practice cannot be overdone. Bring a chair and meet your neighborhood!
Happy tails,
Please note that our Weekly Wag's quarterly drawing will occur on July 1. Entries are made by comment about your Weekly Wag experiences at the inaugural post. You will find it easily by clicking on the Weekly Wag button. Good luck!
- Cgc Preparation: Choosing An Examiner And Location
by Carrie Boyko, CEB courtesy Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources via Flickr.com In Your Dreams, Tanner! Just as each evaluator will have a different approach to handling the test, each environment will vary. Knowing where the test will occur and...
- 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...
- Canine Good Citizen Tips For Test 6
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Our Guest's View as She Arrived Today We're back again with the Weekly Wag, still working on our CGC preparation tips. This week's test discussion is one that can't wait until the last...
- Walk Your Dog Through A Crowd: Canine Good Citizen Test #5
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Good Practice, but This Won't Help You in a CrowdHere we are again, back in social opportunity territory. This part of the Canine Good Citizen exam is easier for those dogs who are less social, yet at...
- Weekly Wag #24: Canine Good Citizen Tips For Training Preparation
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © AllThingsDogBlog.com Regular Exercise Reduces Behavior Problems Join Your Dog for Bonding FunPart of the process of bonding with your dog is knowing what you can expect of his behavior in any given environment. The time to begin...