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!



Loose Leash Dog Walks: CGC Test #4

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Pleasurable Walking Companions

Continuing with our series on tips to help you prepare your dog for the Canine Good Citizen exam, today we will address walking on a loose leash. Finally we have reached a point in the test where you and your dog don't have to stay in one place. This was a great relief to me. Let's get moving.


How you move in this test will not be evaluated the way you may think. Your evaluator will be looking for a dog and handler who are walking together. In other words, the dog is not leading you.


The second criteria for passing this test is to demonstrate that your dog can walk beside you without you restraining him in that position. This means the leash will be loose and your dog will not be charging ahead, taking up that slack, dragging you along.


The key here is that Fido has learned in his training that you are leading the walk. You turn left; Fido follows. You stop; Fido stops. You get the idea.


We've all seen dogs that wanted to charge ahead and drag their owners along behind. This scenario is not hopeless, and doesn't have to be dealt with using choke chains or other collars that can be dangerous when used improperly.


Let me be clear. There are a ton of collar and leash methods and tools out there that can cause damage to your dog's trachea, neck or snout. Most can be used safely if the handler has been properly instructed. That's where the problem lies. When you go to the pet shop to purchase a new training collar, generally the salesperson is not a trainer. So there you are making a decision about your dog's training based on what you already know, as well as what you don't know. It's a common problem.


So here's my tip for this problem. Forget all the special collars unless you are working with a trainer who uses positive methods and can analyse your needs.


For now, as you prepare for the CGC, let Fido know you are totally and completely in charge of the walk with your actions. He'll get this message pretty quickly. Here's the drill:


At the door, have your dog sit as you walk out first. This establishes your new initiative: "I'm taking the lead."  When your dog begins to walk ahead and/or pulls, stop dead in your tracks. No need to correct your dog. Just wait. After a few seconds or even minutes, if he doesn't return to your side, call him there and give a gentle tug on the leash. Indicate what you want.


Repeat this process for your entire walk. Fido will eventually realize you don't intend to walk until and unless he is beside you. No corrections, no scolding, no pain. This is results oriented training and believe me, your dog will get the message quickly if you maintain this program without changing gears.


Continue this for as long as it takes to get the message across. Many dogs respond nearly immediately but regress with each new walk, until you go through the drill quite a few times. Soon it will become habit and you'll rarely have issues.


Other dogs may require a month of walks before they finally get the picture. You'll get a light bulb moment one day and suddenly your sled dog will become a walking companion. What a joy that day will be. Mark it on your calendar and celebrate it each year :)


Preparing for test day: Be sure that you take a nice long walk before the test--long enough to adequately diminish Fido's energy level. A less energetic pup will be more likely to perform this skill as required, walking beside or slightly behind you without pulling. When you and your dog finally reach this agreeable walking arrangement, you will both find more pleasure in this time together. Relish it for the bonding that it is.


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! 

CGC Test Two: Weekly Wag #26

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Oliver May Enjoy this Greeting
But it's Not Allowed on Test Two

Last week we began this series on preparing for the Canine Good Citizen exam with a few things that may be helpful with Test One. Well, let me tell you, Test Two seems so similar that many are baffled. I have to admit I was one of them.


Now that I've been through this exam with three different trainers/testers and seen the  variations in execution, I have a different perspective. First, let's talk about the test. Test Two requires your dog to sit politely for a petting. Sounds simple, right? Not so much when it came to my dogs, Tanner and Oliver. Their little butts popped off the floor the minute they realized that a human was coming to greet them. Xena was fortunate to have the calmness that comes with being 13, so she was successful when at 2 or 3 she, too, would have struggled with this test.


Some of the CGC administrators will ask the greeter to pet your dog under the chin, as opposed to leaning over your dog and patting it on the head. For many Fidos, this is an important step in getting the desired result. Don't hesitate to ask for this, if your dog is noticeably more comfortable with a neck rub than a head pat; he's not alone.


It may seem odd, but I've now realized that highly socialized dogs have a tougher time with this test than those that are a bit more aloof. Who knew?!! 


If your pooch is not one to mingle with the humans, seeking a belly rub or offering a face wash, then you are among the lucky on test day. As long as your pup is willing to allow a gentle pet without much reaction beyond pleasure (no moving away, no barking, jumping or mouthing) you're more likely to cruise through this test successfully.


Those of you with friendlier dogs may have more challenges. Tanner and Oliver, both young when they tested, found extreme difficulty in keeping their fannies on the ground and their excitement contained. This is where we had to go back to the closest pet store and camp out for more practice in calm greetings. See last week's notes on this strategy.


The other method that helped was to ask the person assigned to greet and pet my dog to avoid eye contact and approach slowly, calmly, and nonchalantly, as opposed to a well-targeted 'walk right up' to my dogs. Somehow catching them off-guard meant I got a little less reaction out of them both. You'd think they were twins from my descriptions, but they are as different as can be.


While practicing at the entrance to our PetSmart I discovered that asking a store visitor for a calm approach helped us get more success, allowing me to reward and praise my dogs for a job well done. They needed that success to begin to connect with what I was trying to accomplish. What else? More practice!


Next week we'll discuss Test Three, which relates to appearance and grooming. Be prepared to learn some new ways to get your Fido ready for a hands on test. See you next week, and remember, keep your practice light and fun. You'll be building a better bond all the way up to test day.


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! 

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!

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!