Annie is about 16 months now, and we are half way through a CGC class. This past weekend we did the 3 minute separation for the first time. We switched dogs, and each went to different parts of the building. As soon as Annie saw me walking away, she started her high pitched barking, I turned around to see her scrambling to reach me, and the trainer dragging her back. My concerns are these, first, it really upset me to see Annie being dragged across the floor by her leash, and second, if she is that attached to me, will she ever be able to pass? I need advice! Thanks in advance

Yes, she'll be able to pass. Lots of dogs are nervous during their first separations. If your instructor is any good, you'll work toward it together, piece by piece.

Are you saying the instructor was rough with her or simply that she freaked out and the instructor took a sec to get her under control?

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I agree with Tippy, and now you know what you need to focus on before the test. If you like the instructor (sounds like you might not?), then I would definitely continue, but work on the separation part at home in smaller pieces.

You need to continue practicing at home. Go to the pet store and ask an employee to hold her in a sit stay for just 30 seconds, gradually building up the time that you're gone. Continue in other locations for added distractions and new people.


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Definitely practice handing her off for very brief sessions. Don't even leave her sight at first, and let the "stranger" feed her a few treats and pet her. No "comforting" in the sense of high-pitched voices, hugs, or excessive energy. Just mellow vibes and a couple of nice treats.

If she shows any major signs of anxiety (vocalizing, dancing in place, panting that's too fast for how hot it is, shaking, etc.) take it to an easier level, even if that just means handing off the leash and standing six feet away with your back turned for a moment. If she shows full-on panic, it's very hard to make a good training moment out of it.

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I agree you can do this with some work on your part. If you have any friends that can help you that would be great. Ask them to meet you some place where you can leave them with Annie for a few seconds at a time. It would be easier on Annie if she knows soem of the people you are handing her over too. Then once she is fine with that mix it and ask a coworker or a even a stranger at a pet store to help you out. Maybe you could ask a fellow class mate to come work on this with you. Good luck.

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U-CH, CGC, TDI Top Flights Reap What You Sow " BaWaaJige"

Don't give up on the CGC ! My Chance didn't pass the first time we tested for the CGC but it was good for me to see what we areas we needed to work on. And have fun.

Beamer and I had the same issue (and still do a little bit). We worked on it with a friend and had the help of the magical food, cheese! He is much better, but we haven't practiced in a while. We plan to do the CGC test again next month. Last time we tried was in April. Don't give up!! This was unexpected for us, too.

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Wow! Thanks for all the great advice and encouragement! We will practice lots, and just take it slow. I will keep you all posted!

We did this in class too, for only a minute. After 45 seconds you could hear just one dog whining very loudly outside.. I knew it was Molly.

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