CGC Failure! (And a training question!)

I took the CGC in July; before taking the test, I also attended a six week class (one night a week) and it was excellent practice. I think you've made an excellent decision to take a class. Our instructor suggested that as we went through Test #8, Reaction to another dog, that we instruct our dog to either sit, wait, or some other similar command, so that way our dog would not go across us to greet the other dog. I practiced having my dog sit when I stopped to exchange the handshake with the other dog and handler.

I've copied and pasted the Test #8 for you--you can see that a sit is not required but I think that anything you can do to get your dog under better control, even if it's the "wait" command, would be a good thing. Your dog can still express interest in the other dog, but no more than a "casual interest." I think that would mean both dogs can look at each other and wag their tails, but that's about it, no nose to nose greeting. Hope this helps.

I flunked the CGC the first time with my second golden. She normally was so good on a loose lead, but she was stressed watching me take the test with my older golden. He passed, and then a dog or two later I went into the ring with her and she just raced at the end of the leash. We flunked walking on a loose lead and I made it a point to practice with her, and make sure she was nice and relaxed, when I took her in the second time. I know you'll do good too.


Test 8: Reaction to another dog

This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Also, be a bit unpredictable. Humans can be boring. When she looks away, bounce a tennis ball she doesnt even know you have; swerve when you heel instead of always going in a straight line. . . "With Me' is a useful phrase along with the "watch me" one you already know. It tells her hurry up, this train is leaving without you.

There are so many fun attention games, especially ones from agility.

"FIND": Toss a treat and say Bailey's name and then FIND. Once she gobbles the treat, have her come back and sit for an even higher quality reward. After she masters that, and you can toss treats pretty far away and have her eagerly return to sitting in front of you lickitysplit, you can turn it into "Choose To Heel". It's the same game except you toss the treat, say "Bailey FIND", and then walk away in an unexpected direction. Teach her to return to your left side immediately for an excellent high quality treat. Bailey will soon choose to put HERSELF in heel from wherever she may wind up if she sees you moving away. This has a side effect of much better attention overall. Actually, Tally burns a hole in my face with his beedy eyes. he gives too much attention sometimes, lol bc he is such a chow hound. Getting him not to stare at my face is a challenge. I think this is hugely bc of Choose To Heel type games.

Also, ask Bailey to sit in front of you when you have treats in your hand. Hold the treats out to the side and watch her eyes. At first, she will stare at the treats, but eventually, her eyes will flick to you like what the heck? The instant she makes eye contact, click or say YES, and give a treat. Over time, she'll get it that it's eye contact that wins the reward. A variation of the same game is to drop a treat on the floor and step on it. Bailey will stare, sniff under your shoe, maybe dig a little. Eventually though, she'll glance up at you. With careful timing, click that look or say yes, and then treat. Soon, she will automatically look at you.

There are about twenty of these games, and they add up to some fun attention.

I agree about treating as a reward for attention instead of a lure or bribe at the CGC point. Try not to sat her name to get her attention- whoo hoo or helooooooooo is good though.