Training for the CGC
Glindy and I went to our first CGC
training class last night in preparation for the
Canine Good
Citizenship test next month. The instructor had us go through a
practice test to see what needed work. There are ten sections to
the test; we passed 8/10 with flying colors, and passed the other
two with some room for additional work.
The first section that needs work is "Test 3: Appearance and
grooming." Glindy is reluctant to have her paws handled, so we're
going to spend some time working on that. She'd still pass that
portion of the test anyway--the test criteria don't require that
she put up with the examination with good grace--but I'd definitely
like her to get more comfortable with the process.
The second area for improvement is "Test 8: Reaction to another
dog." Actually, she did great last night, considering this has been
a problem area for her in the past. Throughout the test, she looked
at me, stayed focused, and behaved wonderfully. Of course, since it
was a practice class, we got to "cheat" and use the clicker and a
ton of Buffalo Bites; that's not allowed during the actual test,
though. So, we're going to continue practicing her watch command
until we have it down pat.
The instructor was impressed that we had such a solid foundation,
and mentioned that most people beginning training for the CGC are
doing well to meet 5/10 by the skin of their (canine) teeth.
Hearing that we're already a solid team is a truly wonderful
feeling.