Audrey is a different dog entirely in class. AT home she is very focused and will follow commands like a champ, but in a busy setting with other dogs she is distraced and nervous and very different. She will be starting her advanced class in Feb, and will have the opportunity to take her CGC test when it's over. The nice thing also about ging to classes is if the instructor knows you want to take the test they help the class with the specific things on it. AT the end of our intermediate class we took the CGC test in the classroom. Now I know what Audrey needs to work on to pass. Of course she failed passing another dog, and she failed the startle test, (don't honestly know if she'll EVER be able to pass that!) but I was surprised that she also failed the grooming part. She did NOT like it when someone tried to brush her and she wiggled all over the place.

Cathy
when she first came home

after a few seconds. Do you have any pointers? Jessie, We have taken puppy class, family obedience, we are in advanced family obedience and after this class will take the CGC test off-site. The classes are very good to get your dog used to working with distractions and other dogs around them. I have seem some breeds who are not accustomed to other dogs really have a problem in class because of the distractions.

taking him to a class is a must. He needs to be able to perform the skills under different conditions and different distractions. "Stay" and the dog to dog meeting seem to be where a lot of dogs fail, so practice and a lot of it will help you both succeed.

Good luck

Lynn King CPDT

What the CGC represents is an animal that is under control by its handler, comfortable/trustworthy in various situations. It would be very difficult to practice all this at home because you need to perform tasks such as putting your dog on a 'stay' command and then leave the immediate area (remain out of view) for a stated amount of time. This test would be performed in a new situation, not your own yard, with the Scorer standing relatively near your dog (to stop him if he bolted away)...you need a group situation to acclaimate the dog. He might have to walk past an opened umbrella or a wheelchair or a variety of 'new experiences' that again, you need a group situation for, so I encourage you to do this..its fun and you and your dog will both feel 'so accomplished' to complete the CGC designation...I KNOW OTIS AND I BOTH DID!!

to lots of obedience classes before we took the CGC and TDI test...it really helped...although when I first took Griff for his TDI test I let him down and got really nerveous and didn't do well...we retook the test and we passed no problems...they enjoy TDI work alot

hugs
good luck

http://www.flickr.com/photos/griffin6/
http://www.facebook.com/Deborah075?ref=name

Obedience classes are a great way to prepare for the CGC. If you tell the instructor that's what your wanting to do, they can give you great advice. Good luck, and have fun with the process. Therapy work with your bully is highly rewarding!

Cathy Miller

My life is full of bull.

http://www.marshillbulldogs.com
http://www.bulldogclubofmetropolitanatlanta.com

great ideas

I will teach a dog to sit or down or stand and then I teach stay, which means to freeze in any position I've asked for. So, it's 2 seperate skills. For the "rubber butts", dogs that have a hard time staying in a down position, first I will give treats on the floor in between their front legs. By putting the treat on the floor, it keeps them interested in the floor and not my hands. I work on stay for just seconds at a time before I release them and slowly increase the time.

If that doesnt work, I will get them into the down position and then step on the leash, leaving enough leash for them to be comfortable laying down. The dog will try to get up, won't be able to, lay back down which gives me the opportunity to calmly praise and reward for the down position. Remember, dont make the leash too short, I want them to be able to lay down but keep their heads comfortably up.

Good luck

Lynn King CPDT

with Gus being Deaf..
the vet suggested to do the down command and then the stay once they are down to get them to stay..down
it works for Gus
when he goes down.I just put my hand in front of his face and he stays...
it has worked like a charm
you could try that and see if it works