Humane society offering free CGC training...how do I know if she is ready

[lostshowfan86]

The local Humane society is offering free Canine Good Citizen training classes. But how do I know if Sasha is ready.

She has had Basic Obedience Classes and graduated, but she is still young and has her puppy moments.

I almost wonder if she needs to go through intermediate and advanced classes first.

My husband doesn't think she is ready and needs a refresher course first.

But I'm also afraid this chance won't come again (and money is tight and its free) and CGC certification would make her look really good


How do I know if she is ready for these CGC classes? What does she already need to know. She knows the basics.....sit...stay....down....come... She walks loose leash (but being a terrier mix she can't be trusted off leash because she will still chase after small animals such as squirrels and rabits) but we have a leash law anyway.


She does still jump when excited when someone comes in the door but we are still working on that.

Is she ready or do we need to wait to take the classes when she is older and had more obedience training?

Thanks

 

[grab01]

You can find a list of the CGC exercises online and can judge what you'll need to work on.

There's no reason you couldn't take the test and retake it if she doesn't pass the first time.

 

[lostshowfan86]

You can find a list of the CGC exercises online and can judge what you'll need to work on.

There's no reason you couldn't take the test and retake it if she doesn't pass the first time.

Basically its not the test its classes and at the end its the test but I don't know if she will even be close to ready, I mean how advanced are most dogs when they take the classes and test. The classes are to prepare them for the test

 

[Lizmo]

I agree with the above. You can get a list of what will be tested on the CGC test, work through a few -or all- of the required exercises and see how she does.

Also, a CGC training class is for just that - training. She doesn't have to know everything before she takes the training class.

ETA: We posted at the same time. A few things on the test will be loose leash walking, meeting another dog, coming when called, and staying. I think there are 10 different exercises on the test.

 

[corgipower]

It sounds like she probably would do fine. But you should check with the instructor.

A CGC class really is pretty much basic obedience - with special focus on preparation for the CGC test.

Loose leash walking, passing another dog, greeting someone, a stay and recall on a long line, a supervised separation...I forget what else is on the test, but it's basic stuff.

I say go for it and have fun!! It's all great stuff to learn!

 

[grab01]

Gah, I didn't even note that it was a training class. (Apparently when I'm tired my reading comprehension goes out the window) I'd definitely go for it. A training class is just that..a class that will teach you the exercises you need to know for the test

 

[lizzybeth727]

If you 're not sure, you can get in touch with the trainer and let her know your concerns.

But IME, dogs don't have to be PERFECT with their obedience to pass the CGC test, it's really more about testing whether the dog is temperamentally stable and under your control.

Have fun with it!

 

[lostshowfan86]

Thanks. I talked to my husband about it again and explained that its the training classes and they would prepare us and her for the testing. And he said if I really wanted to do it to call and get her set up. So I asked Sasha if she wanted to go back to school and she started wagging her tail like crazy, she has always loved school and first thing tomorrow I'm going to call to get her in the class.

So wish us luck,

I'd rather give it a try and her not be ready than to not try and her be ready.

The main reason i want to do it is she loves to learn and work (she sees it as work we actually have to make her take a break when she is in class because she wants to work.) and its a chance to get her back in school and be able to afford it

 

[Maxy24]

They are there to train you for the CGC, you'll be taking an obedience class focusing on what will be on the test I suppose. I would do it so long as they are not using harsh methods. CGC is more about manners and basic temperament to me. No pulling, attempting to bite or show extreme fearfulness. No pulling over to other dogs or people, allowing herself to be touched, being okay without the owner etc.

The thing you'll probably have to work on most is having the dog wait beside you while you talk to another person AND talk to them while they have their dog as well. The dogs are not allowed to go up to the other person or dog. She'll also have to walk through a crowd without going for anyone too much (if he starts to walk towards someone you should be able to get her attention back and keep him walking). Those are things I'd see as bigger problems for friendly, outgoing dogs. Other things like getting brushed, encountering a distraction, getting pet, walking on a loose leash, sitting and downing, coming when called and being calm when separated from owner are things that a dog that is friendly and knows his basics should do fine with (well seperation would be a problem if there was seperation anxiety).

I would go for it, it's just the classes and you can't say it's a waste of money. if at the end you don't feel ready for the test then don't take it, continue training with what you learned and take it when you are ready.

 

[bubbatd]

Go for it !!! I had a female I thought would never pass but did and then got her TDI . It's fun to at least try !! There is no embarrassment if there are glitches ....all understand !

 

[ihartgonzo]

IMHO, CGC's are a walk in the park! I think she could pass with just some daily work on your part.

The hardest part of the test by far is waiting for a few minutes with a stranger while you're out of sight. I was soooo afraid that Gonzo would cry or act distressed, but even he sat patiently and waited. Try asking a friend/acquaintence/neighbor to practice this with you. Practice waits with her, while you walk out of sight for a minute or two, in the house and at the park. Make sure she can easily walk past another dog and people while still heeling and focusing on you. Doing this on a daily basis, in real life situations, is likely going to be more challenging and more of a test than the CGC test itself.

Even if you don't pass the first time, what do you have to lose?

 

[lostshowfan86]

I called to get her signed up and left a message at the pet psychology center (that is who I had to call because they are providing the classes) no one was there so I left a message hopefully they will get back to me (there are only 10 spots in the class so hopefully it isn't already filled)

 

[bubbatd]

At least they have someone hold the dog now !!! When I went through it we tied the leash to something . One of mine ( female ) hated to be tethered and I expected eith a chewed leash or the table to go flying across the room ! Bless her heart , she patiently waited while I was freaking out in another room .