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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Roxie, The Future AKC Canine Good Citizen, Strikes Again

Roxie, the brindle Boston Terrier, is going to become a great Canine Good Citizen. How do I know? A. She's extremely smart and B. Her owner, called a handler, is determined and consistent, both words of utmost importance in dog training (that would be your first dog training tip).
Last week, Roxie practiced steps 1-3 and I posted about it, including some helpful and some not so helpful tips: Our Future AKC Canine Good Citizen.

This week, Roxie practiced steps 4-8 and I will break those up for you.

Test item #4: Walking on a loose lead
The class instructor set up a pre-plotted course using orange cones and signs, and the handler had to maneuver around them with Roxie relaxed and not yanking on the leash. This step is fairly easy. Roxie only needed to exhibit a bit of self restraint.
The pre-plotted course
The cones had directional arrows as well as one that said "stop" and one that said "about turn" 
Roxie did just fine.

Test item #5: Walking through a crowd
Roxie and her handler had to show they can walk around a crowd (minimum 3 people). Because Roxie gets around, she was rather good at this one.

(Sorry, no photo available. Somebody had to be the crowd)

Test item #6: Sit and Down on command and Stay in place
The handler normally decides which position the dog should be in (standing, sitting, or down). In our case, Roxie made the decision.



Test item #7: Coming when called
Problem. Roxie likes her treats but dog treats are NOT allowed during testing, so it's a good idea to practice without them. Add to that the fact that Ms. Roxie is too smart and she knows her handler is going home with her . . . In other words: handler = mommy = I get that at home too = boo-ring. 

Bored and hesitant Roxie

Fed up but obedient Roxie

Here, I need to interrupt briefly for some precious dog training tips for my furry friends:
Look adorable and starving, trust me

I told you to trust me! I bet now you do.

(back to our post)


Roxie, for unexplainable reasons (see last two photos) mastered this step.
Good girl, Roxie

Test item #8: Reaction to another dog, aka uh-oh
Roxie must demonstrate she'll behave in the presence of other dogs. Interesting challenge, especially since all Roxie's handler is allowed to do is use her voice. This is a tricky part of the test because Roxie and the handler have to actually stop, shake hands with the evaluator and the demo dog, exchange a few pleasantries and move apart. Let's see how Roxie did!

That's why this is called the "uh-oh" test item

One more try
Uh-oh! What do I see here?
Is that Frankie, the other AKC Canine Good Citizen? The brave chiweenie? 
It is indeed. She volunteered (not)

All jokes aside, Roxie did a marvelous job and as I already said, I know she'll make an excellent canine good citizen in a few weeks. Meanwhile, she's going to be training her handler:

Good handler!

Until the next installment of Roxie and her progress with the CGC.

Twinkie

10 comments:

Two French Bulldogs said...

Yep, she's kinda looking like a teachers pet. Bet when the teacher is not looking she is a little diabla. Just like my Lily
Benny & Lily

the booker man said...

thanks for the informational, miss twinkie. i'm takin' lots of notes cuz mama says i need to work harder for this test!
*woof*
the booker man

JacksDad said...

Oh you did so very good. You should be proud of yourself!

houndstooth said...

Greeting strangers is always the hardest part of this test for us! Greyhounds don't know any strangers, just people we haven't been formally introduced to! Good luck to Roxie!

Bunny

Lola and also Franklin, too said...

This test is looking like hard work. What is in this for us? I mean, let's face it, most of us are not really lacking for treats, so that's not really it.

wags, Lola

the magic sleigh said...

Woos That test is difficult, I remember way back when.... Mom says to make sure she works on that walking up to another dog with lots of treats (that last part is from me). Treats always work!
~husky kisses~
-Kira The BeaWootiful

BRUTUS said...

You know I think that Roxy is one hot looking girl (oh, I hope Stella doesn't see that...). If she can bee a good citizen too, the is gonna be the complete package!

Snorts-
Brutus & Carmen

Amy & the house of cats said...

We so love to read about the Canine Good Citizen test and the things to train for - it looks so hard!! But our mom thinks it is a great idea, and we do too!

Oh, tell your mom that she is free to use Lolita any time. Not for any reason or anything!

Kitty+Coco said...

Bah! Testing us in front of another dog? Come on. That is like torture to a Boston. We think she did great.

Kitty and Coco

Oskar said...

What a good girl! My mom person would like to get me trained like that. Last week when I went to the pet store I may or may not have peed on the floor a couple of times. No one can prove anything!

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