AKC Canine Good Citizen Exam

The moment you've all been waiting for! Roxie's Canine Good Citizen exam was this past Monday and the verdict is in! But first, I would personally like to thank you for all the encouraging, funny, and warm comments you all left for Roxie on my last post. I printed them out and handed them to Roxie's mom (handler) right before they were to take the exam, just around the time Roxie's mom mentioned that she felt she was about to take her SAT.

We kept up the tradition of the last Canine Good Citizen helping out with the next dog's exam. Frankie had to work not just with Roxie, but with three dogs. 

She was a trooper. Brave chiweenie!

Molly passed the canine good citizen test with flying colors.

She's a rescue dog. She wondered off the streets on her own into her new forever home.

Congratulations Molly, on your certification and your choice in homes.

This is Pete. Another rescue dog.

He was awesome. His least favorite part was "supervised separation". He missed his handler, but he behaved, therefore he too passed.

Maybe the chiweenie brings good luck.

Our beloved Roxie.

Notice the star on her pretty brindle boston terrier face.

She sure passed, no doubts about it. She was on her best behavior ever!

We're really proud of our Roxie. 

Despite the fact that her's is considered a "hyper" breed, and despite the fact that she's one of the youngest canines to pass the test, at 8 months, she was awesome!

Wait a minute! What's this about?

After she passed, Roxie tried to make friends with Frankie, once again.

While Frankie wasn't too pleased about it, she wasn't too upset either. 

Frankie and Roxie have a play-date scheduled in the near future. (BOL)

The GRAND FINALE

Roxie's mommy brought the chiweenie the best dog treat the brindle spaz had ever seen.

She didn't complain. She chose instead to delicately lick it.

Thank you Roxie and mommy. I had some too, and so did Linguini, and we still have some left. We're painfully aware of the dangers associated with dog obesity.

Roxie and Frankie had the same trainer. I have to tell you, both of them were not easy cases. Both were on the young side, particularly Roxie, and both had some difficult issues to work on. Neither would have made it without the help of one caring troubleshooting trainer. Our trainer is the best. She didn't just help with Roxie and Frankie, she helped with their handlers too, and only using positive reinforcement. Thank you Cyndy!

Congratulations Class of July 2010!

Twinkie

Dachshund Pictures | Piebald Dachshund

I have quite a fondness for doxies. In my opinion they are one of the most expressional and comical breeds. I'm acting tough, because I have the teacup chihuahua reputation to live up to, but I'm nuts over the miniature dachshund puppy, Tanya. She's only 2.5 months old, and I'm looking forward to watch her develop into a fine young lady. And without further ado . . .

Miniature piebald dachshund pictures! Because dachshund puppies are irresistible!

Beautiful Tanya

All puppies play hard until they can't keep their heads up

They fall asleep in all sorts of interesting positions

On a cold night, feel free to stick your miniature doxie in an equestrian helmet bag

The comedian

I hope you enjoyed today's edition of doxie cuteness. As for my sister, Frankie, the brindle chiweenie, she's "working" tonight. She's going to be assisting other doggies trying to get their AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. One of those puppies is Roxie, our brindle boston terrier friend. Good luck to the chiweenie and good luck to all the hopefuls. May you all grow up to become the best service dogs. 

Twinkie

AKC Canine Good Citizen Atrocities

Monday was Roxie's (the brindle boston terrier's) dress rehearsal, the last class before the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Last week, M forgot to show up for the class, meaning, there was no chiweenie to practice step #8, Reaction to Another Dog, and there was no post about Roxie's improvement either. Let me tell you, if that dog does not pass the CGC next week, I'll eat catnip! Roxie, as hyper and unruly as she started out, is now unofficially a canine great citizen. This intro serves as a warning, so you don't get shocked by the outtakes and the chiweenie's take on Roxie's last class.

Class started out the usual way.

"You want me to do what? And for no treats?"

I just love opinionated terriers!

A hug from mom made it all better.

Well, almost.

On your marks, get set . . . wait a minute!

Class disruption, a welcome one.

The chiweenie loves children, as for Roxie, she was on her best behavior.

As for the child's mom, too cool for words, so her child is already dog savvy and an animal lover. 

ATROCITY!

The chiweenie got locked in the pet store's grooming area, so everybody could focus on Roxie.

The chiweenie is not very happy away from M, but you can see that. 

From that point on, Roxie's training went smoothly-ish.

Roxie remained skeptical but compliant.

The crowd went wild with joy as our future canine good citizen got her graduation star and a large baggie of dog treats (for her trouble).

But this, we did not expect!

Brindle-bum got a star too, aaand a baggie of dog treats to bring, ehem, home.

Roxie's mom is reading my blog, well, at least the posts about Roxie. Feel free to wish her good luck (not that she'll need any). And if the dog trainer ends up reading this post: three cheers for trainer extraordinaire. You managed the impossible! By believing in us and our dogs and by using only positive discipline, you've given us the opportunity to turn them around and make them safe and enjoyable for us the owners/handlers/parents and everybody they come in contact. 

Next week, I will be proud to announce that Roxie has sealed the deal and earned her dog treats. 

Twinkie

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

Dear Twinkie | A Dog Advice Column

Kira The BeaWootiful asked...

Wooos! Mum is giggling, ( I did not know she could still do that, being rather ancient)Oh Puddles, I want to too that apology... and Twinkie, great advice as always, Mum is wondering where all the cute kitten pictures are.....
~husky kisses~
-Kira The BeaWootiful

TVT: I would love to respond with: "Big mistake" but because it's for your mum, I'll go with, "Ask and you shall receive."

You can watch from here

Kitten pictures for my furiend, Kira who is so NOT banned from my blog ;)

 Lola asked...

Thank you, Twinkie. You are truly the little dog with the big brain. I hate to be an advice hog, but I do have a new issue. Now your next column won't be out in time to prevent my upcoming disaster, but maybe for the future... You see, I just learned that Alpha Mom is leaving us again, and this time for TWO nights over the weekend! She seems to think that just because Blog Mom and Daddy will be here she's free to run off at will. I really prefer all three of them to be in more or less constant attendance and I'm very much afraid this is becoming a pattern. I think it's the second time this year. Is there any way I can prevent future defections without resorting to being a Bad Dog, which I really think is beyond me? I was hoping for something clever and passive-aggressive, but will listen to anything you have to say.

Thanks so much,

Lola

TVT: Tsk tsp. Apparently I was wasting my ink when I came over to suggest you do to your Alpha mom what Bolo does to his cousins beds. I didn't read any stinky posts, or did you just skip posting about that? Hmm, I think you were bribed. Yup, yup, they took you to the expo for once and next day you are all: "horse shows are fun but they are for horses" etc etc. I'm afraid the passive-aggressive trick you were hoping for was played on you. One last thing. There are no advice hogs, just inquisitive minds.

Time to stop being so agreeable, Lola

The Thundering Herd asked...

Excellent advice as always, but Ruby over at The Thundering Herd Annex wants to know why all of the humans have become so careful about putting food up. It is seriously cramping her style. Any advice for her?

TVT: I'm afraid Ruby should have asked me before Frankie Furter's Name Game. It's too late for Ruby now. The cat is out of the bag. We are painfully aware that(excerpt taken from the Herd's blog): "Ruby is an extraordinary counter surfer and has snarfed the most amazing food choices.  She talks back, is stubborn, harasses Tartok all of the time (who eats up the attention), and generally considers herself the life of the party.  In other words, she is a Siberian Husky." In my other words, your family answered this already. 

Have you figured out how to break into the bread box yet?

Mango asked...

Holy crap, Twinkie, that was so much advice that I am feeling dizzy.

Yuh, that Puddles is up to no good. Like I totally just met her and already I am in trouble with Tank for associating with her.

As for Bunny's new sissy. That is so not a greyhound for sure. I saw that thing trying to herd hapless Bunny around the yard.

So many mysteries.

I do have one small question... why did momma rate my nard cooling video R? It is all Mango. Suitable for puppies, right?

Slobbers,
Mango

TVT: Dear RH, there's nothing small about your question. Have you watched the VIDEO in question? I mean, come on, my furiend, your left nard is colossal and way bigger than me! The R rating in dog channels is purely used to prevent dog envy. Your momma is aware of your ginormous nards and wishes to protect you from less endowed doggies. Kk? 

Peek-A-Boo! My blog is rated PG

Frankie the brindle chiweenie asked…

Yo, sis. I've a question for you. How come Linguini didn't freak this year with the fireworks? I thought she fared pretty well compared to other years.

TVT: Good question, Frankie. It's because she's losing her hearing. Senior dogs are that way. They mellow down, get dog arthritis, and they get reduced hearing. I think it's rather fortunate for our Linguini since now she doesn't have to listen to you flapping your mouth. 

houndstooth asked...

Ms. Van Twinkerson, your advice column today was hilarious! It's like reading a soap opera, almost, what with the mysterious knocking and sneaking about.

I am really enjoying having a new sister, but she seems to have some sort of kissing compulsion. She's always kissing Blueberry, me, Mom and Dad. I'm not so crazy about her macking on my mom. Giving her my best hairy eyeball has not helped so far. How do I tell her that she's crossed the line without hurting her feelings?

Bunny

TVT: Is your dog a compulsive kisser? Let me explain the psychopathology behind this genuine manifestation of true love. Sensitive dogs, the good kind, when stressed (Morgan is fairly new to your pack) compulsively groom or kiss to relieve their anxiety. They are known to groom themselves to the point of injuring themselves, but having studied Morgan closely, from the time she moved in, I'd day that this is a case of l-o-v-e and gratitude! All you can do for now is, if she overwhelms you, just say "blah" or "gross" and walk away. She'll get it. She's a "special" greyhound after all (or did you tell her about her breed yet?)

Ms Morgan Annalise Von Owen's debut

JackDaddy asked...

Dear Twinkie,

If you could ask yourself one question, what would it be?

TVT: Unlike you, who is still tormented about how to escape the neighborhood dog area, I am an old soul and I like to occupy my mind with serious issues. After world peace, the one issue that puzzles me, and many generations before me, the most is: why do we not get dog treats all the time? It's a legit question. Dog treats keep us well fed. There are plenty of dog treats with dog glucosamine and other supplements that are good for us. Dog treats keep our figure nice and rounded. They are the best option to keep us in the yard because they make a great incentive and because we can't lug our big bellies over or under fencing. As you can see, I am rather perplexed about this issue. 

And so are you

Madi and Mom asked...

Twinkie what great answers... Mom said she can tell you are a very 'thoughtful' Chidog.

We have a question for next week?

Where did you get your degree in common sense, how long did it take and do you have to be certified yearly?

Madi and Mom

TVT: Do you have a question? I can't tell because you seem to be questioning yourself, Madi (cats can never make up their mind). I have graduated from the school of life. I may not have a Canine Good Citizen certificate or any other papers to show but I do get my state license updated annually and I am in good standing with the University of Common Sense that awarded me an honorary degree. I was also the first (and so far the last) teacup chihuahua to graduate from the University of Southern California (USC). Any more questions?

Madi, just graduated from beauty school

My credentials

Now go take on the day! (Note for Ruby: You go surfing)

Twinkie

Our Next Future AKC Canine Good Citizen

Roxie, the Boston Terrier, aka Boston Bull, from puppy training class, decided to become a canine good citizen, and I'm going to be auditing her class while bringing you new ideas and canine good citizen and general dog obedience training tips. Roxie is still a puppy and she's part brindle. Her markings are extraordinary in the sense that she looks like she's dark chocolate with white, but a slightly closer look proves she has a lot of brindle in her. A brindle boston terrier! So unique!

This is Roxie, our next AKC Canine Good Citizen

This is her second class and she's still getting used to the "no dog treats" concept

***AKC Canine Good Citizen Dog Training Tips: No dog treats are allowed during the actual CGC test. If you're training your dog using dog treats, it's a good idea to start to wean him/her before your first AKC CGC class. You can start alternating dog treats and praise or favorite toys or a low grade" treat, such as kibble. This way your dog will not be shocked like Roxie or our chiweenie. 

Step 1: 

Accepting a Friendly Stranger

Roxie did great with that one in the beginning of class, but then, a little girl showed up at the end and wanted to pet her. Roxie's owner, she's truly on top of her training, made Roxie go through the proper steps.

She let Roxie say a gentle hello from the standing position

Step 2:

Sitting Politely for Petting

The owner asked Roxie to go "down" to demonstrate her self restraint

Roxie was perfect, considering this she is so new at this, and only once did she try to jump on the girl's arms. Roxie's mom corrected her instantly, as one does for proper training, but the girl's mom had a panic attack and yanked her child away ... (no comment)

***AKC Canine Good Citizen Dog Training Tips: Instant corrections and rewards are the key to all animal training. Dogs do not remember what they were doing a few minutes ago. They live in the NOW and should be handled accordingly.

Step 3:

Appearance and Grooming

During this part of the test, your dog must demonstrate that he can be easily examined and groomed. The evaluator will brush him and perform a quick exam of the ears, teeth, paws, tail... and your dog must remain calm, but is allowed to move around. 

Roxie is being perfect again.

She lets the trainer (on the right) check her out and brush her.

She's looking at her mom for "help" but she's being good for the trainer

This is what the evaluator wants to see

More AKC canine good citizen test items and tips, dog obedience training, and puppy training tips in the weeks to follow. Stay tuned.

Twinkie