The CGC Practice Test

On Saturday we had our third Advanced Training class with Bella. This was our third class but we missed last week because of the Derecho. Since we are not following a curriculum we didn’t miss much. This week we ran through the CGC test items. Essentially we had our first practice CGC test.

Want to guess how we did?

1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger-PASS

2. Sitting Politely for Petting-PASS

3. Appearance and Grooming-PASS

4. Out for a Walk (Walking on a loose leash)-FAIL

5. Walking Through a Crowd-PASS

6. Sit and Down on Command/Staying Place-FAIL

7. Coming When Called-PASS

8. Reaction to Another Dog-FAIL

9. Reaction to Distractions-PASS

10. Supervised Separation-PASS

We got 7 out of 10. Unfortunately to pass the test you need 10 out of 10. So we failed.

Sarah believes Bella will pass. She told us to concentrate our efforts on walking with a loose leash (using her collar and not the harness). If we can master that she believe we will pass #8 (reaction to another dog). If Bella walks next to our side then we would have more control and she would listen better when we are telling her to “leave it” at the other dog.

Bella has previously been very reliable with the staying in place (# 6). But on Saturday she just wanted to be close to Dave, so she followed him when he walked away.

Our homework: at least two walks a day using her collar and focusing on loose leash. This is the key to passing the test and is the most coveted command of all dog owners.

And in case you are wondering when the test will be…it is scheduled for Sunday July 22, 2012. Two weeks to go!