Eureka! Luc Passed

Eureka!  Luc passed the Canine Good Citizen test.  It was a bit iffy; but, thankfully, we first did a practice test  which gave me more time to work on the two items on which he did not do so well.  He would not stay seated when the "friendly" stranger came up and when he was being petted.  While one of the other dogs was going through the test, another classmate and I worked on it.  Luc passed on the "real" test.  The object of the Canine Good Citizen program is to have mannerly dogs in public, at home, and be a citizen-in-good standing in the community.

This is Laura, our trainer.  Laura put her heart into it and really went the extra mile to work with us and the dogs.  Our classes went longer than an hour and Laura even scheduled an extra class to prepare us and the dogs for the Canine Good Citizen's test. 

Betty, left, is one of the co-owners of Stay N Play Pet Ranch, and Lynn, right, was the "friendly" stranger. The orange cones in the background mark the stations for the ten test items.

Lynn, left, and Charlotte, co-owner of Stay N Play Pet Ranch.  Charlotte participated in Item 8, Reaction to Another Dog.  This is where two handlers meet, shake hands, and the dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other.  It was no easy feat for Luc to accomplish but he did.

This is Darla and Zimi Run, a greyhound rescue.  Zimi Run ran in Orlando, FL, and is presently staying at Stay N Play until she is adopted out.  She did not pass because it is extremely difficult for greyhounds to sit.  Greyhounds either stand or lay down.  AKA gives no special considerations for breeds or handicaps.  All ten items must be passed before the CGC certification is given.  If interested in getting a Canine Good Citizen's certificate, check out the American Kennel Club website.

Nicole, left, and Melany, right, were also classmates.  Melany passed her test too!  Congratulations to both of you.  Melany is a real sweetheart and quite vocal if you do not give her attention.  She will scrunch up her mouth and bark a time or two to show her displeasure if ignored.  However, fortunately she did not do it during the test. lol  I did not think to ask but that might have prevented her from becoming certified.  Luc had his own behaviors to resist during the testing that would have prevented him from being certified.

Instant visible proof that Luc is certified.  There is some paperwork from the AKC that needs to be filled out and filed certifying that he passed the CGC test. 

The last three classes are field trips to various places, a senior citizens home for instance.  I'll find out more next week.  But, I must say that Luc is very tired when we come home from training.  Maggie wants to play, but Luc lets her know with a couple of barks that he wants to be left alone.  He either crashes onto the tile floor and/or heads for our bed.  We don't hear much from him the rest of the evening. 

I also want to take this opportunity to sing the praises of Stay N Play Pet Ranch.  Both Betty and Charlotte have created a wonderful kennel.  In addition to the training fields, there are some walking trails on the grounds.  Lynn, our "friendly stranger" manages the kennels.  You can tell she is very caring and knowledgeable; in fact, all the people working at Stay N Play are.  

More next week on the second phase of the Therapy Dog training; but until then, God bless.