Therapy Dog Training, Part II

Our Therapy Dog Training class has had two official Wednesday sessions plus one supplemental Friday evening session to get the dogs ready to take the Canine Good Citizen's test this coming Wednesday.  Luc is doing pretty well with a few minor weaknesses; but today we are going to the kennel to work on those two problems, hmm, maybe I should say three, four (?) problems.  lol  The goal is to get the dogs to be consistent in their behavior and actions. 

Happy Luc 

There are ten items listed to qualify for a Canine Good Citizen certificate.  Luc is "iffy" on two of those items:  1) calmly receiving a brushing, and 2) waiting patiently for me to return from out of sight for 3 minutes without whining.  I've been brushing him every day and getting hubby to hold the leash while I walk away for 3 minutes.  He has been doing very well at home on these two test items.  Until now, brushing Luc has not been a priority since he would twist, wiggle and be generally uncooperative.  The walking out of sight has never really been a problem, but apparently he whined a couple of times when we tried it last Friday.  His other two problems which could affect his passing is it takes about 20-30 minutes for Luc to calm down whenever we go someplace and is next to impossible when he sees another dog.  I've remembered another command the other day that I haven't been using which is "leave it."  I've been working on that one over the weekend and hope that will help with other dogs and new smells.  lol  Just remember, Luc is 85 pounds of white-lightening energy; but the good news is that he is improving.  I think.  :D 

I'm off to the kennel today to see if we can get all this under control.  And, if he needs more work, we'll go back tomorrow.  The kennel is most interested in getting a therapy dog training program started; this 6-week course is their first session.  We are welcomed to come to the facilities to aid in the training.  In fact, the welcome mat is out to all of those in various obedience training sessions at their facility, Stay N Play Pet Ranch. 

Our Therapy Dog classes are held in their agility field.  It is very, very nice.  If I can ever find the time, Maggie would no doubt do very well in agility training; however, that's for another day, maybe.  :D  Getting this down with Luc is time consuming. 

As an aside, hubby has always taken Luc on field trips when he does errands but leaves Luc in the truck with either the a/c running or windows rolled down somewhat.  Since I've been taking Luc out just about every day, we cannot pick up car keys without his jumping up ready to go.  He hears the tingle of the keys.  He thinks he is supposed to go and is totally crestfallen if left behind.

Wish us luck today and Wednesday night. 

Until next time, God bless.