CGC Training/Testing QuestionsQuestion:I've just enrolled Toby in a Begnniner's Obedience Class, not that he has a lot to work on, but he does have a few quirks we need to work out. :) While I was searching for classes, I found a training facility about an hour away from me that does training for the CGC. How old were your dogs when you started the training? And how old were your dogs when you tested them? I think I'd really like to work with Toby on getting his CGC, but he's still so much of a puppy right now, that I know now isn't the right time. I was thinking maybe when he's two or three? For any of you who have been through the CGC class and the test, can you share with me your experiences? Thanks in advance. :) Answer: Both of mine passed their CGC at around a year old or so. The tests involved aren't terribly difficult for any dog with some basic obedience. These 'CGC classes' I keep hearing about seem like overkill to me. Once you're through the basic obedience class, spend a few more months working on training and reinforcing what you learned. If there's an advanced obedience course, you could go through that too just to learn a few more things. With those behind Toby's collar, he should be able to pass the CGC without any problems. Spend a lot of time working in areas with lots of distractions. It'll be tough, but it will help a lot. Answer: The CGC tests very basic obedience. Nova was a year old and Buck was not even eight months old when they passed their tests. Nova had been through two obedience classes, Buck hadn't been through any and was just trained by me. I think any dog who has a good grasp of the basic obedience exercises can do it. Answer: Thank you both for your responses. :) Answer: Don't know anything particular about CGC classes, as we just did some obedience classes for ours. But it seems that the key to the whole thing (beyond just knowing the commands) is how focused he is on you. If you are able to capture his focus, you'll be able to pass the "harder" parts of the test that involve the distractions. I think that is where the obedience classes will help you -- learning the commands with other dogs/distractions around. Oh, and to how old he was when we started..... (since we adopted him, I don't have an exact), but I'm guessing he was about 2.5-3 yrs old. Definitely not in the puppy stage, but still has some of the energy and playfulness, but with more of the ability to focus and calm down. Answer: You'll find that the CGC test can be quite different from person to person...just because everyone has a different evaluator. Some are more lenient and some are FAR more strict on things. Technically they have to follow the same guidelines, but as with anything, there is wiggle room. I started Annie's training from 8 weeks. However, we started her first FORMAL training classes at about a year. We took a CGC class this past summer around her 3rd birthday, and she passed the test on her first attempt...but just by the hair on her chinny chin chin! What the CGC really tests for is basic obedience around other dogs. Annie could easily handle one or the other, but was and still is challenged by both at the same time. I would highly suggest you take a CGC CLASS before taking the test. I don't think we would have passed if we had just done basic training and went straight for the test without practicing ahead of time in a class. Any age dog can pass the CCG test....it all depends on the dog. :) Answer: I agree with Jess, it absolutely depends on your evaluator. Some are lenient and others are really strict. I also took basic obedience for the same reason you are - just to work some quirks (mainly the loose leash walking). She excelled at class, and is very obedient - even in public places, but she still barely passed the CGC test. IMO, I wanted/expected more out of her on one of the tests, but the instructor let her slide on it. She was just turned 5 when she took it (only because it took me that long to get around to it) - but like Sarah Beth obviously proved, its not age driven. Good luck in class, Court! I cannot wait to hear how Toby does! Answer: I agree with Jess, it absolutely depends on your evaluator. Some are lenient and others are really strict. On that note, I'd have to say that the evaluators I had were not strict. I wouldn't say they were very lenient as I saw them not pass some dogs, but I think they were fair. Buck and Nova are both very in tune to what I am doing when we are in an "obedience mode" and I think that gets us brownie points even when we mess up. Luka and Mandy, on the other hand, are all over the place and have the attention span of a goldfish and even if they did most of the exercises fairly well, I have doubt that they could pass because they do not pay much attention to my actions. That could obviously get us in trouble in some situations which is also one reason why I rarely choose to take them to public places vs. Nova or Buck. There have been many opportunities for Mandy or Luka to get evaluated, actually there's a CGC test in a couple weeks here, but I just don't think they'd pass. Luka is three and Mandy is nine, by the way, but Mandy is also a Shepherd mix that was a spoiled, spoiled puppy for the first 6-7 years of her life (by that I mean we weren't consistent with obedience and if she didn't sit when we told her to, we would have an "oh well" attitude with it). She's better now but she's still a little princess who follows her own rules most of the time :) Answer: Mine were lenient too. The one who I tested Grace and Maddy under actually let you try an exercise twice (the stays) if you needed to. Hudler's allowed a pinch collar. Grace was about 19 weeks when she got her CGC, it was the graduation for her puppy class. Hud was about a year, Maddy was about 2 years. Mostly they were that age before I found a place to do the testing... Answer: Thank you all for your responses. I really appreciate it. We had our orientation (DH and I without Toby) for the beginner's obedience class last night. I think I'm really going to like the class and the instructor seems really great. DH and I are committed to doing our homework and seeing it through so we're all successful. I'm glad to hear age doesn't necessarily play a part when going for the CGC. I think Toby would absolutely do GREAT at being a CGC, but right now his basic obedience skills aren't there ...well, unless I have a big 'ol treat to back up why I'm asking him to do what I want him to do. :rolleyes: He's such a little food hog. :D But, I know in time, I can work with him on that. He's such a loving, happy boy that I know he'd really enjoy being a CGC. There's a local hospital that has a children's ward that I would eventually like to take him to. But he's such a ham right now and still so much of a puppy, that I know now isn't the right time. I think I'll have a better gauge of where he is after the beginner's obedience class is over in October. :) Thanks again everyone! :) Answer: While I was searching for classes, I found a training facility about an hour away from me that does training for the CGC. How old were your dogs when you started the training? And how old were your dogs when you tested them? I think I'd really like to work with Toby on getting his CGC, but he's still so much of a puppy right now, that I know now isn't the right time. I was thinking maybe when he's two or three? For any of you who have been through the CGC class and the test, can you share with me your experiences? Hi Courtney, I have 5 dogs and 4 of them have their CGC. The youngest (my chocolate lab, Caramela) was tested at the age of 13 months and passed all 10 items of the test with flying colors. Basically, the test is proof that your dog is a good citizen and can be taken out in public and trusted around people and other dogs. The idea of having him attend classes is a good one because it helps him get used to being around strange dogs and unknown humans. It helps you practice different commands in the midst of distractions. Don't sweat it. If you don't pass it the first time - you can always practice and be retested. One thing that I know for a fact, you need to be calm when going through the test - because dogs can always feel when the owners are nervous. You don't want to cause him to be nervous. I suggest that you go ahead and take the class - to bolster your confidence and get all the kinks out -- then take the test. I am sure that you will do well. Let us know what you decide to do! Answer: ... Luka and Mandy, on the other hand, are all over the place and have the attention span of a goldfish ... :floor :floor :floor Oh MY gosh. This is PERFECT. That's great that orientation went so well, Court! I look forward to hearing how class goes! Answer: I'm glad to hear age doesn't necessarily play a part when going for the CGC. I think Toby would absolutely do GREAT at being a CGC, but right now his basic obedience skills aren't there ...well, unless I have a big 'ol treat to back up why I'm asking him to do what I want him to do. :rolleyes: He's such a little food hog. :D But, I know in time, I can work with him on that. That is another thing that you can start working on that your obedience class should help with - moving away from bribing him with treats and/or giving treats every time he obeys. I believe that they are pretty strict about not giving out treats during the exam. CGC is a great step- you will get there!!! Answer: Lisa - Thanks, and will do! :D That is another thing that you can start working on that your obedience class should help with - moving away from bribing him with treats and/or giving treats every time he obeys. I believe that they are pretty strict about not giving out treats during the exam. CGC is a great step- you will get there!!! You're right. The obedience class will help us move away from being treat driven. The instructer said they start out with treats, but as the class moves on, so do the treats. :) I'm excited for Tuesday already! :D |
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