We didn't pass Canine Good Citizen:-(

[Seamus & Haidee]

We are kinda bummed out this morning because Seamus didnt pass the Canine Good Citizen test.  He cried and then barked at the 3 minute separation part.  The evaluator said he can be retested this fall. Any advice for us?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree. I personally know dogs who are extremely reactive who have passed the Therapy Dog test. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yep!  True

[Seamus & Haidee]

thank you for your input and positive point of view.  i agree with you. one other dog in our class also did not pass and although she did great in our preparation class, she did not pass as she was having a bad morning. we will continue practicing our difficult points and keep him as happy as possible.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

How old is Seamus? If he is at or around a year old, it can be extremely difficult.  It seems, even though our dogs are smart, we sometimes push this test and expect a lot for their age.

While I am sorry to hear he did not pass, I have  no doubt he will pass the next time if you continue to work on what needs to be accomplished. 

What bothers me in so  many cases is that many dogs pass when they should not pass at all. I am happy that, at least your evaluator, truly tested for the CGC and did not pass the dog just because the dog took the test.

I had a dog pass and I have NO idea how.  This dog clearly failed the greeting/friendly/socialization issues as it cowered and ran away,  although everything else was perfect.  The CGC lost its worth for me knowing that they were passing the dogs even though some dogs should never pass this test

[Seamus & Haidee]

Thats a very good point. Seamus is 10 months old. Maybe I'll wait until after he is a year old to retest.  Im glad that our evaluator was fair, (she actually gave Seamus a second try, but he failed that also) and we left the class hopeful for another shot at passing.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh he is a baby!   Good for him to pass all but the stay/wait/3 minute issue!   I am actually proud of the youngster.

Yes, he will do good once he matures.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Some more thoughts about the CGC....

I believe all dogs have potential but not all have that potential do be the same, to pass the same test, to succeed  in the same things.

While Spud, might not pass the therapy tests at his age, I do believe he is getting near.  But geesh, many have passed this test even before they are two, while Spud will be close to 6 before I attempt to qualify him.

Some dogs are great at agility, search and rescue, or just plain cuddling.  To Each, Their Own.

  If you do not pass the CGC because of this issue, I KNOW there are many things you and Seamus can achieve at and be proud.

[Seamus & Haidee]

oh that makes me feel so much better! thanks for the positive energy:-) high five to our furry paws!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Exactly, this isn't even a requirement on the Therapy Test (or at least not all of them). 

[Seamus & Haidee]

that's good to know. Thanks!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I know how disappointing that would be.  I agree with everyone's advice.  I actually got a chance to practice this in the facility where the test was held, and I think that was a big help.  Any chance you would be able to do that?

[Seamus & Haidee]

Hi Jane-Im going to ask our trainer it thats a possibility. she wont be re-testing until the fall, so maybe we can practice the 3 minute separation with her this summer:-) thanks for that bit of advice.