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?

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Jarka, I'm right there with you. Fozzie passed the CGC at 10 months old and the Delta Society's Pet Partner test at 13 months. Shaggy on the other hand is 14 months old and wouldn't pass the CGC even with multiple do-overs. We're going to take the prep class for the first time this summer, I'm betting we'll have to take the class at least one more time before he comes close to passing :-/)
Sounds like Seamus is very close to passing - good luck!!!

[Seamus & Haidee]

Thanks Cathy!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Haidee, Come spend a day with my dogs and me....you will feel better. LOL Seamus is still the same dog you loved before the test and I bet he passes next time with flying colors.

[Seamus & Haidee]

Laurie, you just made me laugh!! haha i bet your dogs are great! xx

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Haidee, Don't bet a lot of money :) LOL They are great, but I doubt either would ever pass any test, except how to dig huge holes, react to groundhogs and geese, and pulling on a leash. They would get A's in all of those categories, but I love them anyways.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Just keep practicing, maybe have a friend help you out. Have them hold him and feed him treats or play with him while you make short exits, stay away a little longer each time? Congrats on going for it, I haven't even gotten up the nerve to try with Darwin. :-)

[Seamus & Haidee]

Thanks Camilla....more great tips. will certainly get a friend or neighbor to help us out.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

It's fine that he didn't pass yet. He will.  Just keep practicing his skills and socializing.  I don't know if you have to wait so long to test again.

[Seamus & Haidee]

Our trainer is also our evaluator, and she said she won't have another exam until the fall. Maybe that's best as it gives us plenty of time to practice the separation test??

[Lynette Main]

I'm working with Aja now and she does ok with that but when she is in the stay, now she starts creeping towards me and won't stay. Cool trick ,but not when she is suppose to be in a down stay.  Good luck. He'll get it!!

[Seamus & Haidee]

that is a cool trick! thanks Lynette.

[BG and Gavin]

Oh Seamus is so young!  He did great passing the majority of items.  Not to brag on my big guy, but he is an awesome therapy dog and extremely well-mannered however although he was a sweetheart at 10 months he did not have the focus despite, three training programs, to pass the CGC test.  In fact I did not even try him for his Therapy test until he was 2.5.  He just was not mature enough IMO.  I think when working on the out of sight element you should consider putting him in a down stay.  It is more of an "at ease" position than standing and waiting.  Our trainer would say to wait for him to "flip a hip" which signaled a relaxed state increasing your chances for a long successful "stay."  Keep up the good work.  You are obviously doing a great job with Seamus.