AKC Community Canine (CGCA)

[Stacy]

Have you all seen the new Canine Good Citizen Advanced title that they came out with? I want Maggie to have this one too! I think we'll have to do some work. She walks pretty nicely without pulling most of the time, but I can't make any promises that she will be able to do all the tasks required here without pulling. I think it's neat that there is another title that doesn't involve going to all the dog shows. I also think it's a good starting point for people who might want to show in obedience but aren't quite there yet. 

https://www.akc.org/press-releases/akc-adds-new-advanced-level-comm...

When Maggie gets her novice tricks title soon we're going to have quite a few letters for this scared little rescue dog!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There's also a new CGC Urban test/title (CGCU) that looks way hard. Fortunately, this is not one I would ever need or have occasion to even take. https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good...

The Community CGC looks doable to me. I think after Jasper gets his CGC (IF he gets it, the little stinker), this one could be a possibility. Maybe I'll ask his instructor about it. 

[Stacy]

Jasper can do it! I think this will be easier for Maggie than Willow. Maggie's not so interested in people that she's going to pull to get to them. I see her struggling with the person carrying something who is supposed to pet her. But I bet she can do it. Willow on the other hand... I know she's just a baby but I can't imagine her walking on a loose lead at this point. She's just so excited to get wherever we're going!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jasper is in no hurry to get anywhere. But he is so easily distracted. He will do anything you want for a treat, so he looks perfect in training. But....no treats allowed in the test. I'm pretty sure he's going to fail. In practice, he whines during the part where you leave them with someone else and go out of sight for three minutes. He's not whining for me. He's whining for treats. Sigh.

[Stacy]

Is he working on a variable reward schedule? Sometimes you get a treat, sometimes you don't? Maybe he will do the whole test for a big jackpot at the end. Positive thinking here! The part where you have supervised separation was the hardest thing for me and Maggie. I'm not really sure how we passed. She never really relaxed. And I was peeking through the crack in the door, probably more anxious than she was! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm trying to give the treats less frequently when we practice but if Jasper doesn't get a treat, he stops trying. He is sweet and affectionate and we're crazy about him, but that old "What's In It For Me?" mini Poodle thing is strong in this one, lol. I guess in all of them. 

[Stacy]

I feel like someone should have some good suggestions to help with his motivation. It's not me though. I think Willow has a strong desire to please, but she also has puppy brain and frequently forgets what she's doing. That should get better eventually.

Maggie's super sweet and wants to do the right thing, but I think she is a little stunted. She's not food motivated at all, and she doesn't seem that curious about things. I had the hardest time getting her to look in the boxes for treats. But she's really just such a good girl. 

[Sandra Stern]

Is this an open discussion? I do not see how to join if it will be private. Thanks!!

[Stacy]

Definitely open! We're just chatting about our dogs. I have a habit of getting off topic, but join in! There's never too many people talking about dogs!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

All discussions here are open. :) 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks for sharing this, Stacy.   I may look into it for Guinness.