Against Mom’s better judgement, I leashed up Dad and we headed to his Canine Good Citizen Class. It being the final class I was hoping we would be taking the certification test. Instead, we, along with the other two dogs and their humans, found the room had the overwhelming scent of cleaning products, and the trainer instructed us on how the new social distancing guidelines would be applied that evening. Even more striking, she said the test could not be given because the AKC is currently rewriting the Canine Good Citizen exam to be in agreement with the new government health requirements. However, we were there, and the trainer still had a couple skills to go over with Dad, so we stayed for the class.

How were we treated by the trainer for our dedication? With a loud bang! But that was just because she was helping us practice another part of the test. This week we worked on staying calm when there is a loud unexpected noise. To surprise us, Dad and I were just hanging out with me sitting by his side, when all of a sudden the trainer walked by and knocked over a metal chair. I’m so proud of Dad, he didn’t even flinch! I, on the other paw, turned my head towards the trainer and raised my eyebrow with my most annoyed look. She immediately began laughing and said a dog has never given her the “stink eye” before! Well no one has ever purposely knocked over a chair in front of me before.

Now I’m not one to judge, but I really think this new trainer must be a hypochondriac. Because one minute she was walking fine, knocking over chairs as she passed each dog. The next she was on a pair of crutches limping in circles around me! Well she didn’t fool me one bit. I just politely smiled at her, knowing full well she didn’t need those crutches. I think she knew I was on to her little secret, because she then got a walker with tennis balls on it. Again, I just sat there and smiled at her while she looked silly. I was very proud of Dad because he didn’t fall for either of her tricks. If Mom and Asa were there, no doubt they would have rushed to her side to help her. Dad, on the other paw, behaved calmly to this odd distraction.

Having practiced those two skills, we listened as the trainer gave helpful advice to the other dogs who were both more startled by the situation. However, despite my overall demeanor, Dad could sense I had other things on my mind as I repeatedly sniffed the chemical smells in the air. Therefore, when the trainer offered to once again practice the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain trick, Dad explained since he and I weren’t in tune with each other, perhaps it would be best to end there and head home. Thus Dad’s CGC class came to a conclusion.

Being a Canine Good Citizen means that you behave responsibly. So in keeping with this philosophy, Dad and I will follow the government’s social distancing guidelines and take the certification test at a later date. When that will be, I don’t know. However, that’s ok. It has taken me over a year to get Dad trained this far. I’m sure when the time is right, he will make me proud when I guide him through the Canine Good Citizen exam.