Needless to say in light of recent events, Mom could not attend her Canine Good Citizen Class. However, I am determined to continue to work with Dad for his certification. So we headed off to our second class with his new trainer, confident in our goal.
This week we worked on three more parts of the test. Up first, the polite greeting of strangers. I’ve been working with Dad on this skill for awhile, and I’m proud to say Dad did very well in class. With me sitting by his side, the new trainer walked up, shook Dad’s hand, and they talked a bit about the weather. I was so proud of Dad! All his socialization training has paid off, as he interacted with his fellow human. I just sat there by his side, grinning at him with pride, and waited patiently for the trainer to turn her attention to me. When she finally did, she praised me for my good work training Dad.
Next we worked on Dad not getting jealous while I get pampered. Again sitting by Dad’s side the trainer approached. This time she ignored Dad, and focused all her attention on me. She played with my floppy ears, admired my teeth, and then started brushing me. Confident that Dad would behave, I relaxed and laid down. That’s when she abruptly stopped and told me had this been the actual Canine Good Citizen test I’d be disqualified for moving. What?! I always drift off to sleep when Mom grooms me at home. However, I suppose she is right. Napping during a test probably isn’t setting a good example for Dad. Dad explained that I usually laid down when I get groomed at home, and asked if for the exam was it ok if I did a down instead of a sit. The trainer said that would be acceptable, as long as I didn’t move too much. So this week I will practice staying awake while being brushed. A small sacrifice so Dad can receive his CGC certification.
The final skill we practiced was what use to be my hardest skill to train Dad, being separated from me. No problem, we’ve got this…or so I thought. The new trainer walked up to Dad, took my leash, and walked away with me behind a curtain. Wait! This isn’t how we practiced it with Mom and Dad’s previous trainer! During those classes, Dad would walk me over to the person, usually the trainer’s assistant, friend, or once a random person dropping by with their dog for a class. Dad would then tell me to sit or down, and then would either leave the room or the building, while I watched him walk away. No problem. I knew where he was going, and would patiently wait 5 to 10 minutes for his return.
However, being led away from Dad by the new trainer totally threw off my confidence in his training! Where was she taking me? I kept looking back at Dad as we headed behind the curtain. Once hidden from sight, rather than tell me sit or down, she started praising me about what a good boy I am. I know I’m great, but why are we just standing here behind a curtain like the Wizard of Oz? Dad must be so worried that I just walked off and left him! What if Dad wanders off and I don’t know which direction he went? I started to whimper. The new trainer cooed louder telling me it was ok. Wait? Does she want me to whimper? Confused, I started to whimper louder. But then her whole demeanor changed, and she walked me back to Dad. She explained that had this been the real test, I’d be disqualified for exhibiting signs of stress. I admit, this wasn’t my finest moment.
Dad tried to come to my defense by saying how we’ve never practiced it that way, and he couldn’t foresee an event where I’d let a stranger walk away with me. But then the new trainer explained a few scenarios, such as when the vet takes me away to be weighed. Then it all made sense! Sorry Dad, there are times where you’re just going to have to wait for me as I walk away, and not the reverse! This may be a bit harder for us to practice because it’s not often random strangers are asked to take my leash. But I’m sure we’ll figure out a way to work on our homework this week. After all, I am determined to help Dad pass his Canine Good Citizen Test!
