CGN

[elisabeth_00117]

Not really sure where to post this, but I would like to take the CGN test in the next couple of months with Stark but am unsure of what exactly is needed to pass or is involved?

My trainer is the one who will be doing the actual test but I have yet to ask her what is involved and she is on vacation out of the country until January (lucky).

I just want to know what was actually done and what was expected from both handler and dog so that I can start perparing.

Thanks everyone!

[Samba]

http://www.doindogs.com/cgn/table_content.shtml

[elisabeth_00117]

Thanks so much!

[elisabeth_00117]

Okay, so I have a few questions with regards to the CGN test.

1. When 'walking through a crowd' is the dog allowed to air sniff the people? Or do they have to be in a heel position?

2. Sit/Stay and Down/Stay - does anyone know the length of time for this? Stark is pretty good in the down/stay for a long amount of time, but tends to get lazy in the sit/stay and tries to lay down after a couple of minutes (working on this).

3. When 'reacting to a passing dog' it says the dog being evaluated can show causal interest, what does this mean? Stark usually just sits next to me until I give the okay to say hello, but he will try to air sniff the dog from that position and will get the puppy wagging tail.

4. With the 'supervised isolation', how did everyone work with their dog with this? I think this is going to be the area to really work on with Stark. If it is a stranger holding his leash, and then him watching me disappear, I really think he will start to whine or cry (has done this a few times with my Dad).

Thanks guys!

[JKlatsky]

This looks almost identical to the CGC test...

So based on my experience with that...

1. Yes. It's not a formal heel, but they cannot be pulling you around. I think air sniffing would be fine as long as your dog stays with you.

2. It's as long as it takes you to walk to the end of the long line and back. Maybe 15 seconds? (You'll note that on the link provided it says handler returns promptly to the dog)

3. Casual interest. Dog can look, maybe sniff the air, but shouldn't get up and greet the other dog, and then you walk away. I think what you describe should be fine as long as he doesn't get up from his sit.

4. I never had much trouble with this. It seemed to me that it had a lot to do with my attitude. If I walked away too quickly and looked like I was going to do something fun...my dogs would be a more antsy. However, if I just kind of ignored the dog, no eye contact, and said hey, can you hold the leash? It usually went ok. I would also stand around with friends and let them hold the leash. Also, when I did my tests I usually went with a bunch of people to some event where they were doing the test. The people my dog knew would all be standing around watching the test. The dog is allowed to be watchful, just not carrying on pulling/barking etc.

[trudy]

I didn't train for this but was at an event with Ty and Sin, my daughter's GS and was talked into trying. Both boys passed. I was surprised as the heeling for Ty was pretty bad and his stays involved leaning down to sniff the goose poop. The tester said it wasn't an obedience test, it was a test for noting the interaction of dog and owner. The showing that no matter what distraction they listened and did a response. I was told we were the best at playing then calling off the play, most people can't get the dog to play since so few use play as the reward. And we use it between exercises and so they can go from tugging the leash to settling immediately. The only item I had was a leash. The stay with me out of sight the tester said just say what you would say if you left them in the car on an errand. I did they both settled right down. Our crowd consisted of a stroller with dog in it, wheelchair, person on crutches, and a few kids and adults and a walking basset.

[elisabeth_00117]

Well, then from the sounds of it I will just keep doing what I am doing. I personally think he could be ready for it now, but want to be sure before I travel and spend the money that we will get it.

I think having different people, such as friends and such hold the leash while I walk away for a few minutes is a good idea.

He HATES when I leave him and will whine loudly, he will hold his sit if that is what I commanded but he will cry out loud until he is next to me again. Not sure if he will out grow this or not, but it is something we should be working on more than what I am.