Maverick has passed a modified CGC test at my normal training building. When I saw that there was a CGC test at a dog show I was going to I figured WTH might as well sign up. I knew I was taking a risk with trying to go to a new environment and new people. We bombed it spectacularly but I think we at least gave them a good laugh.

Maverick is only 6 months and still pretty inconsistent. He woke up with total puppy brain today.

He started the train wreck of a test by licking the evaluators feet and trying to eat the tape they had marking the start point while we were talking and then it just went downhill from there. He actually did the sit for petting well. For appearance and grooming they were just using a curry comb they already had there rather than my own brush. Maverick's immediate reaction? "IT'S A TOY! LET'S PLAY!" I told him "no" which he responded to but not before he'd already mouthed the guy holding the brush. Then we moved on to loose leash walking. They had signs on the floor marking the course. Yep, more toys according to Maverick. ZOOMIES TIME! After being put in a down for a moment he settled down and did the loose leash part fairly well. The thrown metal bowl and skateboard he couldn't care less about and he did the sit/ down stay well. The recall he did very well. Nice centered front. Reaction to another dog the leash got tight. He whined a bit during the supervised separation but they called it a pass.

All through the test I was laughing at my puppy and doing damage control. Anytime he would get too over-excited I would stick him in a down to chill for a moment. I know I could and probably should have walked away from it but I think forcing him to get a hold of himself and then proceed worked out fine. He was settling in by the end of the test. We need to spend the next few months visiting new places and doing obedience at them.

Thought you guys might get a laugh from my pups version of the CGC.

You never know til you try it and being able to laugh abut it is great.

For sure you'll know what to work on for the next adventure at the CGC.

That's a refreshing take on a CGC fail! I can just picture Maverick's shenanigans, and it makes me smile. Sounds like he had fun and it was a positive experience for him. And you had the right attitude about it, understanding his age and training level.

I see a fair number of CGC fails, and we try to tell people to not feel bad about it, just consider it a training session and go home and continue to work on the areas that need improvement. Fortunately, there is no limit to the number of times you can take the CGC. Sadly, though, I have seen a few people get very upset that their dogs didn't pass.

 Quote: Cathy Goessman

Maverick has passed a modified CGC test at my normal training building. When I saw that there was a CGC test at a dog show I was going to I figured WTH might as well sign up. I knew I was taking a risk with trying to go to a new environment and new people. We bombed it spectacularly but I think we at least gave them a good laugh.

Maverick is only 6 months and still pretty inconsistent. He woke up with total puppy brain today.

He started the train wreck of a test by licking the evaluators feet and trying to eat the tape they had marking the start point while we were talking and then it just went downhill from there. He actually did the sit for petting well. For appearance and grooming they were just using a curry comb they already had there rather than my own brush. Maverick's immediate reaction? "IT'S A TOY! LET'S PLAY!" I told him "no" which he responded to but not before he'd already mouthed the guy holding the brush. Then we moved on to loose leash walking. They had signs on the floor marking the course. Yep, more toys according to Maverick. ZOOMIES TIME! After being put in a down for a moment he settled down and did the loose leash part fairly well. The thrown metal bowl and skateboard he couldn't care less about and he did the sit/ down stay well. The recall he did very well. Nice centered front. Reaction to another dog the leash got tight. He whined a bit during the supervised separation but they called it a pass.

All through the test I was laughing at my puppy and doing damage control. Anytime he would get too over-excited I would stick him in a down to chill for a moment. I know I could and probably should have walked away from it but I think forcing him to get a hold of himself and then proceed worked out fine. He was settling in by the end of the test. We need to spend the next few months visiting new places and doing obedience at them.

Thought you guys might get a laugh from my pups version of the CGC.

Aw-w-w-w, you guys "done good" considering everything Cathy And what a GREAT SPORT you are to have laughed !!!

I loved reading it.

I kept thinking of that old video of the dog blowing off the agility ring to the sound track of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," but I couldn't find it to stick it into my post. Probably everyone here has seen it anyway.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I loved reading it.

I kept thinking of that old video of the dog blowing off the agility ring to the sound track of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," but I couldn't find it to stick it into my post. Probably everyone here has seen it anyway.

Who can forget Shiva having such a blast, leaping like she's lighter than air! Thanks for the reminder. I laughed again all over.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lyO8EVzhVU

Cathy's story also reminded me of a very young Malinois who was in one of my rally trials one time. The spectators and the rest of us waiting our turn couldn't help laughing at him as he went up to each sign and joyfully stomped on it with his front feet. Even the judge was laughing. Wish I had a video of that. You've got to have fun and be able to laugh at yourself and your dog occasionally!

That's it! Thanks.

I love that video.

Cathy, I loved reading your version of CGC. Makes me wonder what's going to happen when I try with my guy at the end of this month.

We all crawl before we walk & run.

So happy for you both that you had such a great attitude about the experience. There are many more of those that would not have taken it so graciously in stride.

The next time he will have had some experience to fall back on...it will be an epic win!

From years in the horse world....since I was & 7...trust me, I have had my times of EPIC fails. LOL. Sometimes we just have to sit back & laugh. It's good for the soul.