I am working with Kodee, doing lots of basic obedience training and extensive socialization (we've gone to stores like Borders, Cabela's, Hastings, Target, Bass Pro Shop, plus petstores, parks, walks around town, etc). He is accustomed to elevators, stairs, crowds of people...) I'm working to get him prepared to become (hopefully) a certified therapy dog. In the meantime, I want to have him take the CGC exam. I know we have work to do, and I'm wondering what all of you who've taken and passed this test with your dogs did to prepare. A couple of my main concerns w/Kodee (and we are working on this) are: reaction to another dog - he just recently started barking at other dogs, and I've been taking him out and exposing him to dogs in public and treating/praising him for appropriate behavior, and it seems to be working. Also, he is not fond of being brushed, but he's getting better. We still have work to do on that. He may be better for a stranger, but I'm working with him to get him better on this, as well. The other test items I feel fairly confident about, but it's hard to know how he will do in the actual examination setting.

So can anyone who's taken this test describe the setting, etc. Do they test several people/dogs at once, or it is done one on one? Also, what tips or advice do you have for me re: preparation? The more the better. We probably won't be taking the test for another 2 or 3 months, but I'd like to be ready as soon as possible, so we can just practice and reinforce the proper behaviors... I've e-mailed the local examiner re: the test, how you sign up for it, etc, but I wanted to hear from people who've taken their dogs through this test...Thanks!

I have a CGC on two dogs (team requires it) and basically the test shows that you have some level of control over the dog and it is not a total nut-case. You can get just about any dog through the test.

It is easier to take a puppy through than an adult because adults start developing some level of defense/aggression. It kind of adds to the meanignlesness of the test. IMO this test should be done with a grown dog to mean anything.

The test is as described on the AKC website. Expect one dog to be tested at a time, the dog they use in the tests observing reaction to other dogs is a known dog that is not reactive and does not throw rude body language.

Tips and advice on preparing -- read through the requirements, work on areas where you have known issues. The test with the other dog - the other dog is pretty close.

Most of the failures I have seen have been where the dog gets anxious when its handler leaves. Best thing there is to just put the dog in a down stay. Hope the person testing does not fawn all over your dog but just holds the leash.

I agree that it is not that tough of a test. My pup passed at just over 5 mnths with no prep except work on my leaving. I was more worried with my first dog who isn't keen on other dogs.