like pulling teeth

[debbiej]

tonight was our second class. it was ok. I am looking at it as a time to train Hilda with distractions. it is ok with the instructor if we go off and do our own stuff. after class I asked about CGC test and Therapaws. I know there is a Therapaws group and I figured we could work on joining that. the instructor told me to go on line and get the information. So I asked is it something I do on my own, she said, no we have a group. end of discussion. then I asked the other instructor about CGC test. she said about the same thing.

The intermediate instructor has her 9 mo pup in our class. I asked her about the agility class, she was very very against Hilda doing agility. she said "you will ruin that dog's hips!" with great emotion, so I guess that's out.

I know one of the other instructors personally, she told me they should be having an intermediate class next session. But I think I'll call her and ask how to get involved in the therapaws and practicing/training for the CGC test. Are these things that should only be available to members of the obedience club?

tonight a man walked by the field. I couldn't help but remember how Hilda acted last spring when that happened. I posted that she barked and growled and would not stop or pay attention to me. tonight, she just watched him a minute, and when I told her to watch me, she looked up and kept her attention on me. (well, expecting a treat ) but she has come a really long way in confidence and behavior.

[debbiej]

hmmm. now I am a bit puzzled. I looked on the AKC web page for info on the CGC test, and several of the instructors for the classes we are in are evaluators. guess I'll ask again about it next time. maybe I misunderstood.

[fbkeays]

I am a little confused. What exactly were you asking about the CGC? Were you asking when a test was or what the requirements were? If it was what the requirements were, they could have given you the 20 second answer and then referred you on line to get the details. If it was when they were going to hold one next, they should be able to answer that, not go on line. If the question was whether they think your dog could pass a CGC now, that is also something they could answer in about 20 seconds.
If you are not getting decent answers to basic questions, perhaps you need a new instructor.

[Bucky's Mom]

What a stuck up bunch! - I did a google search for your area - not sure if any of these people are suitable for you but there is no reason to be treated rudely and have to pay for it:

http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl/fi.../New_Mexico/NM

Hope you find someone else.

[debbiej]

well I was asking how to go about training and testing my dog to get that title. they told me there was going to be a testing in Dec. in El Paso. I asked if there were classes to get ready for that, or if a person did it on their own. The woman who was the class helper, said you can look up what you need to know on line. To be fair, it was the end of class and they were trying to register a couple of new dogs and get home. that's why I asked the instructor's helper. Earlier I asked the intermediate instructor (who is in beginning class with her bc puppy) where she will train her dog when he is ready for intermediate and she said by herself. Well, I don't feel experienced enough to train my dog myself. Again, these people are all volunteer instructors, but we do pay for the class. I think it is the obedience club fundraising effort. The instructor who said she would work with Hilda on the side appears to me to be too busy with the class to offer that kind of help. I'm going to call around yet again for other classes.

[Bucky's Mom]

Originally Posted by debbiej

I'm going to call around yet again for other classes.

I hope some of those numbers help - I just have a "pet" peeve against arrogance. You asked a question - in the time it took to say you could find out on line - they could have answered you or gave you a phone number to call later

[MontanaRott]

Do you have fun matches in your area, Debbie? That is where the CGC testing takes place here and some dog shows/obedience trials offer them as well. I would look up Therapaws online or in the local phone book and call them directly for info on requirements and testing locations.
Sounds like Hilda is coming along really nicely, you should be proud.

[debbiej]

I can't seem to find matches, shows or anything in my area. I think they are a secret. last night they announced that last weekend they had an obedience match at a local park. I raised my hand and asked when another one would be held. she said they have them once a year. seems to me they should have announced the match before it was held. I'm going to go see a different trainer tomorrow about letting me in classes that have already started. She shows & trains her dogs and other people's. She also is a CGS evaluator and will help people with that. During the winter months, a national agility club holds training and shows just 1/2 hour from me. when they start, I will be there to watch.

[lblax]

Originally Posted by debbiej

I asked the intermediate instructor (who is in beginning class with her bc puppy) where she will train her dog when he is ready for intermediate and she said by herself. Well, I don't feel experienced enough to train my dog myself.

ive followed your posts debbie and chatted with you several times i think you are more than qualified to work with your dog to get the cgc it really is nothing more than a temparmant test with minimul obediance you can do it i would venture to guiess that if you took it today you would pass if the test was evaluated as it should be

[debbiej]

Thanks Larry. I took a look at the requirements and I think you're right.. I could work with her toward being able to pass the cgc test. dogs don't have to be registered to get that certificate do they? But I did want to be able to get her into a class of the next level of obedience. there are things I just don't know how to accomplish and I like to keep her around other dogs and people. Also the idea of therapy dogs is very appealing to me, I think she would be a very good one.

[MontanaRott]

I am with Larry here Debbie, from what I know of you from your posts and from chatting with you, I would venture to say, Hilda is well on her way to passing a CGC. Phil took Guerin for his first one, with just a very basic understanding of what was required. They did fine and you and Miss H. will too.