Bit of help with bailey's exam

[Soulworx]

Hi, bailey has his kennel club obedience exam tonight, and i was wondering if anybody had any tricks to help him settle. The problem is not when we are in there, he settle's quite quickly, but when we first go in he is so excited, he just wants to play with every dog and everybody there. He is getting big now and when he does get this excited its hard to keep him settled.

He is very good when he does settle, its just that initial excitement thats the problem. I dont want to go in tonight and have the examiner get the wrong idea , or a bad first impression.

Does anyone have any help to calm this excitement?

[Judi W]

Get there early and take him around as much as possible so he understands that he is there to work and not for a play date. Then, if it is appropriate for you to have a crate there, put him in the crate so he can rest instead of your wrestling with him while waiting for his turn.

[Soulworx]

Originally Posted by Judi W

Get there early and take him around as much as possible so he understands that he is there to work and not for a play date. Then, if it is appropriate for you to have a crate there, put him in the crate so he can rest instead of your wrestling with him while waiting for his turn.

Thanks Judi,
We were planing to get out there about an hour early, hopefully that will be long enough to get the excitement of arrival out of him. Then we will put him in a wait outside while the other dogs go inside so he understands its not playtime. Also he'll be getting a long walk this afternoon to dissapate a bit of that energy
Im a bit nervous, think i'll have to calm myself down too so he doesnt pick up on it!

[Patty1231]

I have always had this problem with Rocco, too. Sunday he tested for his CGC (a little backwards since we already have the CD). I really wasn't sure he could pass it because he's a very social dog and I thought the meet-and-greets would get him. He was his usual social self before testing but when it came time to get on the floor he just seemed to know what to do - no problem. Good luck getting over your nerves - I'm still working on that one myself! Don't worry, he'll do fine.

[Judi W]

And don't worry about it! Even if you both do poorly, they do not confiscate your dog!!!!!!! They don't write an article for the front page of the Telegraph, nor do they announce it over the loud speaker! See? Not a big deal.

Actually, Patty is right. When it gets time for the work, that training kicks in.

[Soulworx]

Originally Posted by Judi W

And don't worry about it! Even if you both do poorly, they do not confiscate your dog!!!!!!! They don't write an article for the front page of the Telegraph, nor do they announce it over the loud speaker! See? Not a big deal.

Actually, Patty is right. When it gets time for the work, that training kicks in.

Wish i was as layed back as bailey about it

[Soulworx]

Bailey passed!!

We went down early and bailey was on his best behaviour all night! he didnt put a foot wrong.

He's now in the silver class.... me and Lyns were soo proud!

[Patty1231]

Seeee!!!! Good job!