AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and CGC

Gracie completed her puppy class last week and passed the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. My instructor wants her to come back this week and test for the Canine Good Citizen Test. I think it is a little early for that. I thought they needed more obedience training for this. We may it anyway. We we want to do more obedience classes in the Fall and hopefully some intro agility training. Gracie is coming along way but still doesn't do too great on walking. :( She still is play biting on occasion but that is getting better too. Have any of your dogs been through training?

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Permalink Reply by Kathryn Graham on July 27, 2009 at 11:15am

Madoc and I will be going to week 4 of AKC STAR tonight. At the moment I am just hoping to get a certificate for perfect attendance! He's just not taking to the leash very well. I plan to go on to regular obedience classes in the fall and hope he is more mature and willing. OR, that I have become a better leader! This class is listed as "puppy kindergarten." Gracie sounds like a smart girl who has wowed her instructor! I know you are proud! Is there a form of puppy agility "lite"? Our breeder said to wait til a year old for the real training (after growth plates have done their thing to avoid any injuries or strain.) Madoc loves to run behind and under furniture while frapping and doing little jumps. I think he'll love agility.

Permalink Reply by Dara and Gracie on July 27, 2009 at 11:42am

Gracie is a good jumper. I think she has springs on her feet sometimes. She comes out of nowhere! LOL! Gracie just completed puppy kindergarten. I want to do beginning obedience in the September. She is not very good on the leash at all. I guess I expect too much for her so early. I don't think she is ready for the CGC. I guess it doesn't hurt to try it. I also would like to do intro agility in the Fall. She will be about 6 months then. I think the club that I would take her said it wouldn't be too early. I can't decide what she should do. She might be good in herding too! She just needs to do some kind of activity. Madoc is so cute!

Permalink Reply by Fran & Ranger on July 27, 2009 at 11:44am

Ranger is in a class right and the trainer also comes to the house. These dogs are so darn smart. Seems like he learns things right off and I feel kind of silly making him do things over and over. You mentioned walks and biting. Our breeder picked Ranger for us because he was very laid back. Still is, especially for a puppy! But as a first time owner my concern is biting. He is affectionate, likes to be handled, does well at the groomer but a couple times when he has gotten something dangerous, he won't drop it and I haven't had a treat available to trade. He has growled and snapped. Should I worry and how should I handle this? Seems like when I practice "drop" he always does except when it has been something he really shouldn't have. Also, he is stubborn on walks, not fearful or busy sniffing but just digs in and stops. Any hints for the walk? I'd also love to hear how agility training goes. FYI my daughter is Gracie so you caught my eye.

Permalink Reply by Dara and Gracie on July 27, 2009 at 11:49am

These dogs are so smart! I've had the same issue with Gracie. I just let her know that I won't tolerate it. I'm still learning how to handle this with her. She will be much better and then do something obnoxious sometimes! All in all, I do see a great improvement with her. I think she just tries to get attention sometimes - even if it is negative attention. I would love to see how people say to handle this. I've never had such a smart dog!

Permalink Reply by Boo Buchheit on July 28, 2009 at 6:15am