Ollie flunked his test :-(

[undeterred]

For the last 8 weeks we've been going to Canine Good Citizen training and today was the test. Ollie messed up on two things that he usually doesn't have a problem with. At home I can get him to sit, lie down, stay, and come with no problem. At the test he was totally distracted and I could only get him to sit and come to me.

While walking on a leash he was nipping at me the whole time in the way herding dogs do. When I take him on leash walks in the neighborhood he never does this. But in the test he was terrible. We got several chances and he was the same for all of them.

He was 8 months when the class started, 10 months now. Youngest dog in the class and most easily distracted. I guess we made a lot of progress considering he did ok on 8 of 10 but he didn't pass and I feel disappointed.

[lavenderdiva]

1. Can Ollie go through the course when he's a bit older?

He sounds like me when I was younger: I knew the material, but when it came time for the test, I always did poorly. My nerves just got the better of me. I didn't test well. I think if Ollie gets a little bit older, and you've kept up with practicing the material, and he goes through the course again, he will ace it!

With Ollie being so young, I would imagine it would be hard for him to focus, especially if he sensed pressure like a 'test' might bring. It sounds like he does know the material.

Don't feel disappointed in him; I'm sure Ollie did his best. Give him some time, keep practicing so that the training becomes a bit more intuitive for him, and try again. You need a hug, and here's a hug for Ollie too: :hug: :hug:

[undeterred]

5. Thanks so much.

Ollie is at the peak of adolescent puppyhood- he is somewhere between 9 and 10 months. Someone told me that is the peak time for owners posting ads "Free dog to good home in the country"! He is old enough to learn but not old enough to put it all together.

I think I just have to keep practicing with him what we did in the obedience class. His class goal was to play with the other dogs... and he never got a chance to do that, so it was probably frustrating to him.

I am looking for the right class for him- maybe flyball or beginning agility. Something to spend all that puppy energy!

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

2. maybe he has ADHD

:}

[undeterred]

6. Ollies attention priorties:

1. Playing with other dogs.
2. Getting human attention by jumping on them and sniffing their crotches.
3. Escaping the car, house, doggie daycare, or dog park and getting out of my collar.
4. Chasing squirrels, rabbits, mice and other furry things.
5. Finding dead fish on our walk in the woods.
6. SHOPPING for doggie stuff at the pet store.
7. Treats, especially sausage.
8. Chewing everything in sight.
9. Pooing and marking special places.



10. Performing stupid human tricks without the reward of a treat when there are a whole lot of dogs in the room I could be playing with.

[BrklynLiberal]

8. You are obviously an animal communicator....

:thumbsup: :hi: :fistbump:


Bet they love you. :D

[undeterred]

9. Aw, thanks.

I do my best. :hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

3. Dogs...and cats too, for that matter...are VERY VERY sensitive to our feelings.

I would be willing to bet "dollars to donuts" that Ollie was reacting to your nervousness about this test.
There is no way that Ollie knew this was a test...to him it was the same as any other time he walked with
you and followed your instructions.
But this time...your voice, your posture, your silent communication with Ollie, told him that this time it was different.
He reacted to that.
I believe that if you go thru the class again..if you have to...and take the test again, Ollie will do just fine..IF.. You are relaxed and confident in him and yourself.
It cannot hurt to keep practicing with him, and let him know that you are not disappointed in him.
I think that if you stay calm and confident, so will Ollie, and you will both breeze thru the test next time.
:thumbsup: :hi:

Please give Ollie an extra belly rub for me first chance you get.

[Muttocracy]

4. agree - probably lots of nervous doggie and human body language in the room

[undeterred]

7. I didn't feel nervous but I was really disappointed

so maybe he did pick up on it. The trainers told us it would be easier than class, but it was a totally new situation with different trainers and dogs in the room, so it seemed harder to me. He was very excited and focused on the other dogs.

We will probably not go through the same class again, but we will keep practicing.

Belly rub given. :hi: