How strict in CGC testing?

[skKi]

At some point in the near future I'd like to get Pit his CGC, but I'm concerned about the requirements and was wondering if anyone could share their experiences.

Pit's manners are perfectly acceptable; he will sit, down, stay, come, greet dogs nicely and pass through crowds with no issues. He is, however, very shy when people go to touch him, and that appears to be a disqualification.

I've been working on his shyness his whole life, and we're still not very far along. He just doesn't like to be touched or interacted with unless he's had time to become comfortable with that person (could be minutes, hours, or weeks before that happens) and from the sound of it, there isn't time to get comfortable with the person doing the test.

I don't know how to get him to accept a stranger touching his feet without cowering or petting his head without wincing and ducking away.

How strict are the CGC testers when it comes to shyness in your experience?

Edit: Also, are treats allowed during the test? I'm assuming no, but it would certainly help things!

[borzoimom]

My dogs that did therapy dog had to pass CGC first. There is little room there for shyness. Borzois tend to be aloof with people they do not know. Even that would have been eyebrow raising.

[corgipower]

Treats and toys are not allowed during the testing.

You are allowed to use praise and encouragement throughout the test and you may pet the dog between exercises.

As for shyness, it can be a bit subjective from one tester to the next. The dog doesn't need to be a social butterfly, but he does need to allow the tester to pet him and examine him.

A dog who ducks, tries to avoid, or shies away from the tester should not pass the Canine Good Citizen test.

Standing quietly is acceptable. The dog need not fawn over or even be friendly to the tester, but he must be at least neutral.

Avoidance should fail a dog with ALL testers.

[bubbatd]

Really all you can do is try and see how he does. It's easier than the TDI test . Good luck !

[skKi]

Fair enough. Judging by how things are going, I doubt Pit will ever tolerate strange people touching him without some degree of timid reaction. Maybe in the distant future, but I don't have high hopes.

It was a nice thought. Something to keep in mind if he ever improves.

Thanks for sharing, guys.

[bubbatd]

You might be surprised !

[skKi]

If there's a test nearby that I know of, I'll definitely give it a go. Although, thinking about it, he really shouldn't get passed if he is timid, and I know that if he did pass it'd be pure fluke. Chances are if anyone tried that same test on him again, he'd be afraid of them.

Though I'm interested to see how he would do, pass or no pass.

[Romy]

You could make an appointment with an examiner and have them to do the test for you, as kind of an assessment to see what areas he needs the most work on to pass it.

That is a very good idea, Romy, and most testers would be happy to help you.

The other thing to keep in mind is the fees from CGC testing usually goes to a good cause, so even if you go and don't pass, you have contributed your bucks to something worthwhile.