Mood:  hungry

Today has been pretty uneventful which is good especially after yesterday. Everyone is in a good mood even though no one could get breakfast biscuits from Bojangles this morning because the place had been robbed. Our society is in a major mess if people are reduced to stealing biscuits.

Last night was our first Canine Good Citizen (CGC) class. It was an orientation class so we were instructed not to bring our dogs. We got our clickers and our aprons and got or first homework assignment. We have to do what is called “charging the clicker”. Which basically consists of clicking to get the dogs attention and then giving him a treat. This will get the dog excited about the clicker and will hopefully make training the skills a little easier.

I am anxious to meet all the other dogs next week. We went over what will be on the test and I think Potter will do great at all of them except the one where you pass another dog without your dog acknowledging the other dog. Potter loves to play with other dogs so this skill will be very tough.

I have gotten several emails from you all asking me what the hell is Canine Good Citizen Training and do you need it for your dog. CGC was developed by the AKC and is for all breeds. In recent years it has grown in popularity. I know two people who have taken it and I have seen the change in their dogs which has been amazing.  Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The CGC Program lays the foundation for other activities such as obedience, agility, therapy, and performance events. There are many benefits to any time of training. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. My ultimate goal for Potter is to make him a therapy dog and the CGC is a prerequisite to the therapy course. He gets a little excited sometimes and tends to jump on strangers and pull on his lead. This class should help him to focus and to greet strangers in a friendly polite manner.

Well I am off to get a BBQ sandwich. I am hoping the manager is there today because he always gives me a discount so my lunch only ends up being $2.23.