By Liz, who never wants to see another snowflake again in her lifetime.
In case you missed it on Facebook, Shaggy passed her Canine Good Citizen test last week. This was a huge milestone for her. She’d been to two obedience classes prior, both of which she completed like a pro, but an “official” test? Nobody likes tests, right? They’re so nerve-wracking.
Anyway, she passed with flying colors, even the one I was most worried about – supervised separation, where she had to stay alone with the trainer for 3 minutes and not fuss. Tough stuff for a spoiled little dog who’s joined to my hip!
But she did it. And during this process, as I helped her practice for each test, I got to thinking about these tests and how they can apply to humans too. Here are some examples of how the CGC tests have manifested in my life, and how I would fare.
TEST 1: ACCEPTING A FRIENDLY STRANGER
Okay, I have to admit I have an issue with this one. Strangers are not always friendly; therefore they can’t be accepted just because they smile at you. Not to mention, my writer’s brain always thinks the worst about people. I think this is a bad lesson for everyone, including dogs. The last stranger I made eye contact with on the streets of Hartford was an undercover cop with a gun, chasing a bank robber during lunch hour. Come to think of it, he wasn’t that friendly.
Grade: FAIL
TEST 2: SITTING POLITELY FOR PETTING
In human speak, this could read “Sitting politely for politicking.” The equivalent of sitting politely during meetings while posturing, politics and other fun stuff occurs around you. I’m good at “nod and smile.” Most days.
Grade: PASS

TEST 3: APPEARANCE AND GROOMING
Looking professional when you’re frozen and the air is so dry you feel shriveled, having to climb mountains of snow and navigate a driveway that’s uphill and covered with ice is tough. However, I’ve managed to hold it together enough to not look like I’ve climbed through the Arctic tundra once I’ve gotten to the office and done some repairs.
Grade: PASS
TEST 4: OUT FOR A WALK (WALKING ON A LOOSE LEAD)
Let’s be clear—I hate winter. I just want to curl up in my blanket and stay inside until this hideous white stuff melts. However, there’s one exception—a daily trip to Starbucks. Certain coworkers and I will brave the most horrendous elements for our daily cup. We’re better than the post office in this regard. I’m thinking specifically of the rainstorm with 40 mile an hour winds that destroyed our umbrellas. Yes, we had a meeting after that. In person. But at least we had coffee.
Grade: PASS
TEST 5: WALKING THROUGH A CROWD
It’s not me, it’s them. If you’re too busy yelling at someone on your cell phone or not watching where you’re going with your baby stroller, it’s not my fault if my big purse nearly takes you out.
Grade: FAIL
TEST 6: SIT AND DOWN ON COMMAND AND STAYING IN PLACE
I command myself every day to sit and stay in front of the computer during my writing time. Doesn’t usually work unless the situation is extremely desperate. (See Test 9)
Grade: FAIL
TEST 7: COMING WHEN CALLED
Depends on who’s calling. In the world of CGC, that matters. So I win.
Grade: PASS
TEST 8: REACTION TO ANOTHER DOG
Depends on the dog. Depends on whether said dog is trying to be alpha, lifting his leg on my cubicle, growling and showing fangs. And then there’s the female dog—and you know what they call those. In both of these cases, I tend to exhibit the same behaviors.
Grade: FAIL
TEST 9: REACTION TO DISTRACTION
I’m on two manuscript deadlines, April 1 and May 1. One manuscript still needs a complete rewrite to incorporate a new theme (more on that later). Still, every time I hunker down to do a big chunk of work, it’s amazing what I let distract me. The ding of a text message, an email teaser, the sound of a puking cat all lead me away from my ultimate goal—to finish the bleeping books on time. (See Test 6)
Grade: FAIL
TEST 10: SUPERVISED SEPARATION
See Test 1. Seeing as extreme supervision is not my strong suit, I don’t think this is a good test for me. And then there’s the whole stranger thing.
Grade: FAIL
As you can see, Shaggy is much more equipped to deal with the world than I am. I guess it’s good I’m a writer and can often hide in my cave.
However, I should point out that after class was completed, the blue ribbon was displayed proudly and prizes were given, a dog is still a dog, and will sneak into litter boxes for a snack. In the world of CGC, that’s an extreme fail.
Readers, how would you fare on these tests?
So funny, Liz! I imagine I’d have a number of Fails, too…
Ha, Edith! I think it’s cause we’re writers 🙂
Love the picture of Tuffy and Shaggy. In my book you pass all the tests.
Aww Sherry! Thanks 🙂 xo
I loved your clever, humorous post! As one of those friendly strangers, I try to understand people who aren’t receptive but I just can’t. I’m a friendly “dog” by nature who sees every stranger as a new possible friend.
Thanks, Karen! I read too many creepy books to feel that way….
I think you’re too hard on yourself on the distraction issues, Liz. You have a serious day job and are writing two series. I am in awe of what you accomplish. If you’re failing, I would be expelled!
You’re so sweet, Barb. And I doubt you would ever be expelled 🙂
I should be on my way to work. Instead, I’m being distracted by the internet.
And after a weekend at Disneyland, I’m with you on walking in crowds. People just pay no attention and step in front of you at will. It took all my self-control not to run a few people over as the weekend went on.
So Mark, you’re with me on a couple fails 😉 That’s ok! We’re in good company.
Reblogged this on F4l ~ FLECK.
Thanks 🙂
pretty sure i would fail most of them!!
I’m with you, Kay!
Liz, this is great! I had to attend assistance dog boot camp for two weeks before Power Paws would pair me up with a service dog. That’s how I got Kendall. Everything I know about the most important social behaviors I learned from him and Power Paws Assistance Dogs of Scottsdale. 🙂
That’s awesome, Reine 🙂 And so true!