AKC’s ‘Canine Good Citizen’

I just became aware of the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. Dog owners who want to train their dogs to receive the CGC award must prepare their pals for 10 different challenges.

The challenges include accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, appearance and grooming, walking on a loose lead, walking through a crowd, obeying a sit-and-stay command, coming when called and reacting to another dog, a distraction and supervised separation. For more information on this program, go to www.akc.org.

I have taken all of my dogs to dog training with the hope that I would be the dog whisperer of our family. I can attest to how difficult it is to really be disciplined about training.

Oh, I’ve worked hours on the different commands and mostly with success. I will share my experience with Baby, our yellow lab, who we adopted as a puppy.

Baby and I went through three sessions of dog school. She was very good about all the commands with the exception of “stay.” Baby could stay but only for about three seconds, and then she would run to me as though we had been apart forever. OK, I did get frustrated and finally I asked the trainer what I was doing wrong. She looked at Baby, then to me, and said, “She’s a blond; what do you expect?” Even now when I’m struggling with a problem, I think of that and laugh.

Watson has been to dog school, too. He was one year old when we finally met. I have tried to teach him to balance a dog treat on his nose then flip it into his mouth. I can honestly say that his expression is precious. He looks at me with his big golden eyes, puts his nose down and lets the treat fall on the floor. My impression is that he’s embarrassed I’m even suggesting it.

Churchill County Parks and Recreation offers dog obedience classes that started on Jan. 14 and ends on Feb. 18. Dogs will learn how to focus on the owner/handler and to perform basic commands and basic obedience skills. For more information, call 423-7733.

If there was a Human Good Citizen award, our Fallon Auto Mall would be the winner for their Paying It Forward Program. Fallon Auto Mall donates $50 for each vehicle sold (new or pre-owned) toward more than 20 local charities. The charities are featured on a display board at their business, and when a vehicle is purchased, $50 goes to the charity of the purchaser’s choice. How cool is that?

What an excellent way for people to shop local and see the community prosper from their purchases. CAPS thanks everyone who supported animal rescue by purchasing a vehicle in Fallon and naming them as the charity of choice. Fallon Auto Mall gave CAPS a check for $1,975. Fallon Animal Welfare Group (FAWG), an animal rescue group that picks up feral cats and spays them, received a check for the same amount.

We are fortunate to live in a community that cares and supports each other. Kindness like this makes me smile larger, greet friends happier and appreciate the joy of a small town. Watson and I promise to pay it forward every day.

CAPS News and Events:

CAPS will be at Walmart tomorrow with our Kissin’ Booth and the adorable Ki. Get your kiss on! I’ve been missing Ki; how about you?

CAPS has adorable puppies, sweet dogs and charming cats who are looking for the forever homes of their dreams. Make this the best New Year you have ever had with a buddy who will always appreciate you, love the food you offer and be your companion.

Be sure to mark Saturday, May 9, on your calendars for our annual Bark in the Park 5K walk/run. Bark in the Park will be held at the fairgrounds. Watch this article for further information.

Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Please contact me at jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, contributed this week’s column.