Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Is Ziggy a Good Citizen?

I've been fostering Ziggy for a year and a half now.  From the beginning, even when he was just a three month old puppy, I've struggled with him. And I've never hesitated to share my frustrations - sometimes perhaps too much!  I've called him tenacious, impossible, mischievous, and a challenge.  I've suspected him of having a learning disability, and I've declared that he is incorrigible.  He even gets blamed for things he didn't do, just because he's Ziggy.  But although he's more challenging than any dog I've ever fostered, he's also made me laugh more than any other foster dog.  He has made me crazy at the same time as he's made me fall in love with him.  I've never had to work so hard with any other dog, and yet I've never accomplished so much with any other dog either.  He's taught me more about dogs and about dog training than I ever thought I'd learn.  He's improved a lot in the past year and a half, and I do believe he's finally on track to be adopted by the time he's three years old.  Or maybe four years old.  

Ziggy and I, with the help of several trainers and dog behavior experts, have worked hard to get this far.  He's even been attending CGC (Canine Good Citizen) classes, and will be taking his CGC test tonight.  I am very nervous and excited for him.  The American Kennel Club's CGC program is "designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community."  Ziggy's manners at home and out have improved significantly since returning from boot camp and continuing with his training.  This means he may actually be able to pass the CGC test.  It also means there may be less "Ziggy stories" on my blog in the future now that Ziggy has developed good manners.  It's a price I'm willing to pay!   Tune in tomorrow to find out if Ziggy really is a canine good citizen!

19 comments:

Sheltie Times said...

Good luck on your test Ziggy.

-Katy & Bailey

Unknown said...

Hurray for Ziggy, this is a serious big step!

Erin said...

You can do it Ziggy!! We're rooting for you!!

Erin, Rob, Bubbles & Texas

Two Grad Students and a Pittie said...

were rooting for Ziggy!

http://twogradstudentsandapittie.blogspot.com

Corbin said...

Good luck!!! I took my CGC test and passed in February!
-Corbin

Tucker The Crestie said...

Good luck, Ziggy!

Cupcake said...

Good luck Ziggy!

Stefanie said...

You can do it Ziggy!

Kari in Alaska said...

Good luck Ziggy!

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

I have no doubt and can't wait to hear how well Ziggy does!

Show 'em what you got, Ziggy!

Happy tails!
Stumpy and her bean

sp said...

good luck team ziggy!

Two Pitties in the City said...

Go Ziggy! I know he has manners, but maybe just selective? Miss M is CGC and she has an occasional tantrum here and there.

Amanda said...

I echo two pitties...they will still bring lots of blog fodder even with a CGC! ;) HAHAHAHA! My girl has hers and boy oh boy, she is still my crazy kook, just has an easier time keeping her head on straight than she once did. =) That is so cool Laurie, keep up the good work! Even preparing to test is a huge accomplishment. Go Zigs! I have a naughty boy who reminds me of Ziggy who I should begin preparing I think....

H Ski said...

It sounds like he is making good progress. Good luck tonight!!

brooke said...

Oohhh! Good luck Zigster!!!
I hope you pass tonight, but still cause a little ruckus now and then cause youre stories are so entertaining! :)

Anonymous said...

Way to go Ziggy! Can't wait to hear how the test went!

JacksDad said...

If you don't know the answer on your test, put C. It's almost always C! :)

Anonymous said...

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RAPHAEL BIRRIRO RAT!

Unknown said...

Good luck, Zigster! I'm sure potential adopters will really like to read that on your Petfinder profile!