Helena bombed her GGC

Helena bombed on her CGC test today. We got there and she was really high strung. And I kept having to tell her to stay while I filled out the form. I was being a little irritable to her because I just woke up trying to get there quick because I thought we were late. Well we were on time. Anyway then I borrowed a martingale type choke because no prongs. So she didn't like that and started behaving badly so I put her "stillwater" collar haha free advertising Anyway long story short we were entering the ring and the little plastic gate fell and made a loud noise and it stunned both of us. She got really spooked so they gave me 5 I took her out tryed to run with her a little. I took her back in she wouldn't go in the ring and I was pretty much dragging her when shes usually dragging ME. She passed the first 3 stations and 4 loose leash she was still draging so I got disqualified... they talked to me about socialization.. and it was "she never acts this way, seriously shes always excited to be there because of all the dogs and people and she has been socialized since a very young age. Oh well we will try again later this year after she goes through novice 1 obedience.

 

...it happens...though I ve never done anything like that. It sounds like a common mishap..better luck nextime..way to go for the first 3 stations non the less

Cutt

 

that's better than alot of people including me. much props to you for even trying and passing some. next time will be easy for you.

 

Sorry to hear. But you do need to get her used to something loud being dropped behind her, as that is actually part of the test. When I tested Envy and Amira, the evaluator dropped a metal weight plate on the concrete floor behind them.
Start with small noises and increase as her confidence builds.

 

How should I react if she is afraid of something? I've heard telling them "its ok" enforces their fear, because it's like saying it's ok to be scared. She is more commonly getting spooked by loud noises, she's afraid of fireworks and stuff. She barks at thunder. Today on our walk a guy was working on his lawn and he dropped the shovel and she was nervous to let him pet her, and then we passed a motorcycle cooling off and ticking and she was afraid of it. Whats the best way to get her confident?

Thanks