One Year Together: Part 2 A Year of accomplishments
“One of the proudest moments of our year was Aria passing the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test”
It’s hard to believe a full year has passed since Aria, my New Guinea singing dog, came into my life. From the first day I met her, with her enthusiastic greeting and inquisitive spirit, to the many milestones we’ve achieved together, this year has been nothing short of transformative. Aria has not only grown into an exceptional companion but has also become a testament to the unique capabilities of this remarkable breed. Here’s a look back at our year together, highlighting her scent work training, trick titles, progress in conformation show training, and her accomplishment in the Canine Good Citizen test.
Scent Work Training: Following Her Nose
Early on, it became clear that Aria had an exceptional nose. Her natural curiosity and keen sense of smell made her a perfect candidate for scent work training. We began our journey with a scent work class where Aria was introduced to a brand-new environment, new people, obstacles and other dogs. Starting off small our instructor got to know Aria and began helping us pair scent with rewards like cheese (Aria’s favorite currency). Aria caught on to the “game” and we gradually introducing more complex scent discrimination exercises. She quickly progressed to recognizing specific odors like birch, anise, and clove—the foundational scents in many scent work competitions.
Watching Aria work is awe-inspiring. Her focus and determination shine as she scans her environment, narrows in on the target, and alerts with precision. Her ability to solve problems during more advanced searches has been incredible to witness. This training has not only honed her natural instincts but also raised her confidence and strengthened our bond, as teamwork is essential in this discipline.
I’m looking forward to exploring this sport more in the coming year with the goal to start competing and challenging her abilities.
Trick Titles: Learning Together
Aria’s intelligence and drive for engagement made her a natural for trick training. We have spent our year working and growing together and trick training has been a large part of that. From working on basic commands like “sit” and “down” to more complex behaviors like “beg” and “holding an object” she has tackled each new challenge with enthusiasm as we learned how to communicate and work together.
This year, Aria earned multiple trick titles through the Do More With Your Dog trick dog program, culminating in her Intermediate Masters Trick Dog title. The process of training tricks has been as rewarding for me as it has been for her. It’s a reminder of her quick mind and her desire to work closely with me, always eager to learn, engage and show off her skills.
Conformation Show Training: Strutting Her Stuff
As a New Guinea Singing Dog, Aria is part of a rare and ancient breed, and introducing her to the world of conformation shows was a unique experience. Our journey started with a weekly show handling class. Through this class I worked on my handling skills while Aria worked on her confidence in the ring and the physical exam. Training for the ring required patience and precision, as Aria learned to stack, gait smoothly, and stand for examination. True to her breed’s nature, she brought her own flair to the process, often turning heads with her striking appearance and spirited personality.
We had our first show experience this year though ICKC where we entered four total shows
Her first shows were both a challenge and a triumph. While the ring environment was new and overwhelming at times, Aria’s confidence has grown with each class and ring experience. All our hard work paid off and Aria placed Reserve Junior in Show in one out of our four entered shows. Our goal for the upcoming year is to continue her conformation journey, competing in more shows, gaining confidence in the ring and advocating for the New Guinea Singing Dog’s beauty and capability.
Canine Good Citizen Test: A Testament to Her Temperament
One of the proudest moments of our year was Aria passing the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. This milestone demonstrated not only her training but also her steady temperament and ability to handle new and challenging situations with poise. One of the most challenging tasks for Aria was greeting a stranger politely. New Guinea Singing Dogs are known for their aloof temperaments, often wary of unfamiliar people. Aria was no exception, and overcoming this natural breed trait required patience and consistent practice.
During training, we worked extensively on helping Aria feel comfortable and confident when approached by strangers. By the time of the test, she demonstrated controlled enthusiasm, sitting politely and waiting for further cues while still maintaining her calm composure. This achievement highlighted her adaptability and willingness to work through challenges.
The CGC test also involved other tasks such as walking on a loose leash and maintaining composure in the presence of distractions, both of which Aria handled with determination. Passing the CGC test was a proud moment that showcased her progress and reinforced the strong bond we share. This accomplishment has inspired us to pursue further certifications in the future.
A Year of Growth and Connection
Looking back, this year has been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and unforgettable moments. Aria’s journey from a curious puppy to a confident and accomplished young dog has been nothing short of extraordinary. Beyond her achievements in scent work, trick titles, conformation training, and the CGC test, she has brought immense joy and love into my life.
Aria has taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of celebrating small victories. She’s reminded me of the incredible bond that forms when trust and understanding are built over time. Whether she’s puzzling out a scent work challenge, delighting an audience with her tricks, or strutting her stuff in the ring, Aria’s spirit shines through.
As we look ahead to the coming year, I’m excited to see where our journey will take us. With new goals, adventures, and plenty of love to share, the future is bright for Aria and me. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and celebrating not only the amazing New Guinea singing dog but my heart dog!
