KENNEL CLUB GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME - NOTICE

BAGSD Huddersfield has for some time supported the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme.  This national Scheme for all dogs and their owners is designed to train dogs and their handlers how to become ‘Good Citizens’.  It is the largest National Dog Training Programme in the UK with over 52,000 dogs and their handlers already achieving the Bronze Award.  There is no age limit on either dog or owner, but generally dogs must have completed their vaccination programme to take part.

The scheme starts with the Puppy Foundation Award and progresses through Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

Whilst the Puppy Foundation Award is assessed on the puppy owner’s attendance at training classes with no test environment being necessary, the following Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards are all conducted on a test basis; although we must point out that the scheme is not competitive.

The range of requirements for Bronze, Silver and Gold increase in number and complexity throughout the 3 Awards.  When the required standard for each level has been achieved, a rosette and certificate will be issued to the dog and owner.  An outline of what is expected at the initial Bronze stage follows:

The Scheme aims to produce a dog that will walk and sit in a controlled manner on the lead, lie down on command, will allow its owner to clean and groom it and inspect it.  The dog must also be able to be positioned by its owner for examination, ie stand, sit, lie down on either side or on its back, all on a lead.  Finally, the dog must come when called.

1. Cleanliness and identification
2. Collar and Lead
3. Walk on Lead
4. Control at door/gate
5. Controlled walk through people and dogs
6. Stay down on lead
7. Groom
8. Present for Examination
9. Return to Handler
10. Responsibility and Care

It is our intention to reintroduce training specific to the Good Citizen Award Scheme following tea/coffee break each Sunday afternoon.  In order to assess the numbers and allocate resource all interested parties are invited to put their details on the accompanying list, and to advise any Committee Member of their interest in participating.

Further details of each Award Scheme can be obtained from our Chairperson, Peggy Godley or Branch Secretary, Rebecca Weston. Thank you for taking the time to read this notice.

Rebecca Weston
Branch Secretary on behalf of the Committee