The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme was established to promote socially acceptable dogs and to teach owners how to train their dogs. After all, just like humans, dogs need to be educated so that they can live in harmony with society.
The Scheme is open to all dogs regardless of age or breed. The aim of the Scheme is to promote responsible dog ownership and in turn, enhance our relations with our canines, and to make the community aware of the benefits associated with owning dogs.
There are four levels of achievement as follows:-
Information sheets, containing details of the requiremnents for each level can be downloaded from The Kennel Club website : http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dogtraining
Those interested in taking part in the Good Citizens' Training Scheme will also need a copy of The Canine Code booklet and the Responsibilty and Care leaflet (also available as downloads from the KC Website). Part of the tests involve answering questions based on the information contained in both publications. The higher you progress, the more advanced /varied the questions become.
It is possible to teach a dog independently up to Bronze Level and to take the test at a Championship Shows. If tests are being run at certain Champ Shows, then the info will be advertised in the schedules. The schedules often state that tests will run throughout the day. However, I have known them to have finished by early afternoon.
The Silver Test has to be taken at an approved training establishment and many of the elements involve working within a group .... socialising being very important. Those who have worked for their Bronze within a class/group situation are therefore at an advantage having become used to working amongst other dogs/handlers.
Far fewer go on to the Gold level as some feel that they have achieved what they set out to with their dogs after taking Bronze or Silver. Others might have diverted into obedience or agility work from those grades. However, the exercises learned at Gold Level are particularly useful for those considering the obedience route.
The Puppy Foundation level does not involve a test and it is only for dogs under 12 months of age. Within reason, there is no upper age limit, for dogs taking part in the GC Scheme as long as they are fit and healthy.
One of the added benefits I have found from attending classes is that , should a dog and handler be experiencing a problem with a particular 'task', then the rest of us learn from seeing how the instructors solve the issue. Having progressed to Gold with Wolfie, I now know what it required through each level, but my methods sometimes need to be adapted for the individuals who are following in his tracks.
Wolfie now trains for competitive obedience with the German Shepherd Dog Training Club of Wales. It is quite difficult to find openings into both obedience and agility clubs because they are becoming increasingly popular sports. Many run their own preliminary classes from which the most promising might be invited to join a club.
Wolfie is now taking part in competitive obedience shows in the Pre-beginners' Class. He was placed 5th in the Bath Alsatian Club Open Show, which was very encouraging.
The Obedience UK Website is contains invaluable information for those interested in taking part in the sport : http://www.obedienceuk.com/
