The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme

The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme is the largest dog training programme in the UK

The scheme is open to all dogs, young or old, pedigree or crossbreed. Dogs and owners of any fitness level or disability can take part. Dogs do not have to be registered with The Kennel Club to take part.

The scheme promotes responsible dog ownership by teaching owners to train their dog for everyday real life situations.

There are four award levels as follows:

Puppy Foundation

This course lays the foundations for early learning and assists new puppy owners in understanding basic training techniques. Enrolment can take place from 8 weeks of age, depending on the club and course completion up to 12 months of age. This award level is assessed by the class instructor over a minimum four-week period.

Bronze

The bronze award aims to produce a dog that will walk and behave in a controlled manner. It is a basic standard that all adult dogs can achieve with correct handling. Owners must show that they have means of picking up after their dog and that their dog is wearing a lead and collar with the name and the address of the owner inscribed on the collar/disc to take part.

Dog Identification requirements in the UK

The control of dogs order 1992 states that : any dog in a public place should have the name and address of the owner on a disc attached to their collar, a name plate on their collar or on the collar itself.

On 6th April 2016 it became a legal requirement in England, Scotland and Wales for all dogs to be microchipped. A microchip does not replace the need for identification on your dog’s collar.

Silver

The silver award aims to build on the skills learned in the bronze award while increasing the level of difficulty. It is a natural progression of practical dog training skills and introduces new concepts such as greeting a friend, vehicle control and a road walking exercise which are vital in everyday life situations.

Gold

The gold award is the highest level of achievement within the scheme awards. It builds upon the skills learnt in the silver award and develops more advanced training skills of the dog and handler. The gold award introduces new concepts such as sending a dog to bed, relaxed isolation, an emergency stop and heelwork off the lead, all of which provide greater understanding and control.

Full details of each level can be found on The Kennel Club’s website

www.thekennelclub.org.uk