Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme has been around for quite a long time, probably longer than most people realise.
Originally there was only one level and it was simply called the Good Citizen Dog Scheme Certificate, several years later the KC then introduced four differing levels, Puppy/Foundation, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
The Bronze level replaced the original test and the Silver and Gold test were then bought in so people (and their dogs!) could progress on from there.
All dog owners should work with their dog to achieve at least the Bronze level.
The exercises are really relative to everyday life and if trained properly are life skills for you and your dog.
For example in the Gold Test there is an element called stop the dog.
To achieve this you need to be able to stop your dog off lead either going away from, or coming towards, you.
Imagine how valuable it could be in many situations. What if your dog was out with you on a walk and something frightened it or distracted it, perhaps another dog or someone else’s ball, could you stop your dog if it was heading towards a road or other dangerous situation?
In all levels there are examination elements, in the Bronze you show the examiner you can go over all parts of your dog. You would be surprised at how many people have never looked in their dogs mouths. All owners need to take the time and care to get their dogs used to having their mouths examined.
Even if you do not show your dog, by teaching them that being examined is a nice thing it is much easier to deal with any problems you have, like a stone or burr between the toes. Ears, eyes and teeth all need to be cared for as well.
In Silver and Gold it is the examiner who will go over your dog so this equates to things like vet’s visits. It is much nicer for your dog and the vet if your dog will just stand quietly and be examined.
Recalls are included in all levels and are such a vital part of teaching your dog to be well mannered and pleasant to have around.
Can you call your dog back from distractions like other dogs?
Could you put your dog in a stay and leave it whilst you picked up dropped shopping or helped somebody who had fallen over, these are just a couple of practical areas when teaching your dog a stay is useful.
There are actually four levels to the Good Citizen scheme, briefly they are….
Puppy/Foundation:-
This is where we start all of our dogs and handlers irrespective of age.
This is the only element where there is no test at the end, instead your trainer will complete a diary for you and when you have achieved all the sections you will have achieved your puppy/foundation certificate. The parts all have to be done more than once but it is really only showing your youngster how to behave nicely and have good manners.
For example, response to name, all dogs need to know their name and how to respond immediately.
Socialisation with dogs and other people: Teaching your dogs to greet people and other dogs in an appropriate manner. If you teach your dog to sit or stand nicely when meeting people, it will be invaluable when going to the vets, showing your dog and just meeting people in general. It will also help you and other people from being flattened and covered in muddy footprints.
Handling your dog and getting your youngster used to being examined: By doing this, you will then be able to check him for burrs, minor injuries etc without your dog being worried.
The above are some elements of the puppy/foundation.
Bronze:-
This leads on from the puppy/foundation and the elements are aimed towards having a well behaved dog.
Walking through a door under control: This means your dog doesn’t charge through the door, this could save your dog’s life if the door was to open onto a road.
Walking on a lead and through other dogs and people. This is a really important part. With any large dog it also looks so much better if your large friend is trotting by your side under control.
Return to handler: We all need our dogs to come back smartly when they are called. This again is a life skill and can stop them from getting into problems.
Grooming: You have to demonstrate to the examiner you can groom your dog thoroughly, this is essential with a long coated breed, especially beards and feet!
Just a taster of the Bronze test!
Silver:-
The main additional requirement from Bronze is a road walk and showing you and your dog can walk nicely together along a road etc.
Controlled Greeting: Teaching your dog to sit or stand nicely when meeting new people.
Vehicle Control: Showing that your dog will get in and out of your car under control. Imagine if you need to stop unexpectedly and have to get your dog out on a road, how important it is they do this calmly and under control.
Come away from distractions: Just getting your dog to leave anything and return to you happily, because you are the best thing in their world!
Again this is just a taster.
Gold:-
This is currently the highest level you can attain with your dog.
Stop the dog: You have to be able to stop your dog in either direction, this is a life skill for your dog, imagine if your dog was running towards a road, if you could stop them, you could be saving their life.
Walk free beside you and past another dog: This takes time and patience as this is done off lead, but is so worthwhile when out walking.
Food Manners: At this level your dog will have to learn to leave food until told it can have it. This is another life skill, as you can then stop your dog from eating something yucky or dangerous, by saying leave and then getting your dog to return to you and be rewarded.
In conclusion:
The aforementioned are just some of the component parts relating to all levels. By teaching your dog, you will build a great bond with your dog, they will be a pleasure to take places with you and, best yet, they will be welcomed.
For the complete details of each test, please see The Kennel Club Website.
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme has been around for quite a long time, probably longer than most people realise.
Originally there was only one level and it was simply called the Good Citizen Dog Scheme Certificate, several years later the KC then introduced four differing levels, Puppy/Foundation, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
The Bronze level replaced the original test and the Silver and Gold test were then bought in so people (and their dogs!) could progress on from there.
All dog owners should work with their dog to achieve at least the Bronze level.
The exercises are really relative to everyday life and if trained properly are life skills for you and your dog.
For example in the Gold Test there is an element called stop the dog.
To achieve this you need to be able to stop your dog off lead either going away from, or coming towards, you.
Imagine how valuable it could be in many situations. What if your dog was out with you on a walk and something frightened it or distracted it, perhaps another dog or someone else’s ball, could you stop your dog if it was heading towards a road or other dangerous situation?
In all levels there are examination elements, in the Bronze you show the examiner you can go over all parts of your dog. You would be surprised at how many people have never looked in their dogs mouths. All owners need to take the time and care to get their dogs used to having their mouths examined.
Even if you do not show your dog, by teaching them that being examined is a nice thing it is much easier to deal with any problems you have, like a stone or burr between the toes. Ears, eyes and teeth all need to be cared for as well.
In Silver and Gold it is the examiner who will go over your dog so this equates to things like vet’s visits. It is much nicer for your dog and the vet if your dog will just stand quietly and be examined.
Recalls are included in all levels and are such a vital part of teaching your dog to be well mannered and pleasant to have around.
Can you call your dog back from distractions like other dogs?
Could you put your dog in a stay and leave it whilst you picked up dropped shopping or helped somebody who had fallen over, these are just a couple of practical areas when teaching your dog a stay is useful.
There are actually four levels to the Good Citizen scheme, briefly they are….
Puppy/Foundation:-
This is where we start all of our dogs and handlers irrespective of age.
This is the only element where there is no test at the end, instead your trainer will complete a diary for you and when you have achieved all the sections you will have achieved your puppy/foundation certificate. The parts all have to be done more than once but it is really only showing your youngster how to behave nicely and have good manners.
For example, response to name, all dogs need to know their name and how to respond immediately.
Socialisation with dogs and other people: Teaching your dogs to greet people and other dogs in an appropriate manner. If you teach your dog to sit or stand nicely when meeting people, it will be invaluable when going to the vets, showing your dog and just meeting people in general. It will also help you and other people from being flattened and covered in muddy footprints.
Handling your dog and getting your youngster used to being examined: By doing this, you will then be able to check him for burrs, minor injuries etc without your dog being worried.
The above are some elements of the puppy/foundation.
Bronze:-
This leads on from the puppy/foundation and the elements are aimed towards having a well behaved dog.
Walking through a door under control: This means your dog doesn’t charge through the door, this could save your dog’s life if the door was to open onto a road.
Walking on a lead and through other dogs and people. This is a really important part. With any large dog it also looks so much better if your large friend is trotting by your side under control.
Return to handler: We all need our dogs to come back smartly when they are called. This again is a life skill and can stop them from getting into problems.
Grooming: You have to demonstrate to the examiner you can groom your dog thoroughly, this is essential with a long coated breed, especially beards and feet!
Just a taster of the Bronze test!
Silver:-
The main additional requirement from Bronze is a road walk and showing you and your dog can walk nicely together along a road etc.
Controlled Greeting: Teaching your dog to sit or stand nicely when meeting new people.
Vehicle Control: Showing that your dog will get in and out of your car under control. Imagine if you need to stop unexpectedly and have to get your dog out on a road, how important it is they do this calmly and under control.
Come away from distractions: Just getting your dog to leave anything and return to you happily, because you are the best thing in their world!
Again this is just a taster.
Gold:-
This is currently the highest level you can attain with your dog.
Stop the dog: You have to be able to stop your dog in either direction, this is a life skill for your dog, imagine if your dog was running towards a road, if you could stop them, you could be saving their life.
Walk free beside you and past another dog: This takes time and patience as this is done off lead, but is so worthwhile when out walking.
Food Manners: At this level your dog will have to learn to leave food until told it can have it. This is another life skill, as you can then stop your dog from eating something yucky or dangerous, by saying leave and then getting your dog to return to you and be rewarded.
In conclusion:
The aforementioned are just some of the component parts relating to all levels. By teaching your dog, you will build a great bond with your dog, they will be a pleasure to take places with you and, best yet, they will be welcomed.
For the complete details of each test, please see The Kennel Club Website.