Good Citizen Award Scheme

GCDS Serving the Community:

Since the launch of the Kennel Club's nation-wide training programme in 1992 for dogs and their owners, the Good Citizen Dog Scheme has become an outstanding success.

Over 52,000 dogs have successfully passed the test which is administered through 1,050 training organisations.

The Scheme brings together simple exercises such as basic dog training, grooming, exercise, diet, cleaning up after the dog and general healthcare. All dogs are eligible for Good Citizen training, be they pedigree or cross-breed, young or old.

The Scheme which is not competitive incorporates four awards - BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD and Puppy Foundation Assessment. Each level involves a gradual development in our understanding of dogs.

A trained dog is a happy dog and remember, you can teach an old dog new tricks!

Dog owners also have an obligation to their community and participants will be guided on the joys of responsible dog ownership.
The courses are straightforward and non-competitive and on successful completion of each of the tests, participants will be awarded a Certificate to mark their achievement and rosette's are available also.

Puppy Foundation Assessement
What does my puppy have to do?

As part of any normal dog training process, training the owner is as important as training the puppy, therefore both owners and puppies are assessed. The course includes 12 different exercises and each exercise will be covered as part of each training session. They are: -
Responsibility & Care
Cleanliness & Identification
Attentive Response To Name
Puppy Play
Socialisation
Handling & Inspection
Puppy Recall
Basic Puppy Positions
Walking in a Controlled Manner
Stay for approximately 10 seconds
Take Article Away from the Puppy
Food Manners (take a treat without snatching)
Is there an examination at the end of the course?
NO - this programme has been designed to lay the foundations in a puppy’s education and therefore assessment will take place over the duration of the course and not on one occasion.
What does my puppy get when he or she passes assessment?
In addition to laying the foundations for a well-behaved dog, puppies who successfully complete the Puppy Foundation Assessment course will be awarded their very own rosette and KC Good Citizen puppy certificate.

BRONZE
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award aims to produce a dog that will walk and behave in a controlled manner on the lead, will stay in one position on command, will allow its owner to clean, groom and inspect it. The dog must also be able to be positioned by its handler for inspection i.e. stand, sit or lie down on either side or on its back, all on lead. The dog must come to hand when called. The Bronze award aims to provide the handlers with a basic knowledge of understanding and training their canine companion.

1. CLEANLINESS AND IDENTIFICATION
2. COLLAR AND LEAD
3. WALK ON LEAD
4. CONTROL AT DOOR/GATE
5. CONTROLLED WALK AMONGST PEOPLE AND DOGS
6. STAY ON LEAD FOR ONE MINUTE
7. GROOM
8. PRESENT FOR EXAMINATION
9. RETURN TO HANDLER
10. RESPONSIBILITY AND CARE
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SILVER

1. Play with the dog
The object is to demonstrate that the dog will play with its handler. Play adds an extra dimension to a dog's life and can be used to make training fun.
2. Road walk
The object is to test the ability of the dog to walk on lead under control.
3. Rejoin the handler
The object is for the dog to remain steady while the handler leaves but the dog will rejoin when instructed to do so. 4. Stay in one place
The object is that the dog will stay on the spot while the handler moves away for 2 minutes. The handler should remain in sight.
5. Vehicle control
The object is for the handler to get the dog in and out of a vehicle in a controlled manner. The dog should remain quiet, relaxed and under control during the exercise.
6. Come away from distractions
The object is for the handler to remain in control of their dog when there are distractions.
7. Controlled greeting
The object is to demonstrate that the dog will not jump up. Should this happen, the handler must be able to successfully instruct the dog to cease.
8. Food manners
The object is for the dog to have good manners when aware of peoples' food.
9. Examination of the dog
The object is to demonstrate that the dog will allow inspection of its body by a stranger as might be undertaken by a veterinary surgeon.
10. Responsibility and care
The object is to test the knowledge of the handler on this subject.

GOLD

1. ROAD WALK
The object is to test the ability of the dog to walk on lead under control beside the handler and for the handler to determine the speed of the walk. This exercise should be carried out at a suitable outdoor location and an occasional tight lead will be acceptable. The handler and dog should walk along a pavement, execute a turn, then stop at the kerb where the dog should remain steady and controlled. On command they should proceed, observing the Highway Code. When reaching the other side they should turn and continue walking making a few changes of pace from normal to slow or fast walking pace. The handler and dog will return across the road to the starting point of the exercise. Distractions should be incorporated such as passing vehicles or bicycles, people, wheelchairs, prams, pushchairs, etc. Note: The turns are only tests of ability to change direction.

2. RETURN TO HANDLER’S SIDE
The object is to be able to bring the dog back under close control during a lead free walk. With the dog off lead and not less than 10 paces away, upon instruction, the dog will be called back to the walking handlers side and both should continue together for approximately ten paces. Note: The dog moving loosely at the handler’s side, but under control, is quite acceptable and there should not be a halt to complete the exercise.

3. WALK FREE BESIDE HANDLER
The object is for the dog to be kept close to the handler’s side as may be necessary on a walk in the park. This is not heelwork but a test of control while walking with a dog off lead beside its handler for approximately 40 paces. Therefore, it is only necessary for the dog to be kept loosely beside the handler. Two changes of direction will take place and there will be the distraction of another handler passing with a dog on lead. Upon instruction the dog will be placed on lead as a finish to the test. Note: Changes of direction are right and left turns without formality.

4. STAY DOWN IN ONE PLACE
The object is that the dog will stay down on the spot while the handler moves away for two minutes both in and out of sight. This stay will be tested off lead and handlers should place their dogs in the down position. During the test the handler will be asked to move out of sight for approximately half a minute. While in sight handlers will be approximately ten paces away from their dog. Note: This exercise is a test to see if the dogs will stay down in one place without changing position.

5. SEND THE DOG TO BED
The object is to demonstrate control such as might be required in the home. The handler may provide the dog’s bed, blanket, mat, or an article of clothing etc. The handler should place the dog’s bed in a position determined by the examiner. The handler will stand approximately ten paces from the bed. Upon instruction, the handler will send the dog to bed where the dog will remain until the examiner is satisfied the dog is settled. Note: The dog is not being sent to bed in disgrace. Where possible this exercise should be tested indoors. The bed used should be suitable to the dog under test and no inducement e.g. toys or food should be used during this exercise.

6. STOP THE DOG
The object is for the handler to stop the dog at a distance in an emergency situation. With the dog off lead and at a distance not less than approximately ten paces away the handler will be instructed to stop the dog on the spot in any position. Note: The dog is expected to respond straight away to the stop command but if moving at speed, will be allowed a reasonable distance to come to a stop.

7. RELAXED ISOLATION
The object is for the dog to be content when left in isolation. During such times the dog should not become agitated, unduly stressed or defensive. The handler should fasten the dog to an approximate two metre line and then move out of sight for between two-five minutes as directed. Alternatively the dog may be left in a room on its own providing undetected observation can take place. Examiners should choose appropriate venues when conducting this exercise. Any number of dogs may be tested at the same time provided they are isolated at different locations. It is acceptable for the dog to move around during isolation, however should the dog whine, howl, bark, or indulge in any disruptive activities it may not pass this exercise. Note: Dogs should be tested for their relaxed demeanour in isolation without any prior controls being imposed by the handler. This is not a stay exercise but handlers may settle their dogs before leaving. This is a practical test and no inducement e.g. blankets, toys or food should be used during this exercise.

8. FOOD MANNERS
The object is for the dog to be fed in an orderly manner. The handler will offer food to the dog either by hand or in a bowl. The dog must wait for permission to eat. After a three-five second pause, the handler will be asked to give the dog an eating command. Note: The dog should not eat until given permission, however if attempting to do so, it is acceptable for the handler to restrain the dog by voice alone.

9. EXAMINATION OF THE DOG
The object is to demonstrate that the dog will allow inspection of its body by a stranger as might be undertaken by a veterinary surgeon. The dog on lead will be required to be placed for inspection of mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears and feet when standing, sitting or lying down as required. Other than mild avoidance, the dog should allow inspection without concern. Note: It is the responsibility of training officials to ensure that only suitable dogs take part in this exercise.

10. RESPONSIBILITY AND CARE
The object is to test the knowledge of the handler on this subject. When asked questions by the examiner from the Responsibility and Care numbered list Sections two and three only. Topics covered include;- Other Responsibilities, Children, Barking, Dogs and Stationary Vehicles, Vehicle Travel, Health, Worming, The Country Code, Miscellaneous, Frightening, Out of Control, Biting and Psychology of learning.