TRAINING CLASSES
PUPPY FOUNDATION
Aim
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy Foundation Assessment aims to provide a means of socialising puppies and to lay down a foundation for education and training.On successful completion of the course puppies will respond to their handlers and the handlers will have an awareness of the responsibilities of dog ownership.The inclusion of play exercises adds an extra dimension to a dog’s life and can be used to make training fun. Constructive play and suitable incentives are encouraged within this puppy training programme.
Eligibility
Age definition – up to a maximum of 12 months old. At their discretion the course organiser can set a minimum age for enrolment.A puppy must attend for a minimum of four weekly sessions. The course should be focused around the progress of the puppy and its owner over a period of time and not on the first or one particular meeting.The enrolment of puppies onto the Puppy Foundation Assessment should be carefully monitored, especially to ensure that puppies complete the course before they reach the maximum age for this Scheme.
How old Does A Puppy Have To Be?
The minimum puppy age limit is at the discretion of the training course provider (club) taking into account the premises and training environment being used. Some training clubs may enrol puppies for their course from as young as 10 weeks, other clubs may ask that puppies have completed their second vaccination, whilst other training clubs may like puppies to be older still. The maximum age for a puppy to enrol will again depend on the individual training club, but will not exceed 12 months old on the date of week four of the assessment.
Responsibility and Care
The object of this exercise is to educate the owner on the basic principles of owning a puppy. This exercise should be conducted as a talk or open discussion and puppy owners will be encouraged to participate and ask questions. This exercise can be conducted with the use of the Canine Code and Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy Foundation literature supplied with each course pack. These talks should cover all the basic topics related to owning a puppy, but must include the following:-
a) Cleanliness and identification
b) Recognition of basic health problems
c) Health protection for the puppy
d) Teething, chewing and daily routine
e) House training and separation anxiety
f) Socialisation with people and other dogs
The Test
Cleanliness and Identification
Each handler must carry with them some form of “poop scoop” and all puppies must wear a collar and Identification tag complying with the law. The owner should be reminded that they must always remove any fouling caused by their puppy and carry with them some form of “poop scoop”. It is a legal requirement to inscribe the name and the address of the owner on the collar or on a plate or disc attached to it. Furthermore it is a legal requirement to clean up after your puppy in public areas and dispose of the bag in an appropriate bin. Note: Even if a puppy is microchipped, you can be fined if your puppy is not wearing the correct Identification.Telephone numbers are not compulsory but can be very helpful in returning your dog back to you in an emergency.
Attentive Response to Name
The puppy should know its name when spoken and at least pay brief attention. This assessment should be carried out on lead when the handler will call its name.
Play With The Puppy
The object is to demonstrate that the puppy will play with its owner. When invited to do so the owner should commence to play with the puppy. Play should be under the owner’s control and if it involves articles they should not be dangerous and should be readily given up by the puppy. Play should be appropriate to the puppy under assessment but should not include play fighting.
Socialisation
With a placid dog unknown to the puppy.
The puppy will be carefully introduced on a lead to a suitable non-aggressive adult dog unfamiliar to the puppy. This is an assessment to determine sociability with other dogs. Relative size of the two animals should be considered. Aggressive behaviour or undue fear will classify the puppy as “Not Ready”. Playful growling, mild wariness or aloofness is acceptable.
With an adult person unknown to the puppy.
The puppy will be carefully introduced on a lead to a man or woman unfamiliar to the puppy. They should gently make friends with the puppy without immediately descending upon it in friendship. Backing off and undue wariness should be classed as “Not Ready”.
With Noise Distraction
The puppy should not be unduly startled or excited by normal day to day sounds and every care should be taken when undertaking this exercise. With the puppy on a lead, suitable noises should be made at least several paces from the puppy.
Handling and Inspection to Maintain Health
Preparatory to grooming, a puppy should allow handling of its body and inspection by its owner. Mild fidgeting and avoidance is acceptable. Definite aggressive behaviour should result in the classification “Not Ready”. This exercise will be conducted on a lead.
Puppy Recall
In an enclosed area handlers should in some way distance themselves from the puppy by at least two or three paces. They should recall, praise and secure the puppy. If necessary this assessment can be conducted away from the distractions of other dogs. It may involve any reasonable incentive to return and the owner may back away when the puppy starts to move. An assistant may hold the lead.
Basic Puppy Positions
The owner should demonstrate that the puppy will stand, sit and go down. Any reasonable incentives and assistance may be used and the order of positions may be at the handler’s choice. Each position need only be very briefly adopted. Any minor movements are acceptable.
Walking in a Controlled Manner
With the puppy on lead, and without distractions, the owner and puppy should walk for approximately 20 paces and include a turn.They should demonstrate that this can be done without undue inconvenience to themselves or others. A tight lead does not necessarily result in classification “Not Ready”.
Stay for Approximately Ten Seconds
With the puppy on lead and in any position the owner will be invited to tell the puppy to stay for approximately ten seconds. Changingposition is acceptable. This exercise should be used as a foundation for future stay training.
Take Article Away from the Puppy
Puppies must learn that they should give up articles when required. An article should be given to the puppy who should give it up when the handler attempts to take it away. The article will be of the handler’s choice and suitable for the type of puppy being assessed but should not be food. If the puppy refuses to take an article the Instructor may provide an alternative, however if the puppy will not take an article it should still be passed.
Food Manners
The handler should demonstrate that the puppy can take a treat without snatching and in a controlled manner. If the puppy refuses to take a treat, the Assessor may provide an alternative, however if the puppy will not take a treat it should still be passed.
BRONZE
Eligibility
The Scheme is aimed at all dogs whether Kennel Club registered or not, there is no age limit. For the Bronze Test, dogs are not required to have completed the Puppy Foundation Assessment programme.
The Test
Cleanliness and Identification
Each handler must carry with them some form of “poop scoop” and all dogs must wear a collar and Identification tag complying with the law.
Collar and Lead
The object of this exercise is that the handler learns how to put on and take off the collar and lead safely. It is important that the collar and lead are suitable for the type of dog and that the handler is able to fit them correctly.
Walk on Lead
The object of this exercise is for the dog to walk on a lead without distractions. The handler and dog should walk for approximately 30 paces and include some turns and should demonstrate that this can be done without undue inconvenience and the dog pulling forward or back.
Control at Door/Gate
The object of this exercise is for a handler and dog to walk through a gate/doorway under control and on a lead. The dog should not pull or be pulled through the gate/doorway. When this exercise commences the dog can be in any position and should wait while the handler opens the gate/door and then proceeds to go through. The handler should then recall the dog through the gate/doorway. While the handler secures the gate, the dog should remain settled.
Controlled Walk Amongst People And Dogs
The object is for the handler to remain in control of their dog whilst walking amongst people, dogs and distractions. The handler should walk for approximately 30 paces and include some turns. They should demonstrate that this can be done without undue inconvenience and the dog pulling forward or back. The dog should behave in a quiet, relaxed and controlled manner whilst the handler holds a conversation for one minute. The dog may adopt a stand, sit or down position at this time. This is not a stay exercise.
Stay on Lead for One Minute
The object of this exercise is that the dog will stay on the spot while the handler moves away for one minute. The handler should remain in sight. The handler should place the dog on lead in any position i.e. stand, sit or down. Upon instruction, having quietly dropped the lead, the handler will move a distance of five paces away for a period of one minute.
Grooming
The object of this exercise is to test the handler’s ability to groom the dog without a struggle. Grooming performed should be relevant to the individual dog, conducted on a lead and should include all parts of the dog’s body. Handlers are required to provide their own grooming equipment.
Examination of the Dog
The object of this exercise is to demonstrate that the dog will allow inspection of its body by its handler. This exercise will be carried out on a lead. The examiner will be shown how a handler can examine their own dog. The dog is to be placed for inspection of its mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears, stomach, tail and feet when standing, sitting or lying down as required. Other than mild avoidance, the dog should allow inspection without concern.
Return to Handler
The object of this exercise is for a dog to return to its handler when instructed to do so. The handler will release the dog from its lead, play with or without a toy, or in some other way distance themselves 10 paces away from the dog. When directed to do so, the handler should call the dog. Having rejoined, the dog should stop close to the handler in any position and the lead shall be replaced.
Responsibility and Care
The object of this exercise is to test the knowledge of the handler on specific subjects relating to owning a dog. The Examiner should construct questions based on section one of the Responsibility and Care leaflet. Topics include – a dog’s needs, illness and responsibilities of ownership. The questions should not be phrased in an ambiguous manner and where necessary, examiners should rephrase the same question in an attempt to bring out the correct answer from the handler. At the start of each training course, in addition to the Description, handlers should be given a copy of the Canine Code and Responsibility and Care leaflet.There should be a discussion period during which the importance of correct socialisation can be explained, problems discussed and advice given on choosing a suitable collar, identity disc and lead.
SILVER
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Silver Award aims to build upon the skills learned in the Bronze Award whilst increasing the level of difficulty. The Silver Award is a natural progression of practical dog training skills and introduces new concepts such as the controlled greeting, road walk and vehicle control exercises which are important in everyday life situations.The Silver Award aims to provide handlers with a good knowledge of understanding and training their canine companion.
Eligibility
The Scheme is aimed at all dogs whether Kennel Club registered or not, there is no age limit. For the Silver Test Examiners will only accept dogs that have already been awarded a Bronze Award Certificate.
The Test
Play with the Dog
The object of this exercise 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. When instructed to do so the handler should commence to play with the dog. Play should be under the handler’s control and if it involves articles they should be readily given up by the dog.
Road Walk
The object of this exercise is to test the ability of the dog to walk on a lead under control on a public highway. This exercise should be carried out at a suitable outdoor location and an occasional tight lead is 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. Having observed the Highway Code, they should proceed to the other side, turn and continue walking. Distractions should be incorporated such as passing vehicles or bicycles, people, wheelchairs, prams, pushchairs, etc.
Rejoin handler
The object of this exercise is for the dog to remain steady, off lead, while the handler moves away, the dog will then rejoin when instructed to do so. Having left the dog and moved approximately ten paces away, when directed to do so, the handler should call the dog. Having rejoined, the dog should stop close to the handler in any position, the lead shall be replaced.
Stay in One Place for Two Minutes
The object of this exercise is that the dog will stay on the spot while the handler moves away for two minutes. The handler should remain in sight. The handler should place the dog with the lead attached in any position of their choice i.e. stand, sit or down.Upon instruction, having quietly dropped the lead, the handler will move a distance of five paces away for a period of two minutes.
Vehicle Control
The object of this exercise 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 this exercise. Without pulling, the dog should be taken on lead towards a vehicle and remain steady whilst the handler opens the vehicle door. The dog should not attempt to get in until instructed but should then enter willingly and the door should be closed. The handler, Examiner and, if necessary, a driver will get into the vehicle. The engine should be started and run for a short time to enable the Examiner to assess the effect upon the dog, which at all times, should remain quiet, relaxed, and under control. The dog will then be instructed to exit in an orderly manner. The handler should then close the door with the dog calmly under control.
Come away from Distractions
The object of this exercise is for the handler to remain in control of their dog when there are distractions. The handler should take the dog, on lead, to a gathering of people with dogs also on lead. When instructed to do so, the lead should be removed and the handler should walk or run away calling the dog, which should return without delay and be placed on the lead.
Controlled Greeting
The object of this exercise 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. The Examiner will greet the dog as they may do when entering a house. A dog that does not jump up will pass.
Food Manners
The object of this exercise is for the dog to have good manners when aware of food. Food should be handled or consumed while the dog, on a loose lead, is taken in close proximity to it. The dog should not unduly respond to this temptation, i.e. not to beg for food or steal.
Examination of the Dog
The object of this exercise 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 its mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears and feet whilst standing, sitting or lying down as required. Other than mild avoidance, the dog should allow inspection without concern.
Responsibility and Care
The object of this exercise is to test the knowledge of the handler on specific subjects relating to owning a dog. The Examiner should construct questions based on section one and two of the Responsibility and Care leaflet. Topics include – a dog’s needs, illness, responsibilities of ownership, other responsibilities, children, barking, dogs and stationary vehicles and vehicle travel. The questions should not be phrased in an ambiguous manner and where necessary, Examiners should rephrase the same question in an attempt to bring out the correct answer from the handler. At the start of each training course, in addition to the Description,handlers should be given a copy of the Canine Code and Responsibility and Care leaflet. There should be a session during which the importance of these topics in every day life situations are discussed.
GOLD
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Gold Award is the highest level of achievement of the Scheme. It builds upon the skills learnt in the Silver Award and develops more advance training skills of the dog and handler. The Gold Award is a natural progression of practical dog training skills and introduces new concepts such as relaxed isolation, stop the dog and send the dog to bed exercises, which are important in every day life situations. The Gold Award aims to provide handlers with a greater knowledge and understanding of their canine companion. Dogs that are awarded a Gold Certificate should reach the required standards in all exercises and be a worthy representative of the Scheme’s highest standard. Where possible it is preferable that certain exercises are tested at indoor and outdoor locations.
Eligibility
The Scheme is aimed at all dogs whether Kennel Club registered or not, there is no age limit. For the Gold Test, Examiners will only accept dogs that have already been awarded a Silver Award Certificate.
The Test
Road Walk
The object of this exercise is to test the ability of the dog to walk on a lead under control on a public highway 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 is 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.
Return to Handler’s Side
The object of this exercise 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 handler’s side and both should continue together for approximately ten paces.
Walk Free Beside Handler
The object of this exercise 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 a test of control whilst walking with a dog off lead beside its handler for approximately 40 paces. Competition heelwork is not the aim, but is acceptable. 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 a lead. Upon instruction the handler will attach the lead to finish to the test.
Stay Down in one Place
The object of this exercise 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.
Send the Dog to Bed
The object of this exercise 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.
Stop the Dog
The object of this exercise 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.
Relaxed Isolation
The object of this exercise 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, provided 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 should not pass this exercise.
Food Manners
The object of this exercise 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 a command to eat.
Examination of the Dog
The object of this exercise 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 its mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears, stomach,tail and feet whilst standing, sitting or lying down as required. Other than mild avoidance, the dog should allow inspection without concern.
Responsibility and Care
The object of this exercise is to test the knowledge of the handler on specific subjects relating to owning a dog. The Examiner should construct questions based on section two and three of the Responsibility and Care leaflet. 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. The questions should not be phrased in an ambiguous manner and where necessary, Examiners should rephrase the same question in an attempt to bring out the correct answer from the handler.At the start of each training course, in addition to the Description, handlers should be given a copy of the Canine Code and Responsibility and Care leaflet. There should be a session during which the importance of these topics in every day life situations are discussed.