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This award aims to
produce a dog that will walk and sit in a controlled manner on the lead,
will lie down on command, will allow its owner to clean and groom it and
inspect it. The dog must also be able to be positioned by its owner for
examination ie: stand, sit, lie down on either side or on its back, all
on a lead. Finally the dog must come to hand when called.
Aim
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.
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. Handlers must
show that they have means of cleaning up after their dog and that it has
proper identification.
Standard Required
The test is non competitive but examiners should be satisfied that dogs
are worthy of passing. Examiners should also observe the spirit of the
Scheme, which is to produce happy, contented dogs, which are well
behaved, and under the control of handlers who fully understand the
responsibilities to their dogs, to their neighbours and to the
community. A Certificate will be awarded when the required standard has
been achieved.
Any uncontrolled, mouthing, barking, growling or other threatening
behaviour is not acceptable and further training will be required before
the dog can be passed. In order that it be meaningful the testing must
be carried out rigorously. Emphasis must be placed upon the ability of
the handler to handle, care for and generally be responsible for their
dog.
The Test
Dogs may be tested singly or in groups. Those ‘passing’ all parts of the
test will receive a Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Test Certificate. The
examiner will enter the comment “Passed” or “Not Ready” alongside each
exercise. In order to receive a Certificate, dogs must receive the
comment “Passed” for each exercise at one session.
The organising society will be responsible for appointing an examiner
for the test, (see criteria below), however the examiner appointed
should not have been involved in the training of any of the students.
The organising Society must be confident the examiner is able to fulfil
the task proficiently.
The final test is to be arranged by a Kennel Club approved organisation
and the examiner will meet the following criteria:
a) Dog Warden (someone that has a good understanding of dog
training and the Scheme criteria)
b) Recognised Kennel Club Judge i.e. someone who judges at KC
Licensed events on a regular basis - open or championship show level in
Obedience, Agility, Working Trials and Breed Shows. Field Trials (Panel
Judges) and Gundog Working Test judges who have handled and trained dogs
to gain Field Trial or Gundog Working Test awards.’
c) Member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers
(Associate or Full member, Graduate or Advanced grade. Also First Grade
instructors with three years training experience, obtained prior to the
1/1/2003)
d) Police or Service Dog Handler (one that has a good
understanding of dog training and the Scheme criteria)
e) Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Approved Examiner –
Someone who fulfils the KCGCDS criteria and who has passed a GCDS
Examiner Assessment course.
Description of
Exercises
1. CLEANLINESS AND IDENTIFICATION
Each handler must carry with them some form of “poop scoop” and all dogs
must wear a collar and identification tag. The owner should be reminded
that they must always remove any fouling caused by their dog and carry
with them some form of "poop scoop". Note: These essentials are part of
the law.
2. COLLAR AND LEAD
Put on collar and lead. It is important that the collar and lead are
suitable for type of dog and that the owner is able to fit them
correctly. Note: A dog that becomes frightened can back out of a loose
collar.
3. WALK ON LEAD
Walk on lead without distractions. The owner will be holding the lead
with the dog by their side throughout this section. The dog should walk
at the handler’s side without undue pulling forward or back. Note:
Competition heelwork is not the aim.
4. CONTROL AT DOOR/GATE
Walk on lead through Door/Gate. The owner will hold the lead and with
the dog under control walk the dog through gate/doorway. Note: The
objectives of exercise three also apply. The dog should not pull or be
pulled through the doorway.
5. CONTROLLED WALK AMONGST PEOPLE AND DOGS
Walk on lead passing people and dogs. Behave in controlled manner whilst
owner holds a conversation for one minute. The dog must be able to
stand, sit or lie down in a quiet relaxed manner whilst the owner is
holding a conversation for one minute. Note: The objectives of exercise
three also apply. This is not a stay exercise.
6. STAY ON LEAD FOR ONE MINUTE
Stay in one position on command, on lead. The handler should place the
dog with the lead attached in a position of their choice i.e. stand, sit
or down. Upon instruction, having quietly dropped the lead on the ground
next to the dog, the handler will move a distance of five paces away for
a period of one minute. Note: The dog must stay in the position it has
been left in, however minor movements within that position are
acceptable. Extra commands are permitted but should not be excessive.
7. GROOM
Grooming should be performed relevant to the individual dog. Note: This
exercise is a test of ability to keep the dog clean and healthy without
a struggle. Handlers are required to provide their own grooming
equipment. Any signs of aggression or nervousness while grooming the dog
will be deemed not ready.
8. PRESENT FOR EXAMINATION
The examiner will be shown how a handler can examine their own dog. This
exercise will be carried out on lead. The dog will be required to have
its mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears and feet inspected when standing,
sitting or lying down on either side or on its back. Note: This is a
most important exercise and will require considerable care, expertise
and patience on the part of the trainer. The average new owner may find
this exercise difficult and frustrating. However, by ensuring that dogs
are properly socialised before attempting this exercise and that this
exercise is only carried out under careful supervision will success be
achieved.
9. RETURN TO HANDLER
The handler will release the dog from lead, play with or without toy, or
in some other way distance themselves from their dog, recall and attach
lead. The aim is to enable the handler to call the dog to them when
released within a restricted area, i.e. home or garden. There will be no
requirement for the dog to sit, the handler will simply attach the lead
to the collar. Note: The handler is to be advised not to let the dog run
uncontrolled in open spaces such as woods, parks and farmland.
10. RESPONSIBILITY AND CARE
The object of this exercise is to test the knowledge of the handler on
specific subjects relating to owning a dog. When asked questions by the
examiner from the Responsibility and Care numbered list section one
only. 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 & Care sheet.
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. Note:
Only one numbered item may constitute a question. The handler should be
able to give three out of six correct answers from Section One of the
Responsibility and Care Information Sheet.
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