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Aim
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Gold Award is the highest level of Good
Citizenship and builds upon the skills learned in the Silver Award. 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 everyday life
situations. The Gold Award aims to provide handlers with a greater
knowledge of understanding their canine companion.
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 Test Certificate. 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 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 Gold 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. 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. 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 Responsibility and Care sheet. Note: Only one
numbered item may constitute a question. The handler should be able to
give eight out of ten correct answers from Section Two and Three only of
the Responsibility and Care Information Sheet. GCDS/06/03
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