KC Good Citizen Dog Scheme

The Scheme is operated by the Kennel Club and is by far the largest dog training scheme in the UK. Its aim is to promote responsible dog ownership and, in turn, enhance our relationship with our pets and to make the community aware of the benefits associated with dog ownership.

There are three levels of awards: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Although a Kennel Club scheme, your dog does not have to be registered with the Kennel Club to take part – the scheme is open to all dogs, both pedigree and crossbreeds.

The Scheme provides a quality standard of training for dogs and owners, and incorporates many domestic obedience exercises. Dog owners of any fitness level or disability can take part too. The Scheme is non-competitive and emphasis is placed on the standard of achievement.

CEDTS provide training right up to Gold Award standard and the club has access to a number of Kennel Club approved Examiners. The formal tests run on designated test evenings.

Classes and times are arranged on an ad hoc basis depending on the demand. Please see our calendar page of details of courses and Test Nights.  Please also be aware that you will need to be assessed by one of our Trainers before you are able to sign up to take a Good Citizens Course, this is to ensure that both you and your dog are ready.

• 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 tag must have on it the full name of the owner, full address including post code and a telephone number(mobile is a good idea). This is law.
• Collar and lead – Put on collar and lead.
• Walk on lead – Walk on lead without distraction.
• Control at door/gate – Walk on lead through door/gate.
• Controlled walk through people and dogs – Walk on lead passing people and dogs. Behave in a controlled way while owner holds a conversation for one minute.
• Stay in one place, on lead – Stay in one position, on command, on lead. (1 minute duration)
• Grooming the dog – Groom and inspect to maintain health.
• Present for examination – Present for examination, on lead, including mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears and feet.
• Return to the handler – Release from lead, play with or without a toy, or in some way distance themselves from the dog, recall and attach lead.
• Responsibility and Care – The object is to test the knowledge of the handler on this subject.

• 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.
• Road walk – The object is to test the ability of the dog to walk on the lead under control.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 and under control during the exercise.
• Come away from distractions – The object is for the handler to remain in control of the dog when there are distractions.
• Controlled greeting – The object is to demonstrate that the dog will not jump up. Should this happen, the handler must be able successfully to instruct the dog to cease.
• Food manners – The object is for the dog to have good manners when aware of people’s food.
• 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 vet.
• Responsibility and Care – The object is to test the knowledge of the handler on this subject.

• 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.
• Return to handler’s side – The object is to be able to bring the dog back under close control during a lead free walk.
• 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.
• 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.
• Send the dog to bed – The object is to demonstrate control such as might be required in the home.
• Relaxed settled – The object is for the dog to be content when settled . During such time the dog should not become agitated, unduly stressed or defensive.
• Food manners – The object is for the dog to be fed in an orderly manner.
• Examination of the dog – this is to demonstrate that the dog will allow inspection of its body by a stranger.
• Responsibility and care – The object is to test the knowledge of the handler ont his subject.