Glandore Dog Training Club of Ulster

The Kennel Club Good Citizens' Scheme

Latest Club passes on Friday 18th November: 2 Golds, see news page & Gold Gallery page for details

' The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme is 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.' (from the Kennel Club website).

In March 2003, Glandore was asked to provide a display team of dogs for Crufts. Four dogs and their handlers represented the Bronze Good Citizens' Award, putting on three displays for the public. This was the first time that Glandore had been asked to provide a display team, and may have been the first from Northern Ireland.

There are four awards, which are taken in order, except for the Puppy Foundation Award, which is optional, and must be taken by puppies before they are 12 months old. Tasks include calling your puppy, playing with your puppy and taking a toy from it.

In January 2004 , four club members took the Gold Good Citizens' test, the first in the club's history to do so. Two Tibetan Terriers and a Cairn gained their award, demonstrating that dogs of any breed can enjoy training and learning!

The Bronze Award includes useful tasks, such as examining your dog (handy for the vet's) and walking calmly on the lead. The Silver test is based upon most of the tasks in the Bronze, but also includes training your dog with food manners, calling your dog away from other dogs and to travel in an acceptable way in the car. The Gold Award is the highest, and includes more advanced training, such as sending your dog to bed from a distance and calling your dog and then stopping it before it has returned. Each test includes a theory section, where owners are required to know about the common responsibilities of dog-owning.