Does anyone on here know much about the kc good citizen dog scheme?I am quite interested in finding a club to join and am awaiting details from the KC.Anyone with experience of this????What does it entail?

Hi Guest

The KCGCDS is really a way of promoting and maintaining well behaved dogs that are not a nuicance to their owners or others. Basically, it ensures that dogs can be trusted to behave well around other dogs and people - no jumping up at people you meet in the street or being aggressive to dogs. the dog has to be able to walk calmly on a lead, recall to owner, walk through doorways/gates in a controlled manner, stay down on command for different lengths of time depending on the grade you are going for eg Bronze, Silver or Gold. The dog has to get in and out of a car in a controlled manner and not be a nuicance in a car while the engine is running. Your dog has to be handled by others eg for presentation at the vets for examination of ears, eyes, teeth paws etc. The dog has to be well mannered over food, be able to play with its owner, walk well on and off the lead and the owner has to know about basic care of and responsibility for their dog.

It is not about formal obedience training but about having a well behaved pet dog - it is open to all dogs regardless of breed and age and the dogs don't have to be KC registered.

You have to pass each stage before going on to the next and you get a certificate and rosette for each grade passed.

Could give more info if you need it.

If you look up the Kennel Club on the net and then click on training you will see a whole section devoted to the KCGCDS , the tests, puppy, bronze, silver and gold and they will, on request send a list of clubs in your area that operate the scheme. It is all about demonstrating that you have a well behaved dog under control in everyday situations.

My dog has the gold award.