Best Pals Dog Training is approved under the Kennel Club Good Citizen scheme. We offer four separate courses for varying levels of competency. The handler is assessed at the end of the course to achieve the required award. the four competency levels available are:
The Kennel Club Good citizen scheme is a dog training programme that promotes socially acceptable dogs and creates responsible dog owners. The scheme is non-competitive and is open to dogs of all ages and all breeds, whether Kennel /club Registered or not.
Since the schemes introduction in 1992, there are now over 1800 participating dog training organisations who offer training courses and testing sessions in the UK. Emphasis is placed on the handler’s ability to handle, control and generally care for their dog in a domestic environment. The object of each exercise is to provide a standard of control.
For Further information about the Kennel Club Good Citizen scheme and the courses offered please head to: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/scheme
Owners must ensure that their dog has an appropriate collar and identification in accordance with the Control of Dogs Order 1992 before attempting to apply for any of our courses:
"Every dog while in a highway or public resort must wear a collar with the name and address of its owner inscribed on it or a plate or badge attached to it. The Channel Islands have a dog licensing system that requires all dogs to be licensed with their local parish. the respective local parish will provide further information as to what is required by law on identification tag. the Isle of Man also has similar requirements" Control of Dogs Order 1992
For further information as to what is acceptable under the control of dogs order 1992 please see: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/310346/dog_identificationin_the_uk.pdf
With effect from 6th April 2016, it is a legal requirement in England, Scotland and Wales for dogs over 8 weeks old to be microchipped.
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy Foundation assessment aims to provide a means of socialising puppies and to lay down a foundation for education and training. On successful completion of the course puppies will respond to their handlers and the handlers will have an awareness of the responsibilities of dog ownership. The inclusion of play exercises adds to an extra dimension to a dogs life and can be used to make training fun. Constructive play and suitable incentives are encouraged within this puppy training programme. Dogs must be less than 12 months old to undertake the Puppy Foundation Award.
Key focuses for the course include:
All of these behaviours are fundamental for everyday life skills and to become a well-adjusted puppy within the family. I focus on teaching appropriate good manners, self-control, basic training, bite inhibition and the meeting and greeting other people and dogs. I encourage all the family including children to get involved with the puppies training. The training is very hands off, puppies are taught with the clicker which becomes a positive reward with food to follow and used not as a bribe or lure. Throughout and follwowing completion of this course you will build a strong and emotional relationship, while maintaining calm between owner and dog.
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bonze 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 position by its handler for inspection i.e. stand, sit or lie down on either side or on its back, all on the 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 course it aimed at all dogs whether Kennel Club registered or not; There is no age limit. For the bronze award dogs are not required to have completed the puppy Foundation assessment programme. However, handlers must show that they have the means of cleaning up after their dog and that is has correct identification that is legally compliant. With Effect from the 6th April 2016 dogs are required to have a microchip which is registered on a DEFRA approved database, in the UK.
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Silver Award aims to build upon the skills learned in the Bronze Award whilst increasing the level of difficulty. The Silver Award is a natural progression of practical dog training skills and introduces new concepts such as the controlled greeting, road walk and vehicle control exercises which are important in everyday life situations. The Silver Award aims to provide handlers with a good 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 Silver award dogs and handler must have successfully completed the Bronze award. Handlers must show that they have means of cleaning up after their dog and that it has proper identification that is legally compliant. With Effect from the 6th April 2016 dogs are required to have a microchip which is registered on a DEFRA approved database, in the UK.
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Gold Award is the highest level of achievement of the scheme. It builds upon the skills learnt in the silver Award and Develops more advanced training skills of the dog handler. 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 every day life situations. The Gold Award aims to provide handlers with a greater knowledge and understanding of their canine companion. Dogs that are awarded a Gold Certificate should reach the required standards in all exercises and be a worthy representative of the Scheme’s highest standard.
Eligibility
The Scheme is aimed at all dogs whether Kennel Club registered or not. Dogs must be a minimum of 12 months old to be eligible to take part in a Gold Award Test. For the Gold Test, Examiners will only accept dogs that have already been awarded a Silver Award Certificate. Handlers must show that they have means of cleaning up after their dog and that it has proper identification that is legally compliant. With Effect from the 6th April 2016 dogs are required to have a microchip which is registered on a DEFRA approved database, in the UK.