On the 18th March Peggy completed both her Silver and Gold Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme with Helen Masters Dog Training
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
Play with the Dog
The object of this exercise 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. When instructed to do so the handler should commence to play with the dog. Play should be under the handler’s control and if it involves articles they should be readily given up by the dog.
Road Walk
The object of this exercise is to test the ability of the dog to walk on a lead under control on a public highway. This exercise should be carried out at a suitable outdoor location and an occasional tight lead is 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. Having observed the Highway Code, they should proceed to the other side, turn and continue walking. Distractions should be incorporated such as passing vehicles or bicycles, people, wheelchairs, prams, pushchairs, etc.
Re-join Handler
The object of this exercise is for the dog to remain steady, off lead, while the handler moves away, the dog will then re-join when instructed to do so. Having left the dog and moved approximately ten paces away, when directed to do so, the handler should call the dog. Having re-joined, the dog should stop close to the handler in any position, the lead shall be replaced.
Stay in One Place for Two Minutes
The object of this exercise is that the dog will stay on the spot while the handler moves away for two minutes. The handler should remain in sight. The handler should place the dog on lead in any position of their choice i.e. stand, sit or down. Upon instruction, having quietly dropped the lead, the handler will move a distance of five paces away for a period of two minutes. The test is completed when the handler returns to the dog’s side and picks up the lead.
Vehicle Control
The object of this exercise is for the handler to get the dog in and out of a vehicle in a controlled manner. The dog should remain quiet, relaxed and under control during this exercise. Without pulling, the dog should be taken on lead towards a vehicle and remain steady whilst the handler opens the vehicle door. The dog should not attempt to get in until instructed but should then enter willingly and the door should be closed. The handler, Examiner and, if necessary, a driver will get into the vehicle. The engine should be started and run for a short time to enable the examiner to assess the affect upon the dog, which at all times, should remain quiet, relaxed, under control and not at any time become a nuisance to the driver. The dog will then be instructed to exit in an orderly manner. The handler should then close the door with the dog calmly under control. Note: Only physically able dogs should be invited to jump into the vehicle and where appropriate, dogs may be lifted in and out of the vehicle. It is highly recommended that when travelling, dogs are secure in a vehicle. However, dogs should not be penalised if handlers do not use specific types of equipment recommended for safe canine travel.
Come away from Distractions
The object of this exercise is for the handler to remain in control of their dog when there are distractions. The handler should take the dog, on lead, to a gathering of people with dogs also on lead. When instructed to do so, the lead should be removed and the handler should walk or run away calling the dog, which should return without delay and be placed on the lead.
Controlled Greeting
The object of this exercise is to demonstrate that the dog will not jump up. Should this happen, the handler must be able to successfully instruct the dog to cease. The Examiner will greet the dog as they may do when entering a house. A dog that does not jump up will pass.
Food Manners
The object of this exercise is for the dog to have good manners when aware of food. Food should be handled or consumed while the dog, on a loose lead, is taken in close proximity to it. The dog should not unduly respond to this temptation, i.e. not to beg for food or steal.
Examination of the Dog
The object of this exercise 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 its mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears, stomach, tail and feet whilst standing, sitting or lying down as required. Other than mild avoidance, the dogs should allow inspection without concern. The lead must be held securely by the handler throughout the exercise. The lead, collar and equipment should not be used to restrain the dog. If required the Examiner can insist that if applicable a head collar or body harness is removed if it interferes with the inspection.
Responsibility and Care
The object of this exercise is to test the knowledge of the handler on specific subjects relating to owning a dog. The Examiner should construct questions based on section one and two of Responsibility and Care. Topics include – a dog’s needs, illness, responsibilities of ownership, other responsibilities, children, barking, dogs and stationary vehicles and vehicle travel. 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 Canine Code and Responsibility and Care section. There should be a session during which the importance of these topics in every day life situations are discussed.
All the above information can be found here
As you can tell Peggy was very happy to pass her classes, she is however upset that there are no more classes to attend :(
Bark Soon
Peggy x
