GCDS BRONZE
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award - For dogs older than 12 months or who have completed Puppy Foundation
Aims to produce a dog that will walk and behave in a controlled manner on the lead, and will stay in one position on command, will allow its owner to clean, groom and inspect it.
Read what we expect from the handlers in our training guidelines.
Our Bronze class is a pay-as-u-go class, allowing everyone the opportunity to learn and achieve in their own time. There are several tests held over the year to allow dogs and handlers to sit the Bronze test when they are ready.
The Bronze class runs on a Wednesday night from 7pm Contact Us for more details
Collar and Lead
Cleanliness and Identification
Walk on Lead
Control at Door/Gate
Each handler must carry with them some form of “poop scoop” and all puppies must wear a collar and Identification tag complying with the law.
It is a legal requirement to clean up after your puppy in public areas and dispose of the bag in an appropriate bin.
It is a legal requirement to inscribe the name and the address of the owner on the collar or on a plate or disc attached to it.
It is a legal requirement for your dog to be microchipped from 8 weeks of age, and for your personal details to be kept up to date.
The object of this exercise is that the handler learns how to put on and take of the collar and lead safely.
Is important that the collar and lead are suitable for the type of dog and the handle is able to fit them correctly.
The dog should be able to walk on a lead without distractions.
Walking for about 30 paces, with some turns without undue inconvenience or pulling
The dog can walk on either side of the handler.
This exercise should show control through gates or doorways, neither pulling or being pulled.
Controlled Walk Amongst People and Dogs
The handler should remain in control of their dog whilst walking amongst people, dogs and distractions. Again, walking for about 30 paces, with some turns, the handler should demonstrate the dog can do so without undue inconvenience.
The handler should also hold a conversation with another person for 1 minute whilst the dog is quiet and relaxed
Stay on a Lead for One Minute
This is a development of the "puppy" stay.
In this exercise the dog will stay in one position (chosen by handler) while the handler moves approx 5 paces away for one minute.
Grooming
Moving on from the "puppy" handling exercise this grooming exercise demonstrates that the dog can be groomed without a struggle by the handler.
This is the beginnings of training to make sure your dog can be examined safely by a vet, when necessary and that the handler will be able to check for health problems such as ticks, fleas and lesions.
In this exercise you need to be able to show the dog will allow its handler to examine all areas including, mouth, teeth, eyes, ears, stomach, tail and feet.
Return to Handler
Building on the "puppy" response to name and recall, this exercise will happen off lead in a safe environment away from distractions.
The dog will play with its handler and move approx 10 paces away. The handler will call the dog and be able to safely replace the lead.
Responsibility and Care
Testing the knowledge of the handler on subjects relating to dog ownership.
The questions will be based on section one from the Responsibility and care leaflet.
Examination of the Dog
The Award will cover the following areas: