Aim
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 advance training skills of the dog and 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. Where possible it is
preferable that
certain exercises are tested at
indoor and outdoor locations.
Eligibility
The Scheme is aimed at all dogs
whether Kennel Club registered or not, there is no age limit. 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. 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. Engraved tags can be purchased from the Kennel Club website.
Standard Required
The test is non-competitive but
Examiners should be satisfied that dogs are worthy of passing. Examiners should
observe the
spirit of the Scheme, which is to
produce happy, contented dogs, which are well behaved and under the control of
handlers who
fully understand the
responsibilities to their dogs, to their neighbours and to the community. A
Certificate will be awarded when the
required standard has been
achieved.
Any uncontrolled, mouthing,
barking, growling or other threatening behaviour is not acceptable and further
training will be required
before the dog can be passed. In
order that it be meaningful the testing must be carried out rigorously. Emphasis
must be placed
upon the ability of the handler
to handle, care for and generally be responsible for their dog.
The Test
Dogs may be tested singly or in
groups, those passing all parts of the test will receive a Good Citizen Dog
Scheme Gold Award
Certificate. The Examiner will
enter the comment “Passed” or “Not Ready” along side each exercise. In order to
receive a
Certificate, dogs must receive
the comment “Passed” for each exercise during one testing session.
The Club/Organisation arranging
the test will be responsible for appointing an Examiner and the standards
required are stated in
the Scheme’s Guidelines and
Information Handbook and should be strictly adhered to.
Handouts
Literature to be given out at the
beginning of each training course:-
Description of Exercises
Canine Code
Responsibility and Care leaflet
Description of Exercises
Exercise 1 - 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
beside the handler
and for the handler to determine
the speed of the walk. 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. On command they should proceed, observing the Highway
Code. When
reaching the other side they
should turn and continue walking, making a few changes of pace from normal to
slow or fast walking
pace. The handler and dog will
return across the road to the starting point of the exercise. Distractions
should be incorporated
such as passing vehicles or
bicycles, people, wheelchairs, prams, pushchairs, etc.
Note: The
turns are only tests of ability to
change direction.
Exercise 2 - Return to Handler’s Side
The object of this exercise is to
be able to bring the dog back under close control during a lead free walk. With
the dog off lead
and not less than 10 paces away,
upon instruction, the dog will be called back to the walking handler’s side and
both should
continue together for
approximately ten paces.
Note: A dog moving loosely at the handler’s side,
under control, is quite
acceptable and there is no
requirement for a halt to complete the exercise.
Exercise
Exercise 3 - Walk Free Beside Handler
The object of this
exercise is for the dog to be kept close to the
handler’s side as may be necessary on a walk in the
park. This is
a test of control
whilst walking with a dog off lead beside its handler
for approximately 40 paces. Competition heelwork is not
the
aim, but is
acceptable. Therefore, it is only necessary for the dog
to be kept loosely beside the handler. Two changes of
direction
will take place
and there will be the distraction of another handler
passing with a dog on a lead. Upon instruction the
handler will
attach the lead to
finish to the test.
Note: Changes of direction are
right and left turns without formality.
Exercise 4 - Stay Down in one Place
The object of this
exercise is that the dog will stay down on the spot
while the handler moves away for two minutes both in and
out of sight. This
stay will be tested off lead and handlers should place
their dogs in the down position. During the test the
handler
will be asked to
move out of sight for approximately half a minute. While
in sight handlers will be approximately ten paces away
from their dog.
Note: This exercise is a test to
see if the dog will stay down in one place without
changing position.
Exercise 5 - Send the Dog to Bed
The object of this
exercise is to demonstrate control such as might be
required in the home. The handler may provide the dog’s
bed, blanket, mat,
or an article of clothing, etc. The handler should place
the dog’s bed in a position determined by the Examiner.
The handler will
stand approximately ten paces from the bed. Upon
instruction, the handler will send the dog to bed where
the
dog will remain
until the Examiner is satisfied the dog is settled.
Note: The dog is not
being sent to bed in disgrace. Where
possible this
exercise should be tested indoors. The bed used should
be suitable for the dog under test and no
inducement e.g.
toys or food should be used during this exercise.
Exercise 6 - Stop the Dog
The object of this
exercise is for the handler to stop the dog at a
distance in an emergency situation. With the dog off
lead and at
a distance, not
less than approximately ten paces away, the handler will
be instructed to stop the dog on the spot in any
position.
Note: The dog
should be moving and is expected to respond straight
away to the stop command, but if moving at
speed, will be
allowed a reasonable distance to come to a stop.
Exercise 7 - Relaxed Isolation
The object of this
exercise is for the dog to be content when left in
isolation. During such times the dog should not become
agitated, unduly
stressed or defensive. The handler should fasten the dog
to an approximate two metre line and then move out
of sight for
between two - five minutes as directed. Alternatively,
the dog may be left in a room on its own, provided
undetected
observation can
take place. Examiners should choose appropriate venues
when conducting this exercise. Any number of dogs
may be tested at
the same time provided they are isolated at different
locations. It is acceptable for the dog to move around
during
isolation, however
should the dog whine, howl, bark, or indulge in any
disruptive activities it should not pass this exercise.
Note: Dogs should
be tested for their relaxed demeanour in isolation
without any prior controls being imposed by the
handler. This is
not a stay exercise but handlers may settle their dogs
before leaving. This is a practical test and no
inducement e.g.
blankets, toys or food should be used during this
exercise.
Exercise 8 - Food Manners
The object of this
exercise is for the dog to be fed in an orderly manner.
The handler will offer food to the dog either by hand or
in a bowl. The dog
must wait for permission to eat. After a three - five
second pause, the handler will be asked to give the dog
a
command to eat.
Note: The dog should not
eat until given permission, however if attempting to do
so, it is acceptable
for the
handler to restrain the dog by voice alone.
Exercise 9 - 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 dog should allow
inspection without
concern.
Note: It is the responsibility of
training officials to ensure that only suitable dogs
take part in this exercise.
Exercise 10 - 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 two and three of the
Responsibility and Care leaflet. Topics covered include
- other
responsibilities,
children, barking, dogs and stationary vehicles, vehicle
travel, health, worming, the Country Code,
miscellaneous,
frightening, out
of control, biting and psychology of learning. 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 leaflet. There should be a session during which the
importance of these topics in every day life situations
are discussed.
Note: Only one numbered
item may constitute a question. The handler should be
able to give eight out
of ten correct answers
from section two and three of the Responsibility and
Care leaflet.
The Good Citizen Dog Scheme, 1-5 Clarges Street,
Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB Tel: 020 7518 1011 Email:
gcds@thekennelclub.org.uk www.gcds.org.uk
  
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