The Good Citizen dog scheme

The Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme has been introduced at centres to teach the dogs in our care the basic skills and manners needed to be a successful pet.

In addition to making dogs more rehomable, the training also provides mental and physical stimulation for the dogs while in our care.

The Bronze Award aims to produce a dog that will walk and behave in a controlled manner on the lead, stay in one position on command and allow its owner to clean, groom and inspect it. The dog does not have to be registered with the Kennel Club and there is no age limit.

The test
Dogs are tested in groups and examiners will either award a 'pass' or say the dog is 'not ready'. A pass earns a certificate and a rosette.

The scheme is run at many clubs and is great fun to take part in. The dog completes a series of exercises, and the owner is questioned about responsibility and caring for a dog. The exercises include:

• cleanliness and identification
• collar and lead
• walking on the lead
• control at the door
• controlled walk among people
• staying for one minute
• grooming
• presenting for examination
• returning to the handler