Aim
The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze 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 positioned 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 Scheme is aimed at all dogs whether Kennel Club registered or not, there is no age limit. For the Bronze Test, dogs are not required to have completed the Puppy Foundation Assessment programme.  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 also 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 for it to be meaningful the testing must be carried out thoroughly. 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 Bronze 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 hosting 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

1. Bronze Award Description
2. Canine Code
3. Responsibility and Care Sheet

Description of Exercises

Exercise 1 - Cleanliness and Identification
Each handler must carry with them some form of “poop scoop” and all dogs must wear a collar and Identification tag complying with the law.  The owner should be reminded that they must always remove any fouling caused by their dog and carry with them some form of "poop scoop”. 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. Furthermore it is a legal requirement to clean up after your dog in public areas and dispose of the bag in an appropriate bin. Notes: Even if a dog is microchipped, you can be fined if your dog is not wearing the correct Identification. Telephone numbers are not compulsory but can be very helpful in returning your dog to you in an emergency. Engraved tags can be purchased from the Kennel Club website.

Exercise 2 - Collar and Lead
The object of this exercise is that the handler learns how to put on and take off the collar and lead safely. It is important that the collar and lead are suitable for the type of dog and that the handler is able to fit them correctly. Note: A dog that becomes frightened can back out of a loose collar.

Exercise  3 - Walk on Lead
The object of this exercise is for the dog to walk on a lead without distractions.  The handler and dog should walk for approximately 30 paces and include some turns and should demonstrate that this can be done without undue inconvenience and the dog pulling forward or back.  Note: Competition heelwork is not the aim. An occasional tight lead does not necessarily result in classification “Not Ready”. The dog is permitted to walk on either side of the handler.

Exercise 4 - Control at Door/Gate
The object of this exercise is for a handler and dog to walk through a gate/doorway under control and on a lead. The dog should not pull or be pulled through the gate/doorway. When this exercise commences the dog can be in any position and should wait while the handler opens the gate/door and then proceeds to go through. The handler should then recall the dog through the gate/doorway. While the handler secures the gate, the dog should remain settled.

Exercise 5 - Controlled Walk Amongst People And Dogs
The object is for the handler to remain in control of their dog whilst walking amongst people, dogs and distractions. The handler should walk for approximately 30 paces and include some turns. They should demonstrate that this can be done without undue inconvenience and the dog pulling forward or back. The dog should behave in a quiet, relaxed and controlled manner whilst the handler holds a conversation for one minute. The dog may adopt a stand, sit or down position at this time. This is not a stay exercise. Note: Competition heelwork is not the aim. An occasional tight lead does not necessarily result in classification “Not Ready”. The dog is permitted to walk on either side of the handler.

Exercise 6 - Stay on Lead for One Minute
The object of this exercise is that the dog will stay on the spot while the handler moves away for one minute. The handler should remain in sight. The handler should place the dog on lead in any position 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 one minute. Note: This exercise is a test to see if the dog will stay in one place without changing position. The dog must stay in the position that it is left in.

Exercise 7 - Grooming
The object of this exercise is to test the handler’s ability to groom the dog without a struggle. Grooming performed should be relevant to the individual dog, conducted on a lead and should include all parts of the dog’s body. Handlers are required to provide their own grooming equipment. Note: Any signs of aggression or nervousness while grooming the dog will be deemed “Not Ready”. It is permissible for small dogs to be groomed on a table.

Exercise 8 - Examination of the Dog
The object of this exercise is to demonstrate that the dog will allow inspection of its body by its handler. This exercise will be carried out on a lead. The examiner will be shown how a handler can examine their own dog. The dog is to be placed for inspection of its mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears, stomach, tail and feet when 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. This is a most important exercise and will require considerable care, expertise and patience on the part of the instructor. The average new owner may find this exercise difficult and frustrating.

Exercise 9 - Return to Handler
The object of this exercise is for a dog to return to its handler when instructed to do so. The handler will release the dog from its lead, play with or without a toy, or in some other way distance themselves 10 paces away from the dog. When directed to do so, the handler should call the dog. Having rejoined, the dog should stop close to the handler in any position and the lead shall be replaced.  Note: The handler is to be advised not to let the dog run uncontrolled in open spaces such as woods, parks and farmland.

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 one of the Responsibility and Care leaflet. Topics include – a dog’s needs, illness and responsibilities of ownership. 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 discussion period during which the importance of correct socialisation can be explained, problems discussed and advice given on choosing a suitable collar, identity disc and lead. Note: Only one numbered item may constitute a question. The handler should be able to give three out of six correct answers from section one of the Responsibility and Care leaflet.

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