Bronze Award

This award aims to produce a dog that will walk and sit in a controlled manner on the lead, will lie down on command, will allow its owner to clean and groom it and inspect it. The dog must also be able to be positioned by its owner for examination ie: stand, sit, lie down on either side or on its back, all on a lead. Finally the dog must come to hand when called.

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 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.

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 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 Bronze Test Certificate. The examiner will enter the comment “Passed” or “Not Ready” alongside each exercise. In order to receive a Certificate, dogs must receive the comment “Passed” for each exercise at one session.
The organising society will be responsible for appointing an examiner for the test, (see criteria below), however the examiner appointed should not have been involved in the training of any of the students. The organising Society must be confident the examiner is able to fulfil the task proficiently.
The final test is to be arranged by a Kennel Club approved organisation and the examiner will meet the following criteria:

a) Dog Warden (someone that has a good understanding of dog training and the Scheme criteria)
b) Recognised Kennel Club Judge i.e. someone who judges at KC Licensed events on a regular basis - open or championship show level in Obedience, Agility, Working Trials and Breed Shows. Field Trials (Panel Judges) and Gundog Working Test judges who have handled and trained dogs to gain Field Trial or Gundog Working Test awards.’
c) Member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (Associate or Full member, Graduate or Advanced grade. Also First Grade instructors with three years training experience, obtained prior to the 1/1/2003)
d) Police or Service Dog Handler (one that has a good understanding of dog training and the Scheme criteria)
e) Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Approved Examiner – Someone who fulfils the KCGCDS criteria and who has passed a GCDS Examiner Assessment course.

Description of Exercises

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. 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". Note: These essentials are part of the law.

2. COLLAR AND LEAD
Put on collar and lead. It is important that the collar and lead are suitable for type of dog and that the owner is able to fit them correctly. Note: A dog that becomes frightened can back out of a loose collar.

3. WALK ON LEAD
Walk on lead without distractions. The owner will be holding the lead with the dog by their side throughout this section. The dog should walk at the handler’s side without undue pulling forward or back. Note: Competition heelwork is not the aim.

4. CONTROL AT DOOR/GATE
Walk on lead through Door/Gate. The owner will hold the lead and with the dog under control walk the dog through gate/doorway. Note: The objectives of exercise three also apply. The dog should not pull or be pulled through the doorway.

5. CONTROLLED WALK AMONGST PEOPLE AND DOGS
Walk on lead passing people and dogs. Behave in controlled manner whilst owner holds a conversation for one minute. The dog must be able to stand, sit or lie down in a quiet relaxed manner whilst the owner is holding a conversation for one minute. Note: The objectives of exercise three also apply. This is not a stay exercise.

6. STAY ON LEAD FOR ONE MINUTE
Stay in one position on command, on lead. The handler should place the dog with the lead attached in a position of their choice i.e. stand, sit or down. Upon instruction, having quietly dropped the lead on the ground next to the dog, the handler will move a distance of five paces away for a period of one minute. Note: The dog must stay in the position it has been left in, however minor movements within that position are acceptable. Extra commands are permitted but should not be excessive.

7. GROOM
Grooming should be performed relevant to the individual dog. Note: This exercise is a test of ability to keep the dog clean and healthy without a struggle. Handlers are required to provide their own grooming equipment. Any signs of aggression or nervousness while grooming the dog will be deemed not ready.

8. PRESENT FOR EXAMINATION
The examiner will be shown how a handler can examine their own dog. This exercise will be carried out on lead. The dog will be required to have its mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears and feet inspected when standing, sitting or lying down on either side or on its back. Note: This is a most important exercise and will require considerable care, expertise and patience on the part of the trainer. The average new owner may find this exercise difficult and frustrating. However, by ensuring that dogs are properly socialised before attempting this exercise and that this exercise is only carried out under careful supervision will success be achieved.

9. RETURN TO HANDLER
The handler will release the dog from lead, play with or without toy, or in some other way distance themselves from their dog, recall and attach lead. The aim is to enable the handler to call the dog to them when released within a restricted area, i.e. home or garden. There will be no requirement for the dog to sit, the handler will simply attach the lead to the collar. Note: The handler is to be advised not to let the dog run uncontrolled in open spaces such as woods, parks and farmland.

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. When asked questions by the examiner from the Responsibility and Care numbered list section one only. 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 & Care sheet. 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 Information Sheet.

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