Since the launch of the Kennel Club's nation-wide training programme in 1992 for dogs and their owners, the Good Citizen Dog Scheme has become an outstanding success. Over 52,000 dogs have successfully passed the test which is administered through 1,050 training organisations. The Scheme brings together simple exercises such as basic dog training, grooming, exercise, diet, cleaning up after the dog and general healthcare. All dogs are eligible for Good Citizen training, be they pedigree or cross-breed, young or old. The Scheme which is not competitive incorporates four awards - BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD and Puppy Foundation Assessment. Each level involves a gradual development in our understanding of dogs.

A trained dog is a happy dog and remember, you can teach an old dog new tricks!
Our instructors, who are qualified and experienced, will be available to advise you on any problems with which you may need help, also they will show you the correct use of equipment and introduce you to very basic commands before you commence training classes.

We take part in the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme which encourages responsible dog ownership. We start with the Puppy Foundation Assessment Course which is normally completed in 11 weeks, this then sets the foundation for the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme. The scheme has three awards, Bronze and Silver which are achievable by any pet owner, and the Gold which incorporates a slightly harder test. The scheme is straightforward and non-competitive and on completion of each of the tests, participants will be awarded a Certificate to mark their achievement, a rosette is also given on completion of the Bronze Award.

An annual competition is backed up by regular assessments to enable handlers to check on their progress.  At Christmas we have a Doggy Christmas Party which is thoroughly enjoyed by all the dogs - no matter what their ability.

Training Tips

• Be consistent, be patient, and give lots of praise when your dog gets it right.
• When giving a command, give it clearly but only once and help your dog to carry out the command. The dog will learn through repetition.
• When your dog has carried out your instruction to your satisfaction, see that this is rewarded. Rewards may be given verbally by using the dog’s name with praise or by petting, stroking, giving a treat or a toy for play.
• When teaching an exercise, don’t chastise the dog for getting it wrong, he may have misunderstood. Only praise the right response. If necessary break the exercise down to smaller components.
• Don’t shout your dog is not deaf!
• Always make training short and enjoyable; a 5 to 10 min session each day is better than ½ hour once a week, and always end on a good note.
• Other useful practices include teaching your dog to sit whilst it waits for its food. Give the food only when it has complied with your instruction.
• When exercising on the lead, do not allow your dog to push through doors or gates. Command it to sit or wait, then open the door or gate but insist that it passes through in a controlled manner. Whenever you cross a road make your dog sit at the kerb and wait until you give the command to proceed.

We recommend a suitable length lead and either a flat or ½ check collar. Our training is motivational and reward based, so please bring treats/toys, and a retrieve article and a scent article.  

These small but important practices will help your dog to associate training with pleasure. Experience has shown that a dog that enjoys its training learns quickly and has fewer problems than those which find training boring. 

Finally, please remember that you have chosen not only the most attractive breed but also one of the most intelligent and powerful of breeds. Because of this, it is essential that ongoing training forms a part of the daily routine. Training should be fun for both you and your dog and will help you bond with your dog and stop boredom setting in.