The Kennel Club’s

GOOD CITIZEN DOG

Scheme

www.thekennelclub.org.uk

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During the lunch break at our February 2007 Championship Show, and with the kind permission of The Kennel Club, we held a short parade and demonstration featuring Mastiffs that had gained success at various levels in The Good Citizen Dog Scheme.

The Kennel Club’s website includes full details of the scheme which was set up a few years ago to promote responsible dog ownership and to stress the importance of having obedient and well adjusted dogs as part of society. It is now the largest dog training scheme in the U.K.

Seven mastiffs were present to participate and although there had been very little time for preparation, they gave an impromptu display lasting about 20 minutes which held the audience spellbound, entertained, and probably rather envious of what the dogs and their handlers had achieved.

Down – Stay

We are grateful to Denis Smith, a KC Assessor for the GCD Scheme, who gave an informed commentary on the various stages of the demonstration which included heelwork, walk on lead, control at gate, controlled walk amongst people and dogs, come away from distractions, good food manners, walk free beside handler, stays, send the dog to bed, stop the dog and play with dog.

The team at the end of the display acknowledging the applause and appreciation from the audience

From left to right:-

Debbie Harding with Troy (Silver award)
Andrea Hipwood with Portia (Bronze award)
Valerie Ridge handling Diana Yemm’s Dora (Silver award)
Diana Yemm with Annie (Gold award)
Elaine Norris with Angel (Bronze award)
Ronnie Miller with Maddison (Silver award)
Claire Smith with Beamish (Silver award)

The officers and committee of the M.A. wish to record their thanks and congratulations to all members of the team and their mastiffs for giving such an accomplished and fluent performance and particularly to Diana Yemm for all her hard work in organising and staging the programme.

These awards are achievable and sessions are held at various shows around the country. Bronze Award assessments will be held at Birmingham National Champ Show (Stafford) on May 10th, Bath Champ Show on May 27th, the M.A.'s Open Show (Coventry) on September 23rd and at other venues also.
For the Bronze Award you must have with you a suitable, good fitting collar and lead, an identification disc on the collar, poo bags, and a brush for grooming.
Why not have a go; if you would like further details, help or advice, e-mail Diana Yemm

Photographs by Alan V. Walker, Our Dogs Photographer