Clumberdoodle Archie Attempts To Become A Good Citizen
The Kennel Club runs a Good Citizen Dog Award Scheme aimed at all dogs whether they are Kennel Club Registered or not, so all breeds of dogs whether pedigree or any cross breeds can take part.
Archie goes to obedience training once a week at the Plymouth Dog Training Club and the Club participates in the scheme.
There are 3 levels, the Bronze being the first level and if you pass that you can then take the Silver which is more difficult and if you pass that then the highest level being the Gold.
The Bronze award aims to show that the owners have basic knowledge and understanding of the training of their dog. The owner also has to prove that they know the dog’s needs and responsibilities of being a dog owner. It consists of 10 different tests that have to be completed which include walking to heel, staying in one position (either sit, down or stand) for a minute without moving. Coming back to the owner when called. Making the dog wait at a little gate whilst opening it then calling the dog through and then the dog waiting again whilst the gate is closed. Being calm whilst you as the owner checks the eyes, ears, teeth paws etc. You only have one attempt to pass these exercises and one tiny mistake in any of the tests results in a failure, so you will probably have to wait another 6 months before you can try again.
Archie took the Bronze test back in April 2018, but unfortunately he did not pass. There were other dogs participating which attend different classes at the Club who he hadn’t seen before and Archie being Archie thought when he was let off the lead that was the ideal situation where he could go and say “hello” to them all, instead of waiting whilst I walked a short distance away before I called him back to me. So a big fail on the recall.
Unfortunately the next time that the Bronze Award was held at the Club we were away on holiday so had to wait until April 2019 before he could have another go.
As I said above, Archie goes to obedience training where they do include the tests that are required at each level, and in Archie’s class there are other dogs at Silver and Gold standard, so he does practice those aswell and manages most of the required elements of those, but has to pass the basic Bronze level before he can have a go at the other two.
So on the 16th April 2019 Archie was lectured by Steve (my husband) to be on his best behaviour before we went and lo and behold he must have listened as he completed all the tests to the standard required without being distracted. There were other dogs again that he had not seen before but he went and introduced himself before the actual test got under way and I am pleased to say that his concentration was on me which was a great relief.
So he was presented with a rosette, a certificate and a little disc which has a painted picture of a “saintly dog”!!!
Clumberdoodle Archie Attempts To Become A Good Citizen
So Archie is now officially a Kennel Club Bronze Good Citizen.
Trying to Become a Good Citizen is Really Hard Work
The Silver test is scheduled for a few weeks time, so you never know he might be upgraded to a Silver Good Citizen if he takes part, so I will pupdate how he got on or does not get on as the case may be.
Pupdate 1st June 2019 the Silver Good Citizen Award
Archie took the Silver Good Citizen this morning, with this test building upon skills and increasing the level of difficulty from the Bronze Award Again each of the 10 tests have to be passed at the first attempt, one mistake means a “fail”. The 10 tests this time are:-
Playing with your dog which shows that the dog will play with it’s owner.
A road walk which includes stopping and waiting at the kerb and crossing the road, not being distracted by prams, bicycles, people, vehicles etc indicating that the dog is under control, steady and calm throughout.
Rejoinnig the handler when they move away and the dog is called.
Staying in one place for 2 minutes whilst the handler moves away but still in sight.
Vehicle control where the dog has to remain quiet, relaxed and under control whilst getting into and out of a vehicle.
Coming away from a distractions, where you take the dog on the lead to a gathering of people, then the lead removed and the handler runs away calling the dog who should return without delay.
A controlled greeting to demonstrate the dog will not jump up when meeting people.
Food manners, where food is consumed whilst the dog is taken in close proximity and resist temptation.
An examination of the dog by a stranger as might be necessary for a visit to the vets. Teeth, eyes, throat, ears, stomach, tail and feet whilst the dog is standing, sitting or laying down whilst the handler holds the dog securely.
A series of questions that have to be answered by the handler about responsibility and care of owning a dog.
I am pleased to say that Archie passed and was presented with a certificate and a disc. I was so pleased with him as it was only a few weeks ago that he passed the bronze. In 6 months time no doubt we will have a go at the Gold, so watch this space.
A photo was taken of the Judge and the 3 of us who passed
Clumberdoodle Archie Attempts To Become A Good Citizen
Well done Rhubarb and congratulations to the motivation by Stephen. Love your stories
Hi Mike
Thank you for your kind comments, I shall pass on your congratulations to Archie (AKA Rhubarb to you!!) and Steve and hope his motivation works for the Silver Award.