The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme has 3 levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold. At Little Orchard we are able to offer each level of training and the course content is as follows:
This is the First level of training which is designed to either follow on from our Puppy Course or suit an older dog which is new to or returning to training.
Our courses are limited to small groups and where possible will be made up of dogs of a similar age and ability, although everyone works at their own pace. Having mixed ability groups is something that our Trainers are experienced in. There are 2 Trainers per lesson to assist you during your training with Little Orchard. The more practice you put in at home between the lessons, the more you and your dog will achieve from the course.
We use the "clicker training" method for all classes from bronze level onwards. It rewards good behaviour and encourages dogs to be positive about their training. Using the clicker will teach you more about how your dog learns good behaviours. We are striving to achieve stress free, fun training.
For more information about clicker training view our Website information page by clicking here or read our Clicker Training booklet. For details of current course availability, please click here.
Some of the elements in the bronze good citizens dog scheme:
We also include "clicker training" introduction food manners, play, gaining attention, trick training and learning sit, down and stand positions.
We provide Help Sheets each week that assist with training practice in-between lessons. These have been produced in an easy to read format. Please see the Kennel Club website for further details about the Good Citizen scheme by clicking here
This is the second level of training which is desgned to follow on from the Bronze Course. The elements involved in the Silver Good Citizens Dog scheme:
During the silver course we train you in the required elements as well as working on more advanced training in off lead heelwork, trick training, increased attention and being able to train using less frequent food rewards.
This is the third level of training which follows on from the Silver Course. The elements involved in the Gold Good Citizens Dog Scheme:
During the gold course we train you in the required elements as well as working on more advanced training in off lead heelwork, increased attention and being able to train using less frequent food rewards. The gold training requires a lot more practice away from the sessions as there is a big jump up from silver to gold in the standard required.
The Kennel Club list a number of conditions that we must meet in order to hold Good Citizen Courses. Likewise, they list a stringent set of guidelines that all examiners must adhere to when conducting tests. At Little Orchard we have a strict policy to follow the guidelines which will be explained to everyone before the test day. We have Sarah able to test on Bronze, Silver and Gold Courses. Alex is able to test on Bronze and Silver Courses. Anne is able to test on Bronze Courses. We also have a strong link with the North Somerset Dog Wardens who will also conduct tests on our behalf as none of the trainers are allowed to examine dogs on a course that they have trained.
We like our clients to be able to view their own progress on this website and have created a Graduation Page for the Good Citizen Courses. Please click here to view our graduated clients and dogs.
