The Kennel Club UK’s Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme is the UK’s largest dog training program. Established in 1992, it aims to promote responsible dog ownership and well-behaved dogs in the community through structured obedience training.
The levels for the scheme are Puppy Foundation, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level builds on the previous one, with the Gold Award representing the pinnacle of good behaviour and training. See below for more details on each level.
Learn more about the scheme on the Kennel Club website.
Puppy Foundation
The Puppy Foundation Award is an introductory course for puppies, focusing on essential training and socialisation. Training includes:
- Socialisation with people and other dogs to build confidence and positive behaviour.
- Learning to respond to basic commands such as sit, down, and recall.
- Walking on a lead without pulling.
- Getting comfortable with handling and grooming, preparing for vet visits or daily care.
- Introduction to good manners, such as waiting at doors and greeting people calmly.
- Basic understanding of being calm and settled during training sessions.
Bronze Award
The Bronze Award lays the foundation for dog training and good behaviour. Training includes:
- Basic obedience commands such as sit, down, and stay.
- Walking on a lead without pulling.
- Allowing basic grooming and handling.
- Calm behaviour when meeting people or other dogs.
Silver Award
Building on the Bronze Award, the Silver Award includes training for:
- More advanced obedience commands like recall in a distracting environment.
- Controlled lead walking around distractions.
- Vehicle safety and responsible behaviour while travelling.
- Handling by a stranger, including for health checks.
Gold Award
The Gold Award represents the pinnacle of good behaviour and training. Dogs and handlers are tested on:
- Off-lead heel work and control in public places.
- Advanced recall from distractions, including stopping on command.
- Remaining calm and controlled when left alone for short durations.
- Awareness of the handler’s commands at all times.