Good Citizens
The importance of basic training
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Teaching your dog basic training isn’t just about obedience, it’s also about building a strong bond, improving communication and ensuring safety and well-being for both the dog and owner.
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Basic cues like sit, stay, come, leave and walking nicely on a loose lead are essential skills that every dog should know and will help them navigate the world with confidence and in safety. A well-trained dog is also much less likely to develop behavioural issues as they get older.
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The Kennel Club’s Good Citizen Dog Scheme is one of the UK’s largest dog training programmes and is perfect if you want to master the basics of training with your dog. The scheme promotes responsible dog ownership through practical training. Open to dogs of all breeds and sizes, the scheme offers four levels: Puppy Foundation, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
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The scheme covers important life skills such as:
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Walking on a loose lead
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Socialising with other dogs and people
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Coming back when called
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Stay
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Handling by owner or vet
Teaching your dog basic manners through reward-based training sets them up for a happy, confident life as part of your family. Programmes like the Good Citizen Dog Scheme help owners work towards their training goals in a positive and inclusive way. Whether you’ve just welcomed a puppy or adopted an older dog, it’s never too late to start training – and the benefits last a lifetime!
For more info on training organisations please see: