OBEDIENCE TRAINING SESSIONS
At the present time the Club operates four levels of Training and Socialisation based around the Kennel Club Good Citizens Dog Scheme, starting at Puppy Foundation (dogs under 12 months) through to the Gold Award.
Whilst Club members will be encouraged to be tested at the various levels, it is appreciated that not all members will wish to participate in the Award Scheme. Some members will want to be involved in the activities within the Training sessions at the different levels, and therefore in those situations progression from one level to another will not be reliant upon Award success, but agreement between Instructors and the Club member.
Formal testing for each Award will follow the Kennel Club criteria which expects Club members to have attended sufficient Training sessions, so that the Instructors are satisfied that dogs and handlers are worthy of passing the required standard at each level. The standards required are detailed in each of the Award description sheets.
TRAINING SESSIONS
1st Session Puppy Foundation
For dogs under 12 months (before the completion of the course) who are new to basic Training methods, and wish to cover the aspects of the Award. Please note that at times when reduced numbers attending make it impracticable to successfully conduct Puppy sessions, the class will be amalgamated with the Bronze level.
2nd Session Bronze Level
For dogs that have either completed the Puppy Foundation Training, are otherwise ready for Bronze Award Training or over 12 months old. Dogs will follow the Training that will prepare them for those activities at the Bronze Award level.
3rd Session Silver Level
For dogs that have either completed the Bronze Award or had sufficient Training to that level and are ready to progress onto the Silver Award.
4th Session Gold Level
For dogs that have completed the Bronze and Silver Award or had sufficient Training at that level and are ready to progress onto the types of activities within the Gold Award.
General
Whilst there is a progression and an introduction of new exercises with increasing difficulty within each Award, the following basic exercises and knowledge is covered at each level:
1. Dog walks on a lead in a controlled manner.
2. Dog understands basic commands given by the Handler: Down, Sit, and Stand.
3. Dog will stay in one position away from Handler.
4. Dog will return to Handler when called.
5. Dog allows examination/inspection of body/parts without undue concern.
6. Handler is aware of responsibility and care in relation to Dog ownership.
The Training sessions will not be limited to the exercises described within each Award, but will include selected Training exercises across the range of Awards.
In addition, selected Obedience Competition exercises are included in the advanced Training sessions for those interested in more Competitive activities held at many local Companion shows.
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