Kennel Club Good Citizen scheme

The Kennel Club Good Citizen scheme is the uk’s largest dog training programme and is designed to help you to develop a happy and rewarding partnership with your dog. It uses simple but effective reward based training techniques which will produce reliable consistent learning. All dogs are capable of learning how to behave appropriately and with the correct gentle guidance from Sound Hounds you will soon be the proud owner of a happy dog who is a pleasure to own. There are 4 levels to the scheme, Puppy Foundation, Bronze, Silver and Gold each one developing an owners understanding whilst building a dogs confidence and levels of obedience.

Puppy Foundation

The Puppy Foundation award specialises in training owners to train their puppies. Puppies are able to join these classes once they have had their vaccination course and groups are kept to around 7 puppies. Courses are for puppies up to six months.

The classes are taught in a relaxed informal manner and all family members including children over the age of 5 years are welcome to attend. Short periods of off lead puppy play are included in this course to enable puppies to develop their confidence and social skills. All techniques used are positive reward based as this produces reliable consistent learning.

Exercises covered on this course include walking on a loose lead, coming back when called, sit , down and stay.

Pre Bronze

We have pre bronze courses available, these are specifically designed for dogs that have missed their early training. We will work on general training exercises such as loose lead walking, attention, recall, wait and stay and will tailor the training to your dogs specific level. We only have small groups which will help your dog to adjust to working within a group of dogs and handlers without feeling over whelmed or pressured as there will be plenty of space. Your instructor will be able to offer you lots of help and support so you can develop your handling skills at a relaxed informal pace. All training techniques used are positive reward based and designed to motivate and reward your dog.

The course runs over a 4 week period and groups are limited to 6 dogs per group. Upon completion of this course you will be able to access our regular bronze classes.

Bronze Award

This level aims to produce a dog that will walk and behave in a controlled manner, It is a basic standard that all adult dogs can easily achieve with correct handling and aims to educate owners on responsible dog ownership. These classes are held in outside environments and are fun and friendly with all sizes, shapes and ages of dog welcome. We have the flexibilty of three days and two venues to choose from.

Exercises covered in this level include walking on a loose lead, control at a gate/door, controlled walking amongst people and dogs, handling and examination and a 1 minute stay

Silver Award

This level aims to build on the skills learned in the Bronze award whilst increasing the level of difficulty. It is a natural progression of practical dog training skills and introduces new concepts which will be invaulable in everyday life.

Exercises covered in this level include greeting people appropriatley, vehicle control, rejoin the handler and come away from distractions.

Gold Award

This award is the highest level of achievement within the scheme and develops more advanced training skills for both dog and handler. The relationship between the dog and handler will be so secure that exercises such as relaxed isolation and a down stay whilst the owners moves out of sight will be easily achieved. Dogs and owners that achieve this level really are of a high standard and will have the freedom to enjoy each others company in all walks of life.

Exercises included in this level include free walk beside handler, send the dog to bed, emergency stop and food manners.

For further information or to book a place please contact Nicky on 07855 706122 or email info@soundhounds.co.uk.