Most dogs start as puppies but we are able to accomodate older dogs who are just starting their training. They will either join this class straight away or come along to be assessed to decide which class is best for them.
See Starting Obedience Training
The class follows The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy Foundation Assessment (although some dogs may be over 12 months and not strictly puppies). Each owner and dog is issued with a Puppy Foundation Diary, a Puppy Foundation Information Sheet, a Description of Exercises sheet and a Responsibility and Care sheet. The diary is the responsibility of the owner and should be brought to each class and handed to the trainer.
“The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy Foundation Assessment aims to provide a means of socialising puppies and to lay down a foundation for education and training.
On successful completion of the course puppies will respond to their handlers and the handlers will have an awareness of the responsibilities of dog ownership.
The inclusion of play exercises adds an extra dimension to a dog’s life and can be used to make training fun. Constructive play and suitable incentives are encouraged within this puppy training programme” The Kennel Club
No part of the KCGCDS is competitive and assessments are carried Welsh Springer in the Foundation Class out in a relaxed and informal manner. The course is based on continuous assessment over a number of weeks and puppies will only be passed on a particular exercise when they are ready. Aggressive behaviour or undue fear in an exercise will classify the dog as “Not Ready”. On completion of the diary a certificate and rosette are issued.
- Responsibility and Care. Handlers are asked questions based on the information included in the Responsibility and Care sheet.
- Cleanliness and Identification. Each handler must carry a “poop scoop” and each dog must have a legal dog tag on his collar. It is a legal requirement that the tag should be inscribed with the owner’s name and address and it is common sense that a telephone number might be useful. This is still required even if the dog is microchipped.
- Attentive Response to Name. The dog needs to know his name and respond to it.
- Play with the Puppy. The puppy should be able to play with a toy and give it up when required. Play fighting is not permitted.
- Socialisation with a Placid Dog Unknown to the Puppy
- Socialisation with an Adult Person Unknown to The Puppy
- Socialisation While There is a Noise Distraction
Aggression or undue Fear during these exercises makes the Puppy “Not Ready”
- Handling and Inspection to Maintain Health. This is carried out by the handler with the dog on a lead. Aggressive behaviour means the dog is “Not Ready”.
- Puppy Recall. The handler distances himself from the puppy and calls the puppy to him. A trainer usually holds the lead.
- Basic Puppy Positions. The puppy should be able to demonstrate stand, sit and down.
- Walking in a Controlled Manner. The owner and puppy should be able to walk for 20 paces and include a turn without undue inconvenience to themselves or others.
- Stay for Approximately 10 Seconds. The puppy can be left in any position and is held on his lead by his owner. He should be able to stay until the owner returns.
- Take Article Away from The Puppy. A puppy should give up an article when required.
- Food Manners. A puppy should be able to take a treat without snatching.
Progression to the next class
The dog and handler progress to the next class when the Instructor considers them ready (not necessarily when the Puppy Foundation Certificate is awarded).