In the past most dog training clubs were run mainly by enthusiasts of competitive obedience, working trials or other competitive canine pastimes and the training they offered was based on teaching a few "exercises" to a very high standard. Today there is recognition that most dog owners would like to have a well rounded, sociable, responsive, reliable and well behaved pet, rather than just a dog that is "programmed" to obey a few commands but may be lacking in other areas. In response to this need The Kennel Club assembled a test called the Good Citizen Dog Scheme, this was designed to test basic obedience, tolerance and good manners. 
How the Scheme is Assessed
The KCGCT is available to all dog owners and is coordinated and administered by local dog training organisations. The tests themselves must be carried out by a qualified person either approved by The Kennel Club (such as a Dog Warden or Environmental Health Officer) or by a member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers, excepted from this is the Puppy Assessment which can be awarded by a class leader or instructor and is based on attendance at classes and ongoing progress, there is no single test for the Puppy Assessment.
The minimum puppy age limit is at the discretion of the training course provider and is based on the premises and environment used for puppy training. The maximum age for a puppy to enroll for the Kennel Club Good Citizens Dog Scheme - Puppy Assessment may not exceed 12 months.
Each dog training organisation sets their own duration for the courses e.g. 6 - 8 weeks, but puppies must attend for a minimum of 4 weekly sessions.
The Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards are subject to a test which is carried out be an authorised person who has not been involved in the instruction or training of those attempting the awards, the tests involve a series of practical exercises and a verbal test to assess the handler's knowledge and competence.
The Bronze Award aims to produce a dog that will walk and sit in a controlled manner on the lead, will lie down on command, will allow its owner to clean and groom it and inspect it. The dog must also be able to be positioned by its owner for examination i.e. stand, sit, lie down on either side or on its back, all on a lead. Finally the dog must come to hand when called.
For the Silver Award examiners will only accept dogs that have already been awarded a Bronze Award Certificate, that have proper means of identification and whose handlers can show an appropriate means of cleaning up after their dog.
Responsibility and Care, Cleanliness and Identification, Attentive Response to Name, Puppy Play, Socialisation, Handling & Inspection, Puppy Recall, Basic Puppy Positions, Walking in a Controlled Manner, Stay for approximately 10 seconds, Take Article Away from the Puppy, Food Manners (take a treat without snatching). There is no single examination but assessment will take place over the duration of the course rather than on one occasion.
Cleanliness and Identification, Collar and lead, Walk on lead without distraction. Control at Door/Gate, Controlled walk through people and dogs, Behave in controlled manner whilst owner holds a conversation for one minute, Stay down on lead, Grooming the dog. Present for examination, Return to the handler - Release from lead, play with or without toy, or in some other way distance themselves from their dog, recall and attach lead. Responsibility and care.
For the Silver Award examiners will only accept dogs that have already been awarded a Bronze Award Certificate, that have proper means of identification and, whose handlers can show their means of cleaning up after their dog. Play with the dog, Road walk, Rejoin the handler, Stay in one place, Vehicle control, Come away from distractions, Controlled greeting, Food manners, Examination of the dog, Responsibility and care. 
For the Gold Award examiners will only accept dogs that have already been awarded a Silver Award Certificate, that have proper means of identification and, whose handlers can show their means of cleaning up after their dog. Road walk, Return to handler's side, Walk free beside handler, Stay down in one place, Send the dog to bed, Stop the dog, Relaxed isolation, Food manners, Responsibility and care
Our KCGCDS tests are usually assessed by either Mrs Liz Mould East Hants District Council Dog Warden or by Mr David Griffiths East Hants District Council Environmental Health Officer. We are fortunate to have two such knowledgeable and dog-loving Council Officers who are prepared to give their time to helping to promote caring and responsible ownership and animal welfare. 
Graham Everitt our Senior Instructor is one of only a very small number of people in the UK to have been tested and passed by the Kennel Club as KCGCDS Assessors for all levels of the KCGCDS. If you, your dog training club, dog show or fun day would like to carry out a KCGCDS test and need an assessor you can contact Graham to discuss your requirements. Please note that Dog Shows and other canine events can only conduct Bronze Award Test. To contact Graham by e-mail 
The KCGCDS is a scheme run and administered by the Kennel Club. For more information about The Kennel Club Good Citizens Test contact the GCDS department at The Kennel Club on 020 7518 1011.
In the first instance please contact Graham Everitt on 01420 562119 or 07970 298532 or to send us an e-mail 