Good dogs and owners to be rewarded in Epping Forest

A new scheme run by Epping Forest District Council is set to reward and encourage responsible pet ownership in the area, by teaching socially acceptable behaviour to dogs and their owners.

Local residents (both human and canine) will be able to attend a test day at Thornwood Village Hall on Sunday April 26th to try for a Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme award - the accreditation for the largest dog training initiatives in the UK. Over 481,000 certificates have already been awarded since the programme began in 1992, through the 1,800 clubs that provide the scheme.

There are courses available for all skill levels, with a choice of Bronze, Silver and Gold qualifications on offer, although tests for Gold and Silver certificates must be booked at least six days in advance. All dogs are welcome to take part, regardless of age, breed or disability. It is not necessary to be a member of the Kennel Club to take part.

Assessments are non-competitive, and take place in a friendly and relaxed environment.

The main focus of the programme is to make sure that dogs are well-socialised, and that owners have a good understanding of their furry friend’s behaviours. Key skills include walking safely on a lead, reliably sitting and lying down when told, and coming when called.

A good citizen dog should also be comfortable with letting their owner groom them and check them over for health problems.
The event is being run in collaboration with Epping Forest’s Animal Welfare Service, with the aim of making sure that the area is a pleasant place for dog lovers, as well as those who are less keen on pets. The test day itself will also be a great opportunity for dog owners to make some new friends with similar interests, in addition to providing some socialisation practice, which can be invaluable for younger dogs.

Published 14th April, 2015

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