Class Information

There are six classes, as detailed below. These classes are based around the exercises required for the same level of the Kennel Club Good Citizen Tests

Foundation

The structure of this class is based on the exercises laid down in The Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme Puppy Foundation Course, and includes items such as:

• Responsibility & Care
• Cleanliness & 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)

Those handlers whose dogs are over the age to receive an award under The Kennel Club scheme (12 months at completion of the course) will receive a Findon Downs Dog Training Club Foundation Course Certificate on successful completion of all parts of the course.

Progress out of this class is determined by the instructors' opinions at their regular instructors' meetings.
NB: You do not need to take a test in this class!

Bronze

Building on the basic initial training for puppies and young dogs, teaching items including:-

• Heelwork on a loose lead
• Sit and Down Stays
• Fun Recall and Retrieve
• The Release command
• Formal Recall and Finish
• Control at Door/Gate
• Controlled Walk through People and Dogs
• Groom and Present for Examination

Progress out of this class is determined by passing the Kennel Club Good Citizen Test - Bronze Award.

Silver

Using the Bronze training, and expanding to work on:-

• Heelwork on and off lead
• Sit and Down Stays
• Formal Recall and Finish
• Formal Retrieve and Finish
• Play with the Dog
• Road Walking and Control in/around Vehicles
• Come Away from Distractions
• Controlled Greeting
• Food Manners
• Examination of the Dog

Progress out of this class is determined by passing the Kennel Club Good Citizen Test - Silver Award.

Gold

Very similar in content to the Silver class, and continuing to work, to a more accurate degree, on:-

• Heelwork on and off lead
• Sit and Down Stays
• Formal Recall and Finish
• Formal Retrieve and Finish
• Introduction to Nosework
• Road Walking
• Return to Handler's Side
• Walk Free Beside Handler
• Stopping the Dog in an Emergency
• Relaxed Isolation
• Food Manners

Progress out of this class is determined by passing the Kennel Club Good Citizen Test - Gold Award, and by expressing an interest in more advanced precision/competition work.

Advanced

In addition to those covered in the Good Citizen classes, topics covered include:

• Scent Discrimination
• Recall to Heel (A-Recall)
• Introduction to Sendaway

This is the top class, and is for dogs who have mastered basic obedience and whose owners would like to further their training. Some members take part regularly in obedience competitions whilst others are not interested in competing but enjoy teaching their dogs new skills in the company of like minded doggy people !

End of Term Test Details

In addition to the Good Citizen Tests, we also hold Obedience Tests, for anyone who expresses an interest and aptitude, by Instructor's invitation only. These are held at the end of each term.

Food shall not be carried (except in PreBeginners) or given to a dog under test. The exercises required for the End of Term tests are as follows:

Term Dates

The term dates currently booked are as follows:

Fees

There is a membership fee for joining Findon Downs Dog Training Club. This currently stands at £6.00 per annum. The membership year runs from January 1st to December 31st.

The fees for each term (as at January 2006) are £20.00 for all classes; and the fee is payable on the first night of each term.