The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Explained: Why It Matters for Everyday Dogs and Gundog Foundations

Let’s be honest, most of us don’t want a “perfect” dog. We just want one that’s easy to live with. A dog that listens (most of the time), behaves well when out and about, and feels settled rather than overwhelmed by the world around them. That’s where the Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme comes in.

It’s a down-to-earth, practical approach to training that focuses on real life, walks, visitors, public spaces and everyday handling, rather than flashy tricks or competitive performance. The aim isn’t perfection, but progress, confidence and good manners. 

For many owners, the Good Citizen scheme offers a clear path to follow and a recognised standard to work towards. And while it’s suitable for dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, it can be especially helpful for those interested in gundog obedience or foundation gundog training, as it reinforces calm behaviour, consistency and reliable control, qualities that benefit every dog, whatever their role. 

In this article, we’ll look at what the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme involves, who it’s for, and why it can be such a useful addition to your training journey, including how it works alongside gundog training to strengthen those all-important foundations. 

The Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme: Promoting Responsible Dog Ownership 

The Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme is widely recognised as the United Kingdom’s largest and most inclusive dog training programme. Designed to promote responsible dog ownership and well behaved dogs within the community, the scheme provides a structured, non-competitive framework through which owners can train their dogs in essential life skills. 

Origins and Purpose of the Scheme 

The Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme was established in 1992 and is organised and overseen by the Royal Kennel Club. Its core aim is to encourage socially acceptable behaviour in dogs while helping owners understand their responsibilities to their dogs and to the wider public.

The scheme places equal emphasis on the behaviour of the dog and the conduct of the handler, reflecting the belief that responsible ownership is fundamental to canine welfare and community harmony. Unlike competitive dog sports, the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme focuses on achievement rather than comparison.

Dogs are assessed against a defined standard, and success is measured by whether both dog and handler demonstrate appropriate skills and understanding, not by outperforming others. 

An Inclusive Programme for All Dogs 

One of the defining features of the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme is its inclusivity. It is open to dogs of any breed, including crossbreeds, and dogs do not need to be registered with the Royal Kennel Club to take part.

There is no upper age limit, making the scheme accessible to puppies, adult dogs, and older companions alike. Training and assessments are delivered through a nationwide network of affiliated dog training clubs, ensuring that the scheme is accessible to owners across the UK. 

Structure and Award Levels 

The scheme is structured around four progressive levels, each building on the skills developed at the previous stage: 

Puppy Foundation Award 

The Puppy Foundation Award is designed specifically for young dogs up to 12 months of age and focuses on early socialisation and basic training. Its purpose is to establish good habits from the outset and to help puppies become confident and well-mannered companions.

At your first class, you and your puppy will be allocated a diary of basic exercises and requirements. When all criteria have been reliably demonstrated, you will be awarded a certificate and rosette to mark your achievements! 

Bronze Award 

The Bronze Award is for beginner dogs that have not attained the Puppy Foundation Award. Embracing the spirit of the scheme, dogs at this level are expected to demonstrate basic obedience, controlled behaviour, polite manners and good social etiquette. Criteria include walking calmly on a lead, responding to recall, remaining in position when asked, and allowing handling and grooming.

Owners are also quizzed on their knowledge of basic ownership responsibilities when assessed by a visiting examiner. On passing all 10 exercises, you and your dog will be presented with a certificate and rosette with pin badges and medals for your dog’s collar, also available to show off your success! 

Silver Award 

The Silver Award builds upon the skills learned at the Bronze level while increasing the level of difficulty. New elements are introduced that reflect real life situations, including recalling from distractions, short road walks, vehicle control and demonstration of relationship between dog and handler through play.

The emphasis remains on producing dogs that are well behaved, confident, and under control in everyday environments. As with the Bronze Award, there is no obligation to go for a test, but all who do and pass will be rewarded with keepsakes for their achievements!  

Gold Award 

The Gold Award represents the highest level of achievement within the scheme. It is designed to demonstrate advanced training and a strong understanding of the relationship between dogs and their family contacts. Exercises include relaxed settle, emergency stops, sending the dog to a designated place such as its bed/crate, as would be done at home and controlled, close, off-lead walking.

At this level, dogs and handlers are expected to be strong representatives of the scheme’s values, and it is truly regarded as an honour to be in receipt of the Gold certificate and rosette, having passed all the criteria for this test. 

Assessment and Standards 

Assessments within the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme are non-competitive and are conducted by approved examiners. Dogs must meet the required standard in every exercise during a single testing session in order to pass. The scheme’s guidelines emphasise that dogs should be happy, content, and under control, and that handlers should demonstrate a clear understanding of their responsibilities to their dog and the community. 

Why the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Matters 

The Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme plays an important role in promoting positive relationships between dogs, owners, and the wider public. By focusing on practical skills, responsible ownership, and everyday situations, it helps owners develop confidence and awareness while supporting the welfare of dogs. The scheme’s longevity and national reach reflect its continued relevance and value within modern dog ownership. 

How the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Complements Gundog Training 

While the Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme is designed for everyday life rather than specialist work, its structure and emphasis make it an excellent complement to gundog training at all levels. 

Gundog training ultimately relies on control, communication and reliability. The Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme supports these qualities by strengthening the foundations on which successful working training is built. 

Strengthening Core Foundations 

At every level of the scheme, dogs are assessed on calm behaviour, responsiveness to their handler and the ability to cope with real-world situations. Skills such as reliable recall, steady lead work, remaining in position and accepting handling are central to the Bronze and Silver awards. 

These same skills underpin all gundog work. A dog that can remain composed, respond promptly and stay under control in distracting environments is better prepared to progress in more specialised training. 

Encouraging Calmness and Self-Control 

The scheme places strong emphasis on producing dogs that are content, settled and manageable in everyday situations, rather than highly aroused or overstimulated. Puppy Foundation Instructors and Examiners of Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are trained by the Kennel Club to look for dogs that are happy, well-behaved and under the close control of their handlers, who can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of their ownership responsibilities.

For gundog owners, this focus on calmness and self-control is particularly valuable. Steadiness, patience and clarity are essential traits for working dogs, and these qualities are supported through the structured, non-competitive nature of the scheme. 

Supporting the Handler’s Skills 

Another important aspect of this scheme is its emphasis on the handler. Owners are assessed not only on what their dog can do, but also on their knowledge, consistency and awareness of responsibility. 

Effective gundog training depends just as much on the handler’s timing, consistency and understanding as it does on the dog’s ability. The scheme encourages owners to develop these skills in a clear, supportive framework. 

Providing Structure Alongside Specialist Training 

This scheme is not intended to replace breed specific or working gundog training. Instead, it works best alongside it by providing clear milestones and external assessment, helping owners maintain focus on foundational behaviours while pursuing more advanced or specialist goals. 

For many gundog owners, this structured progression reinforces good habits away from the training field, in the home, in public spaces and during day-to-day handling, all of which directly support successful working performance. 

Final Thoughts 

For us, good training has never been about pressure, perfection or forcing dogs to “get it right”. It’s about helping dogs feel safe, understood and confident enough to learn, and supporting owners in a way that feels relaxed, encouraging and realistic. 

That’s why programmes like the Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Training Scheme fit so well alongside our approach. It focuses on everyday behaviour, calmness and clear communication, all taught at a pace that allows dogs to think, process and succeed.

Whether you’re training a pet dog, working towards gundog obedience, or simply want a dog that’s easier to live with, those foundations really matter. Training with kindness, in a calm and supportive environment, gives dogs the best chance to learn well and enjoy the process.

When dogs feel safe, and owners feel supported, progress comes naturally, and the results tend to last. If you’d like to find out more about how we train, or you’re thinking about enrolling on one of our courses, you’re very welcome to have a look around the website.

You’ll find details of upcoming classes, our training philosophy, and how to get started in a relaxed, supportive space where both you and your dog can learn with confidence. 

Book the Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Training Scheme