Information for training clubs

The scheme can add extra interest to your classes and gives your participants a recognised standard of achievement to attain.

Each approved club will be associated with The Kennel Club brand and have permission to host our Good Citizen Dog Training scheme training courses and subsequent testing sessions. Approved clubs have access to free scheme course materials including certificates. There is a small cost for rosettes, merchandise and postage.

Each club is issued with an annual certificate and the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme guideline handbook. Clubs also benefit from publicity through The Kennel Club's database, enquirers and website. Free advice about running the scheme is available from our Good Citizen Dog Training scheme office.

Clubs are responsible for arranging all aspects of the test including ordering the stationery, briefing the candidates, appointing an examiner, overseeing the test and returning the required paperwork afterwards.

We can help you find an approved Good Citizen Dog Training scheme test examiner.  Please email our Good Citizen Dog Training scheme office.

Good Citizen Dog Training scheme courses and subsequent testing sessions can only be carried out by approved Kennel Club registered or Kennel Club approved listed status clubs. To apply to hold a testing at an event, please email our Good Citizen Dog training scheme office.

Kennel Club registered club or societies are a form of registration that encompasses clubs and societies. They are bound by The Kennel Club's Code of Practice, pay an annual fee, have officials and committee members and submit membership lists and annual financial accounts. This type of registration requires the club or society to define exactly what their interests and parameters are to be in order to decide what category of Kennel Club registered society it is to become.

The categories are as follows:

• dog training societies
• agility societies
• ringcraft societies
• breed clubs

Once registered, these societies may hold breed and activity shows and matches as defined in their registration. Learn more about becoming a registered club or society below.

Kennel Club listed status clubs (approved to host the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme) are bound by The Kennel Club Code of Practice. There is no requirement for these clubs to have a committee or produce any financial accounts.

Once listed, these clubs or organisations must hold a minimum of two courses and or tests per year. Good Citizen Dog Training scheme listed status organisations are not permitted to conduct shows, matches or rallies.

This form of registration is open to the following categories:

• private dog training groups
• dog training instructors
• canine charities
• dog training groups conducted at armed forces bases
• dog training groups conducted by local council/authority
• veterinary practices
• agricultural colleges
• further education centres
• overseas dog training groups

The Kennel Club has partnered with Pet Business Insurance (PBI) to provide specifically designed insurance cover for dog training instructors, canine clubs or societies, including public and products liability and directors' and officers' liability insurance at a competitive price. 

You can contact them on 01284 736874 or

Pet Business Insurance

To apply to become a host the scheme as part of a Kennel Club registered club, your club’s secretary will need to apply in writing to our Good Citizen Dog Training scheme office.

To apply to become a listed status club, you will need two supporting references:

• Experience reference (minimum of three years’ experience is required): this reference must include details of the applicant’s training abilities, how long they have been training dogs for and in what areas, how long they have been involved with the scheme and at what level. Details of how long the applicant has been known to their referee and details of their abilities in instructing others towards the scheme’s standards
• Premises reference: the second letter must be submitted by a local dog warden/environmental health officer to confirm the safety and suitability of the premises/ground(s) being used for the purposes of dog training. The main training premises used, whether indoor or outdoor, must be fully enclosed, and have a suitable surface to train on. Clubs must have their own third-party liability insurance and provide facilities for first aid; details confirming this must be included in the reference and on the listed status club application form.

• Initial enrolment and annual renewal - £51
• Transfer fee for current Kennel Club registered training clubs - £10
• Kennel Club registered clubs - free
• Local councils and adult education centres - free
• Additional copies of our Good Citizen Dog Training scheme guideline handbook - £3 each

We run introduction courses for new clubs and secretaries on how to run the scheme. Dates of upcoming induction seminars will be shared when they become available.

These courses provide a comprehensive explanation of the scheme's standards and testing procedures and include practical demonstrations. They're aimed at instructors, training club co-ordinators, potential examiners or anyone with an interest in the workings of the scheme. Dates of upcoming seminars will be shared when they become available.

The Good Citizen Dog Training scheme courses and subsequent testing sessions can only be carried out by approved Kennel Club registered or Kennel Club approved listed status clubs.

All paperwork required to host courses and testing sessions is obtained from The Kennel Club. You can use your online account or complete a stationery order request online.

The scheme offers successful participants the chance to purchase scheme merchandise to accompany testing sessions such as rosettes, tags and pin badges to accompany from our online shop.

Clubs are required to advise The Kennel Club of any changes to club secretary, Good Citizen Dog Training scheme co-ordinators, club instructors and/or venues used to conduct training. You can notify us of these changes via your online account or by emailing our Good Citizen Dog Training scheme office.

Logos of The Kennel Club and The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme are the trademark and copyright property of The Kennel Club and should not be copied or duplicated. It is not permitted to use The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme logo on any website, club documentation, merchandise or stationery. Special permission to use the logo for articles and media coverage should be requested from our Good Citizen Dog Training scheme office.