Ards and North Down Borough Council is encouraging pet owners that even their older dogs can learn new ‘tricks’ at its Good Citizen Dog Scheme starting on Wednesday 9 September.
Two classes are being run as part of the Kennel Club’s accredited training course: a puppy foundation course for dogs aged 3 – 6 months and a Good Citizen bronze award for pets aged six months or more. The puppy foundation course deals specifically with basic commands such as sit, and stand, walking in a controlled way and food manners, as well as how to overcome and avoid problems with teething, sleeping and feeding that are common among young dogs.
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Teach your old dog some new tricks.[/caption]
The bronze award aims to produce a dog that will walk and behave in a controlled manner as well as promoting responsible dog ownership. It teaches correct handling and covers everything from obedience training to sound advice on grooming, exercise and diet. The course also requires that owners show that they have a means of cleaning up after their dog and that their pet is wearing a lead and collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on the collar or disc.
Mayor of Ards and North Down Alderman Alan Graham is encouraging local dog owners to sign up for the class. He explained: “The Council is proud to deliver Kennel Club accredited dog training. The Good Citizen Dog Scheme is the largest programme of its kind in the United Kingdom and it provides a recognised, quality standard of training for dogs and owners.
“A well-behaved dog makes for a more enjoyable pet and I would encourage local owners to consider participating in one of the upcoming classes. The scheme is open to all dogs, young or old, pedigree or crossbreed, whether Kennel Club registered or not. Dog owners of any fitness level or with a disability can take part too.
“The Good Citizen Dog Scheme is just one of the measures that the Council has in place to promote responsible dog ownership and tackle dog fouling. It will also continue to take enforcement action, deliver its school education programme and provide dog poop bins and dog fouling signs as well as administering its street cleaning service.”
The Good Citizen Dog Scheme begins on Wednesday 9 September and runs for seven weeks. The adult dog programme costs £35 and the puppy socialisation class costs £25.
The courses take place in the Queen’s Hall, Newtownards and are open to all dogs that have completed their vaccination programmes.
For more information or to book a place contact Dawn Phillips on 0300 013 3333 or email:
dawn.phillips@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
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