Thanks to Vikky for this update from The Isle of Wight Dog Training Society. In her own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight Dog Training Society, the oldest training club on the Island, is thrilled to announce its outstanding achievement of finishing second Runner Up in the national finals of the Kennel Club’s Good Citizen Dog Scheme Awards.
The dog-related good deeds of the past twelve months were celebrated in London on 8th February, as the Kennel Club hosted a prize-giving ceremony to honour the winners of the annual Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Awards and the Kennel Club Dog
Awards. Claire Whitchurch (Chairman), Vikky Stewart (Secretary) and Maureen Davies (Flyball and Obedience Trainer), together with dogs Roxy and Ozzie, received the Registered Training Club category award on behalf of the club.
Kennel Club awards
Now in their 16th year, the Kennel Club awards recognise the efforts of organisations nationwide which have invested their time and energy into helping to train dogs and educating their owners on the importance of responsible dog ownership.
The Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme was set up in 1992 to promote socially acceptable dogs by way of creating responsible dog owners. It provides a quality standard of training for dog and owner and incorporates many domestic obedience exercises. There are currently around 1,800 dog training clubs and other organisations around the country actively using the scheme.
Promoting responsible dog ownership
Speaking at the ceremony, Kennel Club Chairman, Steve Dean, said: “These awards are an opportunity for us to credit the actions taken by training groups, politicians, local authorities, groups and individuals to ensure that the UK’s dogs continue to enjoy maximum access to the our open spaces.
“We really do feel that you, and many others, have all done fantastic work in promoting responsible dog ownership in local communities and all deserve a huge vote of thanks. Your enthusiasm and dedication help organisations like the Kennel Club to promote responsible dog ownership and canine welfare, and we extend our appreciation for helping us make a positive difference for dogs and their owners.”
Background on Isle of Wight Dog Training Society
The Isle of Wight Dog Training Society has been providing training for dog lovers all over the Island since the 1950’s and is a non-profit making club run by volunteers. Members of all ages are welcome and weekly classes include flyball, agility for fun, puppy and pet dog obedience through to competition standard obedience.
Affiliated to the Kennel Club, the club regularly runs Bronze, Silver and Gold Good Citizen progress tests for members interested in achieving those levels of competence.
Claire Whitchurch commented: “The event was a fantastic opportunity to see what other clubs around the country are doing. We were thrilled that, out of 1,800 clubs nationwide, to have come second runner up is a real achievement. The Good Citizen awards are designed for pet dogs to have good manners and that is why they are so worthwhile, popular and why we love teaching it. Hopefully we will have many more dogs taking their tests in the next year and continue our successes”
