• Up to date vaccination certificate.
• Indicate that they worm their dog regularly.
• Show details of identification required by law –
• Have suitable and properly fitting equipment – collar, lead etc, know how to take them on and off.
• Have suitable basic grooming equipment (brush, comb etc).
• Have a poop scoop or equivalent.

Points that could be considered by the Examiner:

• Is the dog one you would like to own?
• Would you like it living next door?
• Does it make its owner happy and is not making some else unhappy?
• Is it safe with strangers?

There are Three Levels of Certificate: – BRONZE, SILVER AND GOLD; and must be taken in that order

Each Level is made up of:

1. BASIC PRACTICAL CONTROL (Silver and Gold plus Distractions).
2. EXAMINATION AND GROOMING – HEALTH AND CARE
3. THE LAW – NATIONAL AND LOCAL

THE ASSESSMENT

Dogs and handlers are evaluated on the basis of Pass or Not Ready. To obtain a certificate dog and handler must pass each of the test exercises. Suitable club officials can assess some of the exercises before the main test day; the examiner will obtain these results before starting their assessment.

ALL LEVELS OF CERTIFICATE

A. BASIC PRACTICAL CONTROL

The National Code is not a competition/ it is to demonstrate that the handler/owner has the ability to control their dog while undergoing various practical situations. To assess the dog’s response to their owner – the dog is under control and not a nuisance to others.

In all exercises, uncontrolled jumping-up, lack of response will be a failure.

Handlers can use Commands, Encouragement, Signals and Minimal use of the lead.

B. EXAMINATION AND GROOMING

This is a practical test, demonstrating that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined, showing no undue resentment to their handler.

• The aim of this section is to teach the owner how to handle their dog in order to Groom, Clean and maintain their dog in good condition. Regular handling and examination helps to get to know your dog and builds up a bond, respect and confidence.
• Recognizing early signs of the dog being unwell – NOT FOR HOME TREATMENT – but to get veterinary help and advice before the early symptoms have developed into something that could cause the dog unnecessary suffering.
• Reason for checking the physical state and health of the dog is to prevent disease being spread; also early recognition of health disorders could help prevent them from becoming a serious and costly problem.

Before attempting to give or use any medication, always obtain veterinary advice and ask for a demonstration on the dosing technique your vet recommends for the medicine prescribed.

This is a practical test, demonstrating that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined showing no undue resentment to their owner.

The Examiner will consider the overall condition of the dog, being clean and well groomed.

The Examiner has the right to check any aspect if they want.

Bronze and Silver Certificates. The examination will be done by the handler and they will have to satisfy the examiner that they are able to handle, groom and examine their dog without the dog showing resentment, growling or any sign of objection.

Gold Certificate.  The handler will examine their dog as for the Bronze and Silver – plus the examiner will go over the dog in the same manner as a breed judge.

C. THE LAW 

The examiner will ask questions that affect all dog owners:-

National, Local Bylaws, The Country Code and the Dog Owners Code of Ethics.

For further information

If you are interested in doing your Petcode Bronze, Silver or Gold in the new year please contact steve@brecklanddogtraining.co.uk