Three Legged Cross Dog Training club was formed in 1958 (then called East Dorset and West Hampshire Dog Training Club) the club is an obedience training club. We currently have6 Instructors and 3 class helpers in the training team. We have been teaching handlers to train their dogs for 55 years at the same venue. The club changed name to Three Legged Cross Dog training club during our 50th anniversary year.
GOOD CITIZEN DOG TESTS
We started training the GCDS from inception. During 2013 the club ran 3 training courses and 3 test nights for all 4 levels of the test.
During 2013:-
13 Handlers andpuppys achieved the puppy foundation standard
19 Handlers and dogs achieved Bronze test
9 Handlers and dogs achieved Silver test
8 Handlers and dogs achieved Gold test
The club have been very pleased with the design of the GCDT as it is ideally geared to pet owners who just want to have well behaved citizen dogs. We find it gives handlers goals to achieve and leads well into higher level obedience work and competition.
In 2013 the club consisted of 66 members some having more than 1 dog. Of these we have 30 dogs who have achieved Gold GCDT.
DOG WARDEN
In recent years we have been fortunate to engage the local dog warden (now animal welfare officer AWO) to examine the tests. This has been a good opportunity for the team and AWO to promote the work of the AWO to members. Through this the AWO has also arranged to microchip dogs when visiting and has passed on advice and information about dog thefts and incidents for the club to advise members.
STRUCTURED BEGINNER’S COURSE FOR PUPPY FOUNDATION AND BRONZE GCDT
We have been so keen to promote good citizenship the training team designed an eight week structured beginner’s course specifically to take handlers and dogs to Bronze GCDT level and encompassing all the elements of the puppy foundation assessment through the weeks for relevant handlers.
CLUB HANDBOOK
At the beginning of the course handlers receive a handbook with lots of hints and tips on training, advice on dogs and the law including the dangerous dogs act and identification requirements, dog health information, weekly homework sheets for the course and advice on what to bring for class each week to help them get into the daily routine of dog training. They have the instructor’s contact and name in case they need advice in the front of the book and a page to keep details of their dog’s progress.
Beyond the course information are the details of the requirements of the puppy foundation and Bronze test and then more information about what happens after they achieve bronze including details of the higher tests at club and other activities in which they can participate with their dog. The book also includes details of social events at club for handlers and dogs and finally a copy of the club rules.*(This book can be provided if required but is a large document to send electronically)
On arrival new handlers receive a baggy to remind them good citizens always pick up.
During the course the Instructor retains any relevant Puppy Foundation Assessment Diaries until course completion when they are presented to handlers and dogs with certificates and rosettes.
On week 1 handlers receive an introductory talk from the instructor with advice on citizenship, training, health and a demonstration of the bewildering array of lead, collars and equipment for dog training as well as advice on equipment not deemed suitable for training at the club, such as check chains, before commencing basic training with their dog.
The instructors have weekly check sheets to monitor and assist the progress of the handlers and dogs. These are completed during class by a class assistant and are designed to form a record to help with puppy book record completion.
On completion of Bronze test handlers are encouraged to continue through the GCDS tests to gold.
STRUCTURED IMPROVERS CLASS FOR SILVER AND GOLD GCDT
Following the success of the beginner’s course the training team developed an 11 week course for the improver’s class to take handlers through GCDT silver and gold level as well as teaching obedience elements up to advanced class level.
PLATINUM TEST
The training team found once handlers reached gold they were seeking a new challenge to develop their training so we developed a club platinum test including elements of citizenship and obedience. The test moves up from Gold level and is completed outdoors. This test has 3 tiers of qualification so handlers can work their way up the levels by improving their skills with their dogs. We aim to hold the tests in an outdoor public place, firstly to provide natural distractions to improve handler skills and secondly to promote citizenly dog behaviour to the public. (Copy attached)
During 2013
We held 2 Platinum tests in March and August,results :-.
2 Handlers and Dogs achieved standard passes
5 Handlers and Dogs achieved Merit level
2 Handlers and Dog achieved Exceptional level making a total of 5 dogs at club having now achieved the club’s highest test award.
(Copy of test results attached)
The club also hold an annual progress test to check handler’s progress in club. In 2013 the committee voted to change our beginner level test to the KCGCD pre beginner stake format. Our beginner test was very similar but by bringing it in line with the KC we have been able to promote this test for handlers to participate at shows. It has been well received at club and we particularly like the fact handlers can motivate their dogs between exercises. This is a really good test to develop handling skills and bonding with dogs.
Our club year runs April to March so our 2013 year test falls outside this year but enclosed are the results of the 2012 test held in 2013 with the new KCGCD pre beginner format.
OUTDOOR TRAINING
From mid-July to Mid-August each year the club goes outdoor training to a local heathland park with the kind permission of the rangers. We carry out the training in public to demonstrate citizenship and well behaved dogs to the public. It also gives the training team a chance to hold a controlled dog walk where members can show they pick up after their dogs and improve their socialising and recall skills along with other training development. We then meet in an open area in the park where members have a chance to tackle enhanced obedience training outside or just to participate in fun activities with their dog in a controlled way. The training always includes a massed group stay exercise and it is lovely to see up to 20 dogs of all different grades all staying and behaving well together. In 2013 outdoor training took place at Avon Heath Country Park16th July to 6th August.
CHARITY FUND RAISING
Our club has been raising money for various charities throughout its existence but in the 2013 financial year we raised £1000 for 2 charities.
1. Friends of Wessex assisting dogs
2. Margaret Green Animal Rescue ( both these charities have websites)
This was a large amount for us as we have only 66 members. The money was raised by
A bring and buy sale at the AGM in May.
A charity skittles night and raffle held in October.
Charity donations at the club free Christmas party provided by the committee.
Sale of dog treats made by a member.
On all the 6 test days we made no charge to members but members made voluntary donations to the charities.
In the summer we train outdoors for 4 weeks; again we make no charge for outdoor training but have a donations box for the charities.
At the AGM in May a member suggested as our training fees are really quite small it might be a good idea for members to donate an extra £1 each week to go to the club charities. This idea received unanimous approval and members have been kindly giving £1 weekly since the AGM creating a considerable increase in our charity donations over the year.
In addition to raising money, members have also donated dog food, dog toys, blankets, dog beds, bowls, leads, collars and sellable items to Margaret Green animal rescue throughout the year.
AWARDS
At AGM each year the club give out the club annual awards. In 2013 a new award was introduced called theSally Tankard for Citizen Dog of the Year
Below is an extract from the chairman’s speech regarding this award
Sally Tankard - Citizen Dog Trophy
This award is intended to reflect the current direction of dog training and will be awarded to the club citizen dog of the year, this may be from citizen dog tests or through a citizenly act or maybe for qualifying as a helping/ pat or rescue dog. The committee will vote each year and choose so if you know a candidate don’t forget to tell us!
Rosemary, Katy,Busterand Kwiks. This year the award goes to a member who, with her dogs has taken part in many sponsored events to raise money for charity and is a great ambassador for the club and citizenly dogs. She regularly demonstrates through her own dogs how all dogs can be good citizens, demonstrating disciplined control and fun. This handler always has time to help others with their dogs in and out of club and never gives up finding solutions to dog behaviouralissues. So for a true good Citizen -
At AGM an award was also given to the winners of the annual progress test. See Chairman’s speech extract re this
“Roo shield
Most points progress test – (KC Good Citizen pre beginner stake) This was the first year we have tried this test and I am pleased to say the judge was most impressed with the motivational elements of this KC test and we will be continuing this to encourage new handlers. (This test can be taken competitively at open show so check for obedience shows online.)”
(Copy of speech and annual awards attached)
Further awards presented in 2013 included-
Most progress with a difficult dog
Most progress with a rescue dog
Dog and Handler moulded into best team
Extract from Chairman’s speech-
Prince Cup
Most progress with difficult dog.
Kate and Murphy– problems come in all different types and sizes. Sometimes it is over exuberance and sometimes sheer pulling power. This year the award goes to a dog with size on his side but a gentle but stubborn nature, his handler has had to work extremely hard to overcome this and convince her dog he can do it! For hard work and perseverance the award goes to…
Presto Trophy
Most progress with a rescue dog.
Sue and Lotti– Another dog with a gentle nature this bitch has found an encouraging and motivating handler who has really brought her out of her shyness to great achievement during 2013….
(Sadly Sue died later in 2013 of cancer but her family have kept the dog lotti and the club have given this award to the family to keep.)
The Chang
Dog and Handler moulded into best team.
Debbie and Boo. There were many potential candidates for this award and the team had a difficult job deciding, this year the award goes to an experienced handler with a new young collie, the 2 are really bonding and showing great potential.
WEBSITE
In May 2013 the club launched a website . This site contains a section “More about the club” with advice for new dog owners on training, health, the law and dogs including identification, socialising, exercise and competitions. We have a section on the KCGCDS and information about classes.
We have a hints and tips section and during October/ November this was loaded with advice about dogs and fireworks. During the spring there was advice regarding snakes on the heathland in our area.
The website is new and we are still teaching the team to input but we anticipate this will have further advice for dog owners added.
In addition to club activities 1 of our members, having gained Bronze Obedience skill has branched out with her dog into helping work
1 Shelley Barnes and her dog Sable were accepted to train for Dorset Search Dogs below is an extract from their web site-
DORSET SEARCH DOGS is a charity assisting the Police, Coastguard and other Search and Rescue teams look for missing persons across the South.
We rely on generous donations from members of the public and local companies to survive. Please support the work we do and help us to help others by clicking on the donate paw to the left of this screen.
Our dedicated team of dogs, handlers and operational supports make themselves available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As members of Association of Lowland Search and Rescue (ALSAR) we work closely with neighbouring Search Dog ALSAR teams.
Our members are all trained to levels specified by ALSAR and each dog and handler is individually assessed to the high standards agreed by the ALSAR Committee.
Shelley and Sable commenced training during 2013 and in February 2014 attained a certificate of achievement in basic search dog training.
Working Dogs
The club actively promote a range of dog training activities – we believe atrained and busy dog is a happy dog.
Wehave :-
3 members with 6 dogs competing in working trials. One is Rosemary Turner and her GSD Katy. Rosemary will be 80 years of age in June this year. 2 of these dogs have reached WDex. All the dogs are Gold good citizens
At least 8 members participating in Agility competitions
4 members participating in obedience competitions
1 member,Sandy White participating in gun dog trials and breed showing
3 members participating in breed showing, of these :-
Elaine Hedges -Crufts 2013 her first major show – Bodi , her nova scotia duck tolling retriever won first in Special yearling class and first in the Kennel Club Good Citizen breed class.
Heather Gibson, our club secretary also has a home bred show champion Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever Aoife(pronounced eefa) Aoife is a Gold good Citizen. Her full title is Erikachen Aoife Dearg She got her first CC at the Toller Club Championship Show(where she got her stud book number and lifetime qualification for Crufts), the second at Windsor Championship Show and her third at National Gundog Championship Show. All in 2013.She is only the second Toller to become a show champion, the first bitch and the first bred by owner.
Heather competes in Agility with her dogs and is an agility instructor with her own agility club.
Photos will be sent in separate email from chairman Moira Connolly - .
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