NATIONAL PET CODE

The AIM of the code is to encourage dog owners to train their dog in Basic Obedience, to learn and understand the importance of handling and caring for their dog, also an awareness of the Laws relating to dog ownership.

One of the purposes of the National Code is to demonstrate that a dog can be trained and conditioned to behave in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs in a manner that will reflect credit on the dog.

The test should reflect the practical ability of the dog and owner. The test will be as practical as possible, and where possible the dogs will be tested in a practical situation. The scheme is open to all breeds and dogs over the age of six months.

PREPARATION FOR ASSESSMENT

Handler/Owner to provide the Organizer with the following:-

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:

BASIC PRACTICAL CONTROL (Silver and Gold plus Distractions).
EXAMINATION AND GROOMING – HEALTH AND CARE
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.

BRONZE CERTIFICATE

This Certificate is to encourage the Pet Dog Owner who is just starting to train their dog.

A. BASIC CONTROL

Getting dog out of and into car.
Going through a doorway.
Control while meeting people, friendly stranger.
Reaction to another dog.
Controlled walking on lead.
Recall & Control from free play situation.
Change of Position – from Sit to Down.

B. EXAMINATION & GROOMING

1. Coat and Skin
2. Head, Eyes, Nose & Ears.
3. Feet & Nails, Front & Rear.
4. Rear End – Under Tail Area.

C. THE LAW AND GOOD DOG OWNERSHIP

This section will be the same for each of the three Certificates.

This section is to make sure that owners are aware of various aspects that affect all dog owners.

National Laws and Local By laws
The Country Code.
General Dog Owners Code of Ethics.

Each Certificate the Examiner will ask questions on Dog Ownership.

SILVER CERTIFICATE

This Certificate is to encourage the dog owner to progress from the basic course, giving purpose to the continued training.

A. BASIC PRACTICAL CONTROL

1; 2; 3; 4; These exercises are the same as the Bronze Certificate.
5. Recall and Control from free play situation plus distractions.
6. Controlled walking off lead with handler, plus changes of pace, plus approach by examiner to pet dog whilst dog is in the sit (on lead).
7. Change of Position (off lead) – Sit, Down, Sit, Down.
8. Stay.
9. Recall to Heel.
10. Hide and Seek

Explanation of Exercises

Controlled Walking – Off Lead ‘At final halt the dog to Sit on command and the lead to be attached.
The Examiner approaches the handler and dog and quietly pets the dog.

The dog having obtained a Bronze certificate, the Examiner may choose one or more exercises from 1, 2, 3, 4 for re-test.

B. EXAMINATION & GROOMING

1. Coat and Skin.
2. Head, Eyes, Nose, Ears, Mouth & Teeth.
3. Feet & Nails, Front and Rear pads, Fur/Skin between pads.
4. Rear End – Under Tail Area.
5. Tummy Area.
6. Genitals.

C. THE LAW & GOOD DOG OWNERSHIP

GOLD CERTIFICATE

This certificate is for the dedicated club member.

A. BASIC PRACTICAL CONTROL

1; 2; 3; 4; 5; These exercises are the same as the Silver Certificate.
6. Controlled walking alongside handler off lead, plus changes of pace, plus approach by the examiner to pet the dog in the sit position, plus walking around various distractions (people with and without dogs).
7. Change of Position (off lead) – Sit, Down, Sit, Stand, Down.
8. Stay plus distractions.
9. Recall to Heel, plus distractions.
10. Hide and Seek.
11. Stop or Drop on command.

The dog having obtained a Silver certificate, the Examiner may choose one or more exercises from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for re-test.

B. EXAMINATION & GROOMING

1. Coat and Skin.
2. Head, Eyes, Nose, Ears, Mouth & Teeth.
3. Feet & Nails, Front and Rear pads, Fur/Skin between pads.
4. Rear End – Under Tail Area.
5. Tummy Area.
6. Genitals.
7. Examination by a Stranger:

The owner / handler will have to show they are able to clean, check and be able to handle their dog as if to give some medication.
The Examiner will go over the dog in a similar manner as a Breed Judge.

C. THE LAW & GOOD DOG OWNERSHIP

NOTE:- When dogs are being tested off lead, every effort should be taken to ensure that the area being used is safe. If whilst under test an unforeseen situation arises, the handler must take the appropriate responsible action (without being penalized), which could be putting their dog back onto lead. This is a practical test, not a competition.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO CAN TAKE PART?

Clubs and organisations can apply to run the scheme, which may be run alongside or in conjunction with other schemes or tests.

The Code is open to dogs over six months of age. It is important however that those which obtain a certificate are of the right temperament and are up to standard and do not obtain it as the result of a lucky one off.

WHO CAN EXAMINE?

Examiners should not be directly involved with the instruction of candidates and ideally they should be from outside your organisation. It is the responsibility of the organisers of the test to make sure the Examiner has the knowledge and experience to test the scheme and that they fully understand what is expected from the handlers and dogs taking part.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD TESTS BE RUN?

This is entirely at your discretion.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

For registered clubs with a BIPDT Instructor having gained a First Grade or higher there is a fee of £20 per year plus £7 per pack, on initial registration the first pack is free. Non registered clubs, organisations and individuals pay £15 per pack. Each pack contains 12 certificates, plus additional paperwork to help you run the scheme.

For further information please contact the National Codes Registrar.