Kennel Club Registered Club or Society
A Kennel Club Registered Club is a
form of registration that encompasses Clubs and Societies. They are bound by
the Kennel Club Code of Practice, pay an annual fee, have democratically
elected officials and committee members and submit membership lists and annual
financial accounts. The annual renewal date is the 1st January.
This type of registration requires the
Club or Society to define exactly what their interests and parameters are to be
in order to decide what category of Kennel Club Registered Society it is to
become. The categories are as follows:-
- Dog Training Societies: With
activities confined to the training of dogs. Once registered these societies
may hold Obedience shows and matches, Agility tests and matches, Heelwork to
Music competitions, Companion Dog Shows, Good Citizen Dog Scheme classes and in
certain cases Working Trials and rallies.
- Agility Societies: With activities confined to
the training of dogs. Once registered these societies may hold Agility tests
and matches, Heelwork to Music competitions, Companion Dog Shows and Good
Citizen Dog Scheme classes.
- Ringcraft Societies: With activities confined to
Ringcraft Training (Breed). Once registered these societies may hold Breed and
Obedience matches and Good Citizen Dog Scheme classes. (Exempt from Annual
Returns).
- Breed Clubs: Serving the
interests of a specific breed or sub-group, either nationally or regionally, as
defined within its title. Once registered these societies may hold Breed and
Obedience shows and matches, Agility tests and matches, Heelwork to Music
competitions, Companion Dog Shows and in certain cases Field Trials, Gundog
Working tests, Good Citizen Dog Scheme classes, Working Trials and rallies.
- General Societies: Serving the interests of more than one
breed, either nationally or as defined within its title. Once registered these societies may hold
Breed and Obedience shows and matches, Agility tests and matches, Heelwork to
Music competitions, Companion Dog Shows and in certain cases Field Trials,
Gundog Working tests, Good Citizen Dog Scheme classes, Working Trials and
rallies.
- Imported Breed Register Clubs: For breeds on the
Imported Breed Register, Registered Breed societies will be termed provisional.
These societies will be allowed to conduct Good Citizen Dog Scheme classes and
Scheme testing sessions.
- Branches: Breed Societies may apply to register
branches which must be administered in a similar way to the parent society,
with their own set of rules and local officers and committee.
Code of Practice for
Kennel Club Registered Clubs
- These Guidelines apply to all Kennel Club
Registered Clubs/Organisations which host dog training classes incorporating
the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme (KCGCDS) programme. Copies of these
guidelines and the Canine Code should be given to all course participants.
It is the responsibility of the
organisation to ensure that the welfare of the dog is paramount. No activity
shall be conducted which permits, encourages or develops aggression in a dog.
- All Good Citizen Dog Scheme courses and
training conducted must be in conjunction with the Good Citizen Dog Scheme
Guidelines and Information.
- Organisations should ensure that their
instructors are conversant with acknowledged methods of dog training and
understand the rudiments of dog behaviour – preference should be given to
motivational methods of training which take into account the breed and nature
of each individual dog.
- Instructors must be alert to the differing
levels of the experience of both owners and their dogs, recognise their
limitations and should also be courteous at all times.
- Any training course participant who
witnesses harsh handling at any event organised by a Kennel Club Registered
Club must report the matter to a Club official. Where substantiated, the
organisation must report the matter to the Kennel Club under rule 42.
- At the start of each training course, the
importance of good dog behaviour, the socialisation of dogs and the theory of
training should be discussed. Advice must be given on choosing suitable
collars, leads, identification discs and training equipment.
- Handlers must carry some form of 'Poop Scoop'
and to remove fouling caused by their dog.
- Following the introductory period, course
attendees must participate in training for the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog
Scheme.
- At every opportunity the club should
promote the wider aspects of responsible dog ownership.
- The usage of electric shock collars during
training or testing sessions is strictly prohibited.
Kennel Club Approved
Listed Status Club or Organisation - Listed Status Clubs are
bound by a Code of Practice for Listed Status Organisations. There is no
requirement for these Clubs to hold a committee or produce any financial
accounts annually. Once listed, these Clubs or Organisations must hold a
minimum of two courses and or tests per year. Listed Status Organisations are
not permitted to conduct shows, matches or rallies. The annual renewal date is
the 1st July. This form of registration is open to the following
categories:-
- Private Dog Training Groups
- Dog Training Instructors
- Canine Charities
- Dog Training Groups conducted at Armed Forces Bases
- Dog Training Groups conducted by Local Council/Authority
- Veterinary Practices (from puppy socialisation classes or more advanced training levels)
- Agricultural Colleges
- Further Education Centres
- Overseas Dog Training Groups or Organisations
Requirements for Listed Status Clubs
- Complete
the Listed Status Application form. These can be obtained from the Kennel Club
Good Citizen Dog Scheme office upon request.
- Provide confirmation of First Aid facilities
- Provide confirmation of Third Party Liability insurance
- Provide
a reference confirming the safety and suitability of the premises being used
for training. Note if the premises used by one organisation are in more than
one location, an additional Listed Status application form and fee may be
required.
- Provide a reference confirming the training experience of the main Dog Training
Instructor.