Good Citizens (debatable!)

Last night we went to Spey Valley Dog Training Club to sit our Good Citizen tests. Rosie was sitting her Bronze, Gabbi her Silver and Alfie was going for Gold. You can see pictures of all the dogs taking their tests here.

I didn't hold out much hope for Rosie, didn't think she'd do the stay as she doesn't like me to go too far (even the required five paces stresses her out!) but she surprised me by sailing through the test....on to the Silver now, my girl!

I knew Gabbi could do everything and she passed hers too. I would have liked her to try the Gold test too, she can do everything needed for it because of the training i've been doing with Alfie but she was in a strange mood and I think she'd had enough by then!

I was confident that Alfie would pass his and he did! We had a bit of a hairy moment on the send-away when instead of going to bed, he made a beeline for the nearest food, he'd been eyeballing it all evening- well, what do you expect? He is a beagle! He did it on the second go though and got some pilchard cake!

Showing off the sit-stays!

As well as their rosettes they were awarded some dog training treats and all the Gold passes got a lovely Kennel Club pin, which i'll wear with pride!

I would like to thank all the wonderful trainers at Spey Valley, Lesley, Gladys and in particular, Jenny....without her guidance, encouragement and great advice i'd never have had the confidence to get Alfie through his Gold, Gabbi's turn next. Thank-you and well done to the others who passed!

For more information on the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme, click here.