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 1^st 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:- 

       I.      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.

       II.      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.

      III.      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).

      IV.      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.

      V.      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.

      VI.      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.

      VII.      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

I.      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.

II.      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.

III.      All Good Citizen Dog Scheme courses and training conducted must be in conjunction with the Good Citizen Dog Scheme Guidelines and Information.  

IV.      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.

V.      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.

VI.      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.

VII.      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.

VIII.      Handlers must carry some form of ‘Poop Scoop’ and to remove fouling caused by their dog.

IX.      Following the introductory period, course attendees must participate in training for the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme.

X.      At every opportunity the club should promote the wider aspects of responsible dog ownership.

XI.      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 1^st July. This form of registration is open to the following categories:-

I.      Private Dog Training Groups

II.      Dog Training Instructors

III.      Canine Charities

IV.      Dog Training Groups conducted at Armed Forces Bases

V.      Dog Training Groups conducted by Local Council/Authority

VI.      Veterinary Practices (from puppy socialisation classes or more advanced training levels)

VII.      Agricultural Colleges

VIII.      Further Education Centres

IX.      Overseas Dog Training Groups or Organisations

Requirements for Listed Status Clubs

I.      Complete the Listed Status Application form. These can be obtained from the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme office upon request.

II.      Provide confirmation of First Aid facilities

III.      Provide confirmation of Third Party Liability insurance

IV.      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.

V.      Provide a reference confirming the training experience of the main Dog Training Instructor.