Swinton Dog Training Club (SDTC) is listed with the Kennel Club and all classes work towards the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme. The Kennel Club founded the Good Citizen Dog Scheme in 1992 aiming to promote socially acceptable dogs by educating their owners and to combat anti-dog negativity. On its launch the scheme had one basic award but now the scheme now promotes a Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, each testing a progression of basic training skills. Each test is more difficult and is based on situations that would feature in a dog owner’s daily life. A theory test has also been introduced to encourage owners to learn more about the responsibilities of dog ownership both in and out of the home. All newcomers to the classes under 12 months are assessed over a period of 6 weeks according to the rules set by the Kennel Club puppy foundation assessment course. For older newcomers, we have modified our own beginner assessment based on the kennel club rules. All newcomers passing these assessments receive a certificate.