Puppy love as Irish Kennel Club comes to Dundalk

The Irish Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test came to Dundalk recently at the field behind the old Carroll’s Factory on the Dublin Road.

Owners showed off their precious pooches with official IKC judges assessing participants in the Puppy, Bronze, Silver and Gold Canine Good Citizen tests.

These tests are designed to celebrate owners who have excellent control over their dogs in public space, both on and off the lead.

The Irish Kennel Club operates the test procedure to help educate dog owners and people thinking about buying a dog, and also to ensure that dogs are a respected part of the community.

The scheme operates through clubs and training classes, who must gain approval from the Irish Kennel Club to hold a Good Citizen Test.

This test assesses and officially recognises animals that are happy, loyal and well-behaved.

The test, constructed to mirror everyday events, ensures that dogs can carry out common tasks.

These include:
- Walking on a lead in a controlled manner in the presence of distractions (including a jogger or another handler and dog walking past).
- Behaving calmly while you talk to another dog handler.
- Lying down and staying on command.
- Allowing you to groom the dog, and examine its coat, teeth, ears and feet.
- Returning on command and co-operating with an owner attaching the lead.