A DOG will be on her best behaviour a bid to win an award.
Kate Williams, of Neston, and her Border Collie Poppy will be taking part in the Bronze Factor challenge at DFS Crufts next week.
Kate has been putting Poppy through her paces in a series of Kennel Club Good Citizen dog training classes.
The pair are hoping the lessons will help to secure a Bronze Factor award in a live test.
To pass the test Poppy will have to prove, amongst other things, that she can walk in a controlled way on the lead, stay in one position on command and allow Kate to groom and inspect her.
Kate will also be required to simulate a real life walk, which will require that she take responsible steps such as carrying a poop scoop with her and providing her dog with a collar and ID tag.
There are 1,800 Good Citizen Dog Training Classes throughout the UK making it the UK’s biggest dog training scheme. It is one of a number of schemes run by the Kennel Club in order to promote responsible dog ownership.
Kennel Club communications director Caroline Kisko said: “We are really glad to welcome Kate and Poppy to DFS Crufts and hope their hard work and training pay off in the Bronze Factor live test.
“Dog training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership and also helps to ensure that dog and owner have a strong bond between them.
“Poppy will be learning from the masters as she will be surrounded by show dogs that need to be well behaved and have a good temperament in order to do well in the show ring, so we hope that she will come through with flying colours.”
To find out more, visit www.gcds.org.uk
