See pictures of our display team at Crufts 2007 by clicking here

THE KENNEL CLUB's GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME AWARD: where we run regular courses to educate owners about the importance of having a well trained dog which is completely well socialised and socially acceptable to other members of society. For full information about the Good Citizen Dog Scheme and what it coveres click on the Kennel Club logo:

We also offer Good Citizen Dog Scheme training as a continuation course for owners of dogs who just wish to improve their overall obedience after having attended a puppy course, either with us, or elsewhere. If you have previously attended one of our courses, a foundation course with Dogs in Training or Shippshape School for Dogs, then the cost of a 6 week course is £60, or £70 to those who have trained elsewhere.

ACORN DOG TRAINING HOLDS THE KENNEL CLUB'S LISTED STATUS

The test at the end of each course is not compulsory, so if you are happy with what you have achieved, then no test is necessary, however, the option is there if you would like to receive the award.

To join, you must have previously attended one of our puppy or junior classes, or at least attended a class elsewhere where clicker training has been used.

Tuesday 22nd July at 7.00pm, with Fran Griffin. Location Woughton on the Green - weather permitting, or Bradville Hall if the weather is poor. To book your place please call Fran on 01908 397236, or email

If there is nothing suitable listed here for you, please either come back in a few weeks time, or contact the training schools listed below:

Dogs in Training on 01908 691695

Shippshape School for Dogs 01525 251504

These classes run in a similar way to Acorn Dog Training.

As with all our training classes, the methods we use are reward based, as well as kind, firm and very fair to the dog. We do not train with choke chains, or use any form of bullying.

Ella practises her "Go to bed" for her Gold Award

WE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE EVERYONE WHO HAS TAKEN AND PASSED THE GOOD CITIZENS TEST. The results from previous years can be viewed here for 2002 here for 2003 here for 2004 here for 2005 here for 2006
here for 2007

These passes are genuine achievements. All dogs have to show that they are able complete the exercises to a satisfactory standard. At Acorn Dog Training, we do NOT allow dogs to pass tests if they are unable to complete the required tasks in the required manner.

Here are some of the first results for 2008

BRONZE LEVEL AWARD
Maxine Phillips and Bramble, Border Terrier
Lorna Hide and Tia, Patterdale Terrier mix
Laura Payne and Theo, English Bull Terrier
Derek Mason and Rubi, German Shepherd
Peter Emmerson and Timmy, Tibetan Terrier
Dennis Campbell and Rocky, German Sherpherd (White)
Mrs & Mrs N Barker + Hannah Berry and Rosie
Julia Greenwood and Macey, English Springer Spaniel
Charlene Brown and Bacardi
Nicole Griffiths and Bruno
Benjamin Flaherty and Ruby
Graham Frary and Kaiser
Tracy McLeod and Charlie
Tasmyn Jeffs and Arthur
Eleanor McEwan and Suzy
Glen Hawthorne (junior handler) with “Meg” Foxhound X Collie
Tracey Wilkinson with “Dylan” Collie X
Beryl Hathaway with “Stitch” Border Terrier
Claire-Louise Nixon and Thomas Cook, Cocker Spaniel
Natasha King and Ollie, Labrador
Kevin Brown and Gonzo, Boxer
Kate Duckett and Bilbo, Weimaraner
Clare Pegram-Mills/Steve Mongommery and Boycie, Hungarian Viszsla
Celia Dashfield and Liffey, Irish Water Spaniel
Margaret Windmill and Poppy, West Highland White Terrier
Noel Sibbald and Nipsy, Old English Sheepdog
Anna Barfield and Meg, Rotweiller
Richard Foakes and Sally Saunders and Alfie, Springer Spaniel
Camilla Nielsen and Paul Williamson and Benson, Labrador
Drew Barby and Vicky Bannerman and Oscar, Springer Spaniel
Sian Roberts and Bella, Working Sheepdog
Jannine Smart and Molly - Bedlington Terrier
Edward and Jackie Green and Bebe, Working Cocker Spaniel
Jess Jell and Rusty, Cocker Spaniel

Meg and Anna in Puppy Class, picture by Kukura Photography

SILVER LEVEL AWARD
Maxine Phillips and Bramble, Border Terrier
Lorna Hide and Tia, Patterdale Terrier mix
Laura Payne and Theo, English Bull Terrier
Derek Mason and Rubi, German Shepherd
Peter Emmerson and Timmy, Tibetan Terrier
Eleanor McEwan and Suzy
Mrs & Mrs N Barker + Hannah Berry and Rosie
Julia Greenwood and Macey, English Springer Spaniel
Charlene Brown and Bacardi
Nicole Griffiths and Bruno, Cocker Spaniel
Tracy McLeod and Charlie
Tasmyn Jeffs and Arthur
Benjamin Flaherty and Ruby
Tracey Wilkinson with “Dylan” Collie X
Beryl Hathaway with “Stitch” Border Terrier
Claire-Louise Nixon and Thomas Cook, Cocker Spaniel

GOLD LEVEL AWARD
Philippa Cox and Archie, Working Cocker Spaniel
Gail Ashley and Jakey, Cockerpoo
Julie Taylor and George, Rottweiler
Margaret and Maddy, Standard Schnauzer
Claire-Louise Nixon and Thomas Cook, Cocker Spaniel

Thanks to Paul Nally from Thames Valley Police and his partner Katie for Judging and assisting

Also to John Gardner, SO Dog Section, Woodhill Prison and Darran Rowe, Kennel Club Judge.

This is Bruno who currently attends Claire-Louise's Gold level Class, and who proudly owns Nicole Griffiths.

Fran - I just wanted to say I'm so pleased about tonights Bronze Awards for Emma and Barty! Thanks so much - we're over the moon and so is Jenny (Barty's breeder). It was so great!
Sharon

Max is currently grinning from ear to ear he's so proud of 'his boy'! He's all geared up now to crack on with the Silver .I thought all the dogs were really good tonight - and didn't you just love Glen & Milo doing their down/stay side by side ..... aww,, made be go all 'goosey-bumpy'

Sandra and Max

Talullah does her 2 minute down stay on the Silver Award, Talullah passed her Gold Award at the tender age of 8 months and now competes in agility.