Going for Bronze – Friday 9th October 2026

Going for Bronze

Finally, I’m going for Bronze. Mum thought I’d never get to the point where she would even try entering me for my Good Citizen exams. She says it has taken me a very long time to get to the point where she can consider it. She isn’t even sure that I will pass first time, but thinks it will be good experience for me. The exam is another month away, so we have time to practice and I’m now determined to try my very best.

During the test, I’m only allowed one go at each exercise. If I don’t do it right then I’ll fail and have to try again next time. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a dog.

The exercises

The first exercise is more about Mum. She has to show that she remembers to have bags to clean up after me and has bought me the correct identification tag for my collar. My microchip will be checked too. That should all be fine. It gets harder after that. For one thing, I’m not allowed to wear my muzzle. Mum says we’re going to have to talk about that one. I guess she could wear body-armour instead. Exercise 2 is for my collar, lead and equipment to be checked , so apart from the whole muzzle thing that will be fine.

No treats

The problem with the actual exercises is that we can’t use treats while being tested. Mum swears by the power of cheese and I’m all in favour. We have to do loose lead walking, wait at a gate and only go through when Mum lets me and be prepared to walk under control around people and dogs. Generally I can do those bits.

It’s exercise 6 which is the problem. I have to stay for a whole minute. During that time I’m not given treats by Mum and I’m not allowed to move – at all. I think we’re going to fail on that if nothing else.

Things like grooming and examining me should be easy. Recall from ten paces will walk as long as Mum walks away backwards and I can see her eyes at all times. If I can’t see her eyes then I just follow her.

Then Mum has to answer questions on caring for me. I should hope after owning dogs for almost half her lifetime that she can do that bit.

I’m off to practice my stay

Hugs, licks and head butts

Pebbles

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