2nd May 2012

BEAMINSTER: Dog owners go for gold in Melplash

A GROUP of dog owners have passed a prestigious exam for the first time in a Melplash group’s history.

Seven members of the dog training school PADS gained the top award after more than three years hard work.

The pet owners celebrated gaining the golden awards in the Kennel Club Good Citizens (KCGC) dog scheme with their trainer Rosemary Young.

The successful dog handlers had to pass 12 different tests, including nutrition exams, practical behavioural challenges and a care assessment to make the grade.

They are now part of a small group of around 6,500 dog owners in the country to hold the certificate. There is an estimated 8.5million dogs in the United Kingdom.

A proud Mrs Young, who holds a diploma in dog psychology, said the award proved there were responsible pet owners despite negative headlines in national newspapers.

She said: “There is so much bad press out there about dogs but it’s nice to know there’s people out there who do care about their dogs.”

The Buckham Fair committee member, KCGC judge and trainer, with more than 40 years experience, said: “This is the first time I’ve taken the club to gold.

“My involvement with dogs has been a lifetime of training people to understand their dogs and training in a happy friendly way is a prime must to me.

“So it’s really nice for us all to do it together. This particular group of ladies have been with me for three years to get to this prestigious level. It’s a pretty tough exam.

“The award is designed for pet handlers to show they are responsible dog owners. The bronze level is very basic but they have worked themselves up through the levels, which got more and more difficult. I’m extremely proud of them.”

The owners had to demonstrate they knew about their dogs exercise habits, dietary needs and show that their pet was well trained and obeyed commands.

Mrs Young has also helped 12 pet owners pass their silver exam and a further 14 more through their bronze award this year.

The PADS school has been running in Melplash Village Hall for eight years.

PICTURE: Members of Melplash dog training school PADS celebrate passing their gold award with trainer Rosemary Young (third left)

BEAMINSTER: Dog owners go for gold in Melplash

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