The Dog Training Club - The National Dog Training Scheme is designed to be non-competitive, with assessments conducted in a relaxed and informal manner. The primary focus of the assessment is to evaluate the progress of both the dog and handler in their training journey.

Assessments for the award may be carried out over multiple sessions within a period of up to six calendar weeks, or alternatively, in a single session. If the dog’s trainer is qualified to assess the relevant discipline and level, they may also serve as the assessor. The award will be granted once the required standard in all parts of the assessment has been met. For each exercise, the assessor will record a comment of “Passed” or “Not Ready.” A dog must receive a “Passed” comment for every exercise to be awarded a Certificate. Any signs of aggression or undue fear during any exercise will result in the dog being classified as “Not Ready.”

The organisers of the assessment are responsible for all matters of health and safety and ensuring adequate insurance cover. It is the assessor’s responsibility to check that these are in place on the day before carrying out the assessment. The organisers must also ensure that the appointed assessor is competent and capable of fulfilling the assessment requirements proficiently. Unless otherwise specified, practical assessments will be conducted with the dog on a lead. Please refer to the Scheme’s Guidelines for details on acceptable collars, leads, and other equipment, as well as answers to any further questions. If the equipment used is deemed inadequate, assessors may require the handler to secure the dog more safely, including the use of an additional lead if necessary.

Assessors must provide clear instructions to handlers to avoid any confusion regarding how each exercise should be performed. Uncontrolled behaviour such as mouthing, barking, growling, or any other threatening actions is unacceptable and will necessitate further training before the dog can be passed. To ensure the integrity of the assessment, it must be conducted thoroughly and consistently for every dog tested, with a strong emphasis on the handler's ability to manage, care for, and be responsible for their dog.

Assessors are also expected to uphold the spirit of the Scheme, which aims to produce happy, contented, well-behaved dogs that enjoy their training and are under the control of their handlers. Dogs may be tested individually or in groups, and the Scheme is inclusive of all dogs, whether pedigree or crossbreed, with no upper age limit. Handlers must demonstrate that they have the means to clean up after their dog and that their dog has proper identification. It is a legal requirement for the owner’s name and address to be inscribed on the dog’s collar or on a plate or disc attached to it. Dogs and owners of any fitness level or disability are welcome to participate.

The assessor's decision shall be final. However, a handler may appeal to the Board of The Dog Training Club using the online incident form within 14 days of the assessment. An appeal will only be considered in exceptional circumstances or where it is clear that a dog has been disadvantaged or interfered with during the assessment.

Please note that, effective from 6th April 2016, all dogs are required to have a microchip registered on a DEFRA-approved database in the UK (check for exemptions).