Kennel Club Approved Dog Training Scheme
From pups to old timers - it's never too late to learn
Kennel Club Approved Dog Training Scheme
From pups to old timers - it's never too late to learn
Lessons from £12
Join our fun training sessions, led by Kelly — qualified in canine and human first aid, senior dog care, and puppy development. Perfect for building confidence and connection between you and your dog.
About Castle Canines
KELLY RICKARDS
Kelly’s experience in training began with her own dogs from a variety of breed groups - alongside working with a wide selection of other animals over the past 30 years. After meeting one of her current dogs (an excitable rescue called Olive), Kelly began training dogs with one of the country’s best clubs offering the Kennel Clubs Good Citizen Dog scheme.
During this time, Kelly has completed the Good Citizen Dog Scheme assessor's examinations and taught many classes from puppy level to gold standard.
She has also competed in Rally obedience with Olive and several other dogs along the way. She's also taken part in dog agility and rally obedience training, and demonstrations at local shows and events, as well as having the honour of judging at local fun pet dog shows. Kelly is regularly asked to assess the G.C.D.S at national championship shows, alongside being invited to represent the Kennel Club at Crufts as assistant team leader, assessor and a demo team member.
Kelly also holds a qualification in canine and human first aid.
meet the team
Olive
Mr Bert
Mr Bert
Olive is a real bundle of energy! Part Staffie, part Lurcher, but 100% Character. Olive can always be found by Kelly’s side… or any nearby food!
Mr Bert
Mr Bert
Mr Bert
All hair and glamour a typical working springer who takes his role as demo dog very serious indeed!!!
Anne Herbert
Along with this dynamic duo we also have… Anne Herbert and Andrea Harvey who run Chase Dog Training.
Anne is not only a highly experienced and skilled instructor, but a Kennel Club Examiner to Gold Level and has assessed at many Kennel Club Championship Shows as well as Crufts!
Anne is currently owned by 2 Labradors, but has also had terriers and Dalmatians in the past - so is well used to the more “independent” breeds!
As well as 30 years experience of instructing; Anne has also taken part in demonstration teams for obedience and Good Citizens at many local events, and some national ones too including Crufts, Belvoir Game Fair, and Manchester Pet Show. She has also trained her own dogs in various disciplines including agility, flyball, and Rally - as well as having a interest in gun-dog training.
Our Mission
At Castle Canines, our goal is to help owners and their dogs build a strong, lasting bond based on trust, understanding, and fun. We believe training should be positive, rewarding, and part of everyday life — giving you the confidence to enjoy every adventure together.
Our Partners
Castle Canines TRAINING
Pupstars – Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Award
Level 1 – Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award
Level 1 – Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award
Our Pupstars classes offer specialised training for puppies up to 6 months old.
You and your puppy will work together as a team towards the Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Award, building confidence and laying the right foundations for a happy, well-behaved companion.
During this fun and supportive course, we focus on early socialisation, bas
Our Pupstars classes offer specialised training for puppies up to 6 months old.
You and your puppy will work together as a team towards the Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Award, building confidence and laying the right foundations for a happy, well-behaved companion.
During this fun and supportive course, we focus on early socialisation, basic obedience, the importance of play, everyday handling and grooming, walking on lead, recall, and much more.
All training is delivered using kind, reward-based methods, making learning enjoyable for both puppy and owner.
The Puppy Foundation is a continual assessment, requiring attendance at a minimum of four out of six sessions and successful completion of all Kennel Club exercises to achieve the award.
Level 1 – Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award
Level 1 – Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award
Level 1 – Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award
Our Level 1 classes are perfect for puppies over 6 months or dogs new to training, building on everything learned in the Puppy Foundation course.
Together, we’ll strengthen the bond between you and your dog while working towards the Kennel Club Bronze Award and in-house milestones.
Using fun, positive, reward-based methods, we’ll focus on
Our Level 1 classes are perfect for puppies over 6 months or dogs new to training, building on everything learned in the Puppy Foundation course.
Together, we’ll strengthen the bond between you and your dog while working towards the Kennel Club Bronze Award and in-house milestones.
Using fun, positive, reward-based methods, we’ll focus on heelwork, walking on lead with distractions, impulse control, focus exercises, control at doors or gates, developing off-lead recall, and reliable stays — all with a few enjoyable twists along the way!
The Bronze Award is a one-off assessment, carried out by a Kennel Club Approved Examiner once you and your dog are ready to shine.
Level 2 – Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Silver Award
Level 1 – Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award
Level 2 – Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Silver Award
Our Level 2 course is a natural progression from Bronze, aimed at dogs who have passed their assessment or are confidently working towards it.
This stage builds on existing skills while introducing new concepts that are practical for everyday life.
Training includes outdoor loose-lead walking, recall around tempting distractions, construct
Our Level 2 course is a natural progression from Bronze, aimed at dogs who have passed their assessment or are confidently working towards it.
This stage builds on existing skills while introducing new concepts that are practical for everyday life.
Training includes outdoor loose-lead walking, recall around tempting distractions, constructive play, good manners around food and people, safe travel in vehicles, and longer stays — with plenty of fun, off-script exercises along the way to keep learning fresh and engaging.
As every dog learns at their own pace, the Silver Award is assessed only when you and your dog are truly ready. This flexible, pay-as-you-go course lets you progress steadily, building confidence and control step by step.
Level 3 – Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Gold Award
Level 1 – Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award
Level 2 – Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Silver Award
Our Level 3 classes work towards the Kennel Club Good Citizen Gold Award — the highest level of the scheme.
Open to dogs who have achieved their Silver Award, this advanced course builds on everything learned so far, with a greater focus on off-lead control and outdoor training.
The Gold syllabus includes exercises such as emergency stops
Our Level 3 classes work towards the Kennel Club Good Citizen Gold Award — the highest level of the scheme.
Open to dogs who have achieved their Silver Award, this advanced course builds on everything learned so far, with a greater focus on off-lead control and outdoor training.
The Gold syllabus includes exercises such as emergency stops from a distance, changes of pace on and off lead, recall into heel, sending your dog to bed, and a two-minute stay with the handler out of sight.
While we’ll be aiming for the prestigious Gold Award, our training goes beyond the syllabus — adding elements from other dog activities to keep sessions varied, challenging, and fun for both dog and owner.
Every dog learns at their own pace, so the Gold level is a flexible, pay-as-you-go ongoing course, allowing you to progress confidently towards success when you’re ready.
