If people can learn to behave themselves in public places, why can't their dogs? They can. And the Bermuda Kennel Club has just the programme to make it so.

The Canine Good Citizen programme trains dogs to move about with strangers, in crowds, or in the streets without causing a raucous.

The programme tests dogs in simulated everyday situations.

And it identifies and rewards dogs that have the training and demeanour to be reliable family members as well as good-standing community members.

The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen test is to ensure that dogs can be respected members of the community, trained and conditioned to behave in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.

The programme embraces both pure-bred and mixed-breed dogs.

Vice president of the BKC Vincent Madeiros said the programme was being offered to help make dogs better citizens. And he hoped it would eliminate the need for restrictive dog legislation.

"What we find is that every legislation that has come through is because something bad has happened -- such as the fact that dogs are not allowed on the beach -- and what we are trying to do is correct the problem by making sure the dogs act in a mannerly fashion in public places.

"We want educated people to care for dogs properly and be responsible for them. This programme teaches ownership responsibility.'' Mr. Madeiros added that despite some problems there were not a lot of bad dogs out there. "They are just not trained by their owners, if they were they would all be a pleasure to be around hardly anyone minds being around a dog that is mannerly.'' And, he added, through the training dog and owner establish a closer bond.

It is not a competition and does not require dogs perform with precision.

The Bermuda Kennel Club urges all dog owners to participate in the programme and help assure dogs will always be welcome and respected members of the community.

Every dog should respond to at least five basic commands to function acceptably in the public: heel, sit, lie down, come when called and stay.

Training results in a controlled dog, one that does not bother the neighbours or their dogs and does not balk at grooming procedures or a veterinarian's examination.

Training stimulates your dog's intelligence and gives its life meaning by letting it know how to please you and what to expect. In an emergency, training can save a dog's life.

The Canine Good Citizen programme was designed by the American Kennel Club, which has been running the programme for a number of years.

"We want to get the programme off the ground to get some of the problems behind us and educate public on what they need to do,'' Mr. Madeiros said.

The test consists of ten steps and any major organisation such as the SPCA can give the test. The first test will be done by the Dog Training Club of Bermuda and information and material can be obtained by the BKC free of charge.

"Our goal is that every one passes the test as it is based on pass or fail.

Anyone conducting the test will also post a training schedule. This is really a good thing for all dogs.'' The 10 steps of the test are: 1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger: The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural everyday situation.

2. Sitting Politely for Petting: The dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.

3. Appearance and Grooming: The dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger to do so.

4. Out for a Walk (walking on a loose leash): This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog.

5. Walking Through a Crowd: This test demonstrates the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.

6. Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place: This test demonstrates the dog has training, will respond to the handler's command to sit and lie down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler.

7. Coming when Called: The dog will come when called by the handler.

8. Reaction to Another Dog: This test demonstrates the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

9. Reaction to Distractions: This test demonstrates the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.

10. Supervised Separation: This test demonstrates that a dog can be left alone, if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners.