A POODLE has always been top dog for his owner, Margaret Flannigan.

Now, seven-year-old Bobby has won a silver award from the Kennel Club and the title of 'good citizen' for being well-behaved and obedient.

The award is the result of months of practice by Bobby and Mrs Flannigan at classes run at Dipton Community Centre by dog trainer Linda Whales.

Along with other dogs and their owners, Bobby learned how to behave well in different situations, such as crossing the road, meeting strangers and coming back straightaway when called.

He was also taught to sit still for two minutes until told to move, to walk at heel without a lead and not beg for food.

All the hard work paid off on the big day when judge Albert Harvey decided Bobby had passed all the tests and was worthy of the silver award.

Mrs Flannigan, of Tantobie, said: "I went along to the training classes because I wanted to do something with Bobby that would make him think, as he is quite a clever dog.

"Now, we both really enjoy ourselves meeting new people and seeing other dogs, as well as learning new training exercises."

Instructor Linda Whales said the good citizen scheme is the largest national dog training programme in the country.

"It is so important in today's society that our pets are friendly, sociable and well-behaved and this is what the 'good citizen' scheme strives to produce," said Ms Whales.