Dogs, and MPs, cited for good behaviour

By AUDREY YOUNG

Parliament's self-appointed watchdog over MPs' behaviour standards, United Future leader Peter Dunne, yesterday helped to launch good behaviour certificates for dogs.

The "Canine Good Citizenship" certificate, offered by the New Zealand Kennel Club, is a response to a rash of attacks by dangerous dogs this year.

Every Christmas Mr Dunne produces his own register on the best-behaved MPs or, more precisely, on who has behaved the worst in the House.

But that was not the reason for the dog invitation, nor did it have anything to with the fact that he is often referred to as a Government poodle or a lapdog by Opposition MPs.

He said he was invited to launch the certificates by some of his Ohariu-Belmont constituents involved with the Kennel Club.

Mr Dunne issued the inaugural certificates to three Wellington canines at the national dog show in Porirua - and not a poodle was among them.

A gordon setter named Connor, a rhodesian ridgeback called Beki and a staffordshire labrador-cross called Hugo were issued the first grade of their certificates.

They passed the basic test, which involved sitting still at a gate when it was opened instead of barging through; walking properly on a leash without yanking the person's arm; and staying calm in an unexpected incident.

Speaking for the Kennel Club, Sue Beasley said the initiative was to test dogs in everyday situations.

She hoped it might become so well established that local bodies would give a discount on dog registration to owners whose dogs had the certificate.

Mr Dunne leaves tomorrow for the United States, where he will deliver a guest lecture to the family-life faculty at the Mormon Brigham Young University in Utah.

"I'm told I am following in the steps of Jim Bolger, Margaret Thatcher and Nelson Mandela."