I think the original question was 'if more took part' rather than whether or not everyone should all take part .

Isn't taking part in a progressing training scheme 'taking responsibility'?

It may not be rocket science to many to train their dogs themselves, but for many, it can be just as difficult as they have no idea what to do when their cute little puppy suddenly turns into a stroppy adolescent

As said, we aren't born with knowledge of how to train dogs. It's something we learn

And you gave your opinion and I gave mine, is mine not valid because I happen to disagree?

I think a lot of people go training for their benefit as much as the dogs, and if they enjoy it then I can understand why they go but I'm not into organised training for pretty much the same reasons I choose not to get involved in showing, it doesn't interest me but that doesn't mean having well behaved, well trained dogs doesn't interest me, I just prefer to achieve it in my own way.

Of course your opinion is valid. If everyone thought the same it would be a very boring World.

That's what I thought.

I also think its a good scheme and have a deaf bull terrier that is ready to take her Gold again (has taken it before and failed on one thing) and my other bullie has passed her silver.

But i know other clubs that have passed dogs at Gold level, and hardly stepped outside the door
They have poor recalls and aren't even let off the lead for walks. (I don't class this as Gold level myself)

Well most of the gold exam should be taken outdoors and if this is not so then a) either the examiners are not KC approved assessors or b) they are not playing by the rules.

And we would have pretty short threads in most cases

when Zane did his gold practically the whole lot was outside. Zane had a great time doing it - mostly likely IMO because I did much of his pet obedience off lead and outside.

When we're at home both he and Yiannis would rather be outside than in with us although the back door is always open and they have the choice.

I do think actually that if more of it was inside, there was much less of a chance of him passing it.

I did the puppy gcds on a friday afternoon and passed but i was unable to take it further as bronze,silver,gold all evening training sessions at my local training club and i work from 6pm 4 days a week,do agility monday,and tend to relax sunday and thursday evening but nothing in my area anyway as all clubs which run scheme and can be accessed by pubilc transport train on days i work so i did my own training and hasnt done him any harm but my friends spaniel has already passed puppy and bronze at 6months now has a yr to work on silver so it works for some but not others.