WARKWORTH AND DISTRICTS DOG TRAINING CLUB

Club Rules

1. GENERAL RULES

1.1 Respect for All Members

  • Dog handlers must be 15 years or over, unless prior agreement from the Club.
  • Treat all members and their dogs with courtesy and respect.
  • Please remember your trainer is a volunteer who will need help with either setting up or putting away equipment.
  • Avoid disruptive behavior and keep a positive attitude during training sessions and events.
1.2 Dog Welfare
  • Use humane, positive reinforcement training methods.
  • Arrive with time to settle and toilet your dog away from the training area.
  • Dogs must never be subjected to harsh handling, physical punishment, or intimidation.
1.3 Safety First
  • Members are responsible for maintaining control of their dogs at all times. Dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior must be removed from the training area immediately.
  • For dogs that need space, red ribbons are available upon request to tie upon the collar to signify that your dog needs its personal space when training.
  • Do not allow your dog to approach other dogs when they are tied up or left unattended.
  • If you have questions or concerns around dog safety, please speak to your trainer.
1.4 Health Requirements
  • Owners must provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations upon request or provide proof of titers if required.
  • Do not bring dogs to the club if they are sick, injured, or in season (heat).
  • Please do not allow your dog to mark (urinate) on equipment; if this happens it will need to be thoroughly washed.
1.5 Supervision
  • Members must supervise their dogs at all times.
  • No unsupervised dogs are allowed in the training area.
  • We welcome children but ask that they sit quietly and avoid engaging with training dogs and training equipment.
1.6 Securing of dogs
  • Dogs must be crated or securely confined in designated areas when not being actively handled or participating in club activities. This ensures a safe and calm environment for all dogs and their owners.
  • During club times, dogs should never be left crated unattended for extended periods. If crating is necessary for longer durations, owners should check on their dogs regularly for signs of stress or discomfort.

2. TRAINING AREA CONDUCT

2.1 Arrival and departure from the Club training area
  • Keep dogs on a leash when entering and leaving the training area. We recommend a soft lead and collar for training (no retractable or chain leads).
  • Allow space between dogs to avoid unnecessary interactions.
2.2 Use of the Warkworth & Districts Dog Training Club equipment
  • Use equipment responsibly and ensure it is in safe working condition.
  • Return equipment to its designated storage area after use.
2.3 Cleanliness
  • Clean up after your dog, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Ensure that training areas are left clean and ready for the next member.
  • No rubbish is to be left on the Club premises, without prior approval from the Club’s Chairperson.
2.4 Time Management
  • Share equipment and space fairly.
  • Stick to the designated training schedule and respect time limits.
2.5 Treats for training

● High value treats are used for training, which must be kept within a closed container and off the grounds. Ask your trainer for more information on appropriate ways to hold your treats while training.

3. AGILITY

3.1 Obstacle Safety
  • Ensure all obstacles are set up correctly before use.
  • Do not force dogs to perform obstacles they are not comfortable with or trained for.
3.2 Warm-Up and Cool-Down
  • Warm up your dog before starting agility training and allow for a proper cool-down afterward.
3.3 Progression
  • Gradually increase the difficulty of obstacles and courses based on your dog’s skill and confidence level. If in doubt, consult with the Club’s trainers for more insight into you and your dogs training levels.

4. SCENT WORK

4.1 Safe Scent Practices
  • Use non-toxic, safe odor sources for training.
  • Ensure odor containers are secure and inaccessible to dogs during search setups.
4.2 Search Area Etiquette

● Avoid entering the search area until your turn.
● Do not disturb scent placements or other dogs while they are working.

5. CLUB EVENTS

5.1 Registration

● Register for events and practice sessions in advance, adhering to deadlines and participation limits.

5.2 Code of Conduct

● Exhibit fair sportsmanship at all times.
● Support and encourage other members regardless of skill level or competition
outcomes.

5.3 Readiness of dogs for events

● Only enter dogs into events they are trained and ready to perform safely.

6. ENFORCEMENT OF RULES

6.1 Reporting Issues
● Report rule violations or safety concerns are to be communicated to the club chairperson in the first instance, or a current club committee member, and/or where relevant, the designated event / training official. Club Chairperson: Judith Wright (021-739-047)
6.2 Consequences for not adhering to club rules

● Members not adhering to these rules may face warnings, suspension, or cessation of club membership, as agreed by the committee following a Special General Meeting.

These rules are designed to promote a positive and productive environment for both dogs and
handlers. By following them, we can ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience!

Created: 20 November 2024
Revised: 28th January 2025