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When attending classes there are rules, etiquette and conduct you need to follow to ensure the safety of everyone.

 

In addition to the Dogs Queensland Constitution, the Sunshine Coast Dog Obedience Club Inc also recognizes the below rules and regulations.

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Parking

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• Ample parking is available outside the grounds fence as well as inside. If you do park inside on club grounds you must park on the LEFT side. The right hand side is reserved exclusively for the management committee, instructors, volunteers and judges only. 

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Handlers

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• Dogs must wear a safe, reliable, correctly fitted collar and be on lead at all times (unless explicitly instructed otherwise).

• No dogs are allowed inside the clubhouse kitchen or BBQ areas.

• When your dog defecates, you must clean it up immediately. We ask handlers to always bring dog bags with them to classes but we do have a roll of bags available hanging in the walkway as you enter the grounds.

• Do not allow dogs to mark/urinate on anything besides the grass (such as poles, crates, equipment, etc). If inappropriate marking does happen, the handler must immediately clean it up with a bucket of water and vinegar.

• Before class, take your dog for a brief walk around the carpark or area outside the grounds to allow your dog to relieve themselves and acclimatize to the new environment.

• Handlers must wear enclosed, sensible shoes. No sandals, heels or thongs.

• Handlers must wear appropriate clothing, (think pants and a t-shirt). No skirts, flowy dresses or scarves - these can be distracting to dogs.

• Children are more than welcome at club, however, they mustn't go running around the fields or otherwise disturb classes. Children (and adults!) are not to pat other dogs without asking. The dogs are here to learn - not play.

• Ensure you arrive 15 minutes early to sign in and allow time for your dog to settle and adjust to the new environment.

• Should you arrive late, wait beside the class, greet the instructor and wait to be welcomed in. This is for etiquette and safety.

• Keep a keen eye on your dog at all times. If you're having a chat, ensure your dog remains under your active control and isn't at the end of the leash eyeing off other dogs, potentially causing a nuisance of itself.

• We strongly recommend that, to get the most out of the classes, that you work with your dog for at least 10 - 15 mins per day practicing what you learn in class. When you do the homework, the results are evident.

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Dogs

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• Do not allow your dog to approach other dogs - the dogs are here to learn, not play. You also do not know the temperament or history of the other dog/s - they could be reactive or anxious. They may be in training and their handler requires 100% focus. It is "good dog owner etiquette" to always ask prior to allowing dogs to greet.

• Do not take your dogs near the tethered and/or crated dogs. Some dogs can get protective of their crates (it's their safe space) and be defensive of approaching dogs, so give them space.

• If your dog shows signs of aggression, reactivity or anxiety, please let your instructor know so they can help you.

  • Dogs that do not show improvements in their behaviour after a reasonable timeframe will be asked to wear a muzzle, or be referred to private training with a behaviorist.

• Bitches in season are not permitted on club grounds. Once the season starts, she must stay home for four weeks. While her pheromones/hormones are elevated, entire dogs are very aware and distracted by it. Also during her season, bitches are at higher risk of infection, so they should remain at home.

• Dogs are not permitted to be off-leash unless otherwise instructed. Even if you have prior experience, you are not permitted to drop the lead or go off-leash unless your instructor has explicitly approved it.

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Member Conduct

Members must:

• Treat other members, fairly, equally and with respect and courtesy.

• Show consideration towards the needs of others.

• Aim to act in ways that align with the spirit of the club community.

• Refrain from disorderly or disruptive behaviors.

• Not physically or verbally harass others.

• Handle property and equipment belonging to the Club with care, respect and diligence.

• Only publish media that will uphold the integrity and dignity of the Club.

• Behave and conduct themselves in manners which will not injure or embarrass the reputation of the Club or its members.

• Refrain from speaking for, or acting on behalf of the Club - unless authorised to do so by the Management Committee.

• Comply with the Club Rules and uphold the conduct expected of members as described in the Constitution of Affiliates 2010.

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The inappropriate behaviour of any members will be investigated, discussed and an appropriate course of action will be taken by the Management Committee, which may be subject to a reprimand, suspension, or termination of membership.

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The Sunshine Coast Dog Obedience Club Inc reserves the right to amend these Rules at any time in collaboration with the management committee and members.

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