I understand that agility training is an activity that is held at a public facility in the presence of other dogs and their owners. I understand that participation in agility training will require some physical activity on my part and on the part of my dog. I also understand that this activity will involve running, jumping, and the use of obstacles such as scaffolding, A-frames, tunnels, scaling planks, jumps, and tires that could result in injury to me, to my dog, or to others.
Although aggression from dogs in agility is unacceptable, it is behavior that we, as a club, inevitably will encounter. Therefore, the following policies apply to behavior in agility classes:
- It is ALWAYS the handler’s responsibility to make sure their dog has enough space and to notify other handlers of their dog’s issues. It is also expected that ALL handlers will be aware of their requirement to keep their dog controlled around ANY dog, whether or not they are wearing a yellow or red bandana.
- Dogs must be on leash at all times. The exception to this is when the dog is running a set, but he/she must be leashed immediately upon completion of the sequence.
- Crate Rule – All dogs must be crated upon arrival to class for set-up and at the close of class for tear down – NO EXCEPTIONS. This is for the dog’s safety and so you are free to help with class preparations.
- Aggressive behavior will be determined by the instructor/training director. The following course of action will be followed if a dog exhibits inappropriate behavior:
- First incident
- Red bandana rule goes into effect and the dog is placed on 12-month probation.
- The Head Instructor fills out an incident report and notifies the Training Director.
- The leash-at-all-times rule is reiterated to all students.
- Crate rule is re-emphasized to all students.
- Second incident
- Mandatory obedience and/or behavioral training and suspension from class.
- Documentation must be presented stating that the dog has successfully completed the equivalent of 8 weeks of training.
- An evaluation of the dog’s behavior around other dogs is made by the staff of the class.
- If both are done successfully, the dog may return to class.
- The red bandana rule is still in effect and the 12-month probation re-starts.
- The Head Instructor must record the results on an incident report and contact the Training Director.
- The Training Director will contact the dog’s handler and notify them of reinstatement.
- The leash rule and crate rule are re-emphasized again and a reminder goes out about the Aggression Policy.
- Third incident
- The dog is expelled from GDA.
- If the handler feels this final step is unwarranted, the handler has 30 days to make an appeal to the Board of Directors whose decision is final in this matter.
I represent that I am in good health and my dog is in good health; that my dog is friendly and not a hazard to other persons or dogs; that I will examine the equipment provided for the class, along with the premises, prior to permitting my dog to engage in agility activities, and that I will participate at my own risk and not hold the Agility Club, its Board of Directors or officers, the instructors, or any and all persons or entities associated with the Agility Club liable for any loss, injury, illness, expense or other hardship that may arise in connection with my participation, or my dog’s participation, in this activity.
I understand if my dog is in heat, pregnant or nursing; lame, blind or sick, they are restricted from participating in training.