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 a 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.
- The 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.
Release and Waiver Form
I understand that dog agility is an activity that involves known and unanticipated risks which could result in physical injury, dog bites, paralysis, death, illness, or damage to myself, to my dog, to property, or to other people or their dogs. These risks include but are not limited to, physical injury caused by physical activity occurring outdoors during day or night, uneven and/or wet terrain, assisting in the setup and tear-down of agility equipment, facilities, temperature, weather, actions of other dogs, actions of other people including but not limited to, participants, volunteers, instructors, and spectators.
I represent that I am hereby voluntarily engaging in this dog agility training and any associated activities with full knowledge of the risks of injury, death, and property damage that may result from my participation in this event.
I understand that dog agility training is an activity that is held at an outdoors facility in the presence of other dogs and their owners. I understand that participation in agility training will require 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.
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 training field and premises, prior to permitting my dog to engage in agility activities; that I will wear proper footwear such as trail running shoes while running on wet and/or uneven grass/dirt surfaces; that I have sufficient health, accident, and liability insurance to cover costs and expenses of any injury or damage I may suffer or cause while participating in this training. If I have no such insurance, I agree to bear all costs of any and all such expenses and liability.
I represent that I will participate at my own risk and not hold Good Dog Agility Club, its Board of Directors or Officers, the instructors, Faith Family Church, or any and all persons or entities associated with Good Dog 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.
I further agree to assume full responsibility and liability for any and all injury or damage caused in any way by my dog(s) or myself. That I further agree to reimburse any person for any and all damage or injury that I or my dog does or cause to another person, dog, equipment, or personal or business property.
If the class participant is a minor, the minor must be accompanied to the Class by a parent or adult authorized to make decisions on behalf of the minor. The parent or accompanying adult is signing this Release and Waiver on behalf of the minor.