Aggression policy
Although aggression from dogs in agility is unacceptable, it is behavior that we, as a club, inevitably will encounter. The following policies apply to behavior in agility classes.
The rules
- Handler responsibility. 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 that dog is wearing a red bandana.
- 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 it frees you to help with class preparations.
- Leash rule. Dogs must be on leash at all times. The exception is when the dog is running a set, but he or she must be leashed immediately upon completion of the sequence.
- Determination. Aggressive behavior will be determined by the instructor or training director.
What a red bandana means
A dog wearing a red bandana is on probation following an incident and needs extra space. Give those teams a wide berth — but note that the leash and control rules apply around every dog, bandana or not.
If a dog exhibits inappropriate behavior
First incident
- The 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 provided showing the dog has successfully completed 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 remains in effect and the 12-month probation re-starts
- The Head Instructor records the results on an incident report and contacts the Training Director
- The Training Director contacts the dog's handler and notifies them of reinstatement
- The leash and crate rules are re-emphasized, 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, they have 30 days to make an appeal to the Board of Directors, whose decision is final in this matter
Safety requirements
- Dogs must be crated or penned when not working — never tied to a fence, chair or object and left unattended
- Dogs must be current on vaccinations
- Dogs must be at least 9 months old before the first class
- Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs
- Dogs should be able to cope in a group setting without undue stress
Facility rules
- Enter through the gate entrance — there is no access inside the church
- No restrooms are available on site
- Crates go under the awning
- The playground is off limits