MEMBERS GUIDE ~ ABC of CLASS ETIQUETTE
AWARENESS ~
- Observe your dog as it enters the hall.
- Look at the body language your dog displays. Watch ears, head and tail position.
- Observe periodically, other dogs around you. What is their body language telling you?
- Energy level ~ is your dog excited, anxious, quiet etc?
- What energy are the dogs around you displaying? Overly excited and/or anxious dogs can be unsettling to some dogs.
- Dogs watching ‘eyeballing’ dogs ~ this type of behaviour can be taken as a direct challenge between dogs. Do not allow ‘eyeballing’. Turn dogs away from each other if this occurs.
BEHAVIOUR ~
- ‘Playtime’ ~‘Playtime’ sessions are, actively encouraged in the ‘Puppy Class’ as part of their socialisation and development
- Puppy Plus, Pre-Begs, Begs and Novice classes...handlers please encourage your dogs to sit or lie calmly whilst you are waiting to work your dog.
- Food ~ most if not all handlers usually have a pocket full of food... Dogs understandably can be protective of ‘their’ treats so please be careful when treating your dog very close to another.
- Distracting ~ To avoid unwanted behaviour escalating, always be prepared to distract your dog e.g., if you hear your dog give a warning grumble, or your dog is ‘eyeballing’ or dominant behaviour is displayed towards another dog (or even handler).
COURTESY ~
- Noise ~Instructors would respectfully request that members please keep noise levels to a minimum whilst waiting to work.
- Waiting ~ Where possible would members please use the seats provided in class, whilst waiting to work. Whilst seated please ensure that dogs are kept on a shorter loose lead length and close to handler.
- Space ~ Please allow clear access onto the floor in which handlers and dogs can pass with minimal disruption to others.
