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SPDTC Club Policies and By-laws

In order to make dog training enjoyable and safe, please review these club rules, class rules and additional guidelines. A link to a PDF with the Club’s by-laws can be found at the bottom of this page.

Enforcement of rules and policies

  • Instructors have complete discretion in enforcing SPDTC’s rules and policies and maintaining a safe, enjoyable class environment.

Class cancellation

  • In case of inclement weather, students will be notified via email, Facebook or can call the club phone number (651-455-2431) for notification.
  • When possible, SPDTC will extended the block to make up for any cancelled class.
  • If that is not possible, a credit will be applied to student accounts to be used for future classes.
  • Cancelled classes will not be refunded.

Dog behavior

  • Dogs must be on a leash held by a handler when not working.
  • Students must have full control of their dogs in or outside of the ring.
  • Even if your dog is socialized, another dog new to the environment may see another dog as a threat and try to defend itself.
  • Dogs who bite, demonstrate unprovoked aggression or other behavior detrimental to the class or other members may be expelled at the discretion of the instructor or director. Be aware of your dog and your surroundings.

Handler behavior

  • Dog training should be fun.
  • Please be courteous to your instructors, other students and kind to your dogs.
  • If you would like to meet another person’s dog, ask the owner if you may greet their dog prior to any physical contact.
  • Be aware of wet conditions on the mat.
  • If you are wearing wet shoes, the mat may be slippery.
  • Exercise the necessary caution to prevent a slip or fall.

Junior handlers

  • Students under the age of 16 must receive prior approval before joining a class from the Program Director for the discipline they are enrolling in, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times when at the club and in class.

 Parking

  • All people visiting the club for whatever reason will abide by the posted parking instructions.

Smoking policy

  • There is no smoking allowed at any time in the building.

Cleaning up after your dog

  • You must clean up after your dog – inside or out.
    • There is an area at the south end of the parking lot designated for relieving your dog. Please use it and dispose of waste in the outside receptacles.
    • Please bring a bag with you when you exercise your dog.
  • Keep the training area clean.
    • If you brought food to celebrate an accomplishment, please remove or toss any extra to avoid problems with pests.
    • In addition, chairs should be returned to the storage area next to the agility office at the end of class.

Dog health and BIS (Bitches in Season)

  • Members are responsible for the health and wellbeing of their dogs.
  • Dogs should adhere to a vaccination protocol developed in consultation with your veterinarian. Dogs who are ill should not be brought into the facility.
    • The AAHA guidelines are a good starting point for the development of such a healthcare plan.
  • Bitches in season may attend regular classes at SPDTC with these limitations.
    1. A bitch in season must be wearing a garment that prevents soiling of the facility.
    2. If a Bitch in Season is found to be such a distraction to other dogs in the facility that it prevents normal teaching activities from occurring the Instructor of the class the BIS is involved in may excuse that BIS from class. The decision to excuse a Bitch in Season is solely that of the instructor of the class.
    3. Classes in set blocks missed due to BIS, (as opposed to random attendance classes), may be credited by the instructor to the next section in the class sequence, (up to three classes per heat cycle). Handlers are encouraged to attend without their BIS under these circumstances.
    4. BIS are not allowed in the facility during SPDTC sponsored events. Other renting organizations may establish their own varying policies with the provision that if they allow Bitches in Season the renting club or organization is responsible for thoroughly cleaning the facility

Puppy classes

  • Puppy Classes are open to dogs at 8 weeks of age.
  • We require that all puppies participate in a vaccination protocol developed and overseen by a practicing veterinarian, and generally in compliance with the American Animal Hospital Association guidelines for dogs.
  • Owners will be required to provide evidence of a vet visit and vaccination plan/history at the first class.
  • If your puppy shows signs of illness, please do not bring it to class.
  • For more information see the PDF article “The Dilemma of Socialization and Immunity” by club member John Scandurra, DVM.

Agility classes

  • For agility classes, only one dog per work area may be off leash at a time.
    • Dogs must be on a leash held by a handler, tethered using the available tie outs along the wall by the crates, or in a crate when not working.
    • Dogs should not be tied up to the poles nor should they be left in a “stay” while you are helping with equipment setup or otherwise occupied.
    • For extended periods, the safest place for your dog is in a crate.
  • Dogs are not allowed on the equipment unsupervised.

Crating policy

Crating space is provided as a convenience for instructors to store their crates. Students are welcome to use any crate not in use during their class. In addition, SPDTC has a number of crates marked “guest” which are always available on a first come first served basis.

SPDTC By-laws:  Current By-Laws PDF  |  Revised 1-1-2020 PDF (click to view)

“In case of inclement weather, students should call the club phone number for notification of class cancellation at 651-455-2431. Cancelled classes will not be rescheduled or refunded. SPDTC will provide a credit for any cancelled classes in the next block.”