Melbourne & District Dances with Dog Club Inc.
Dog Health & Inclusion Policy June 2022
Melbourne & District Dances with Dogs Club aims to maintain a safe environment for all our attendees and their dogs during our classes at Dandenong Showgrounds and Bulla Dog Exhibition Centre. This also applies to any other venue where the club hosts an official class, workshop or demonstration event.
AIM.
To ensure that all dogs attending Melbourne & District Dances with Dogs Club events are safe, and dogs are not put at any health risk.
POLICY.1. Vaccination.
To be eligible for membership or to attend the free Introductory Classes, dog(s) must have current vaccination.
Evidence of this must be provided prior to attendance at Introductory Classes, and with application for Membership.
Titre test results will be considered upon a statement from your veterinarian.
2. Age
Dogs are welcome to attend our classes from the age of 6 months, as long as they are fully vaccinated.
It is recommended that all dogs should have a basic understanding of commands and be fully socialised with other dogs and people before joining in M&D DWD Club classes.
Young dogs from the age of 6 to 12 months may be excluded from some exercises, at the discretion of the trainer.
Note that dogs cannot enter ANKC Dances with Dogs Competitions or Trick Dog Tests until they are 12 months of age.
3. Health
Bitches in oestrum are not permitted to attend class or event.
Club Trainers may instruct handlers to remove any dog which is considered unfit to attend a class or event.
Dogs that have had injuries or illness may be required to provide a Veterinary Certificate before attending or returning to classes or events.
4. Temperament
Dogs must be on lead, or under effective control at all times.
Dogs must be reliable on recall, and have general obedience and socialisation skills before attending our classes.
Club Trainers may instruct handlers to remove any dog which is deemed disorderly or unmanageable, or if the dog’s behaviour is objectionable.
With prior agreement, an area within the facility may be set aside for handlers to work their dogs in safety.
5. Dog Attire
Dogs attending a class or event must not wear any kind of shock, prong or pinch collar.
RESPONSIBILITY OF CLUB MEMBERS AND OTHER ATTENDEES.
Every person attending classes or other activities is responsible for their own health and safety, and the health and safety of their dogs.
Every person is responsible for ensuring that they comply with this policy. Handlers must not put their dog in danger or force them to perform a task which is not suitable or desirable.