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Applications to join the club
Sponsors: If you wish to become a member of Heartland, please select two club members to be your sponsors within the club. At least one must have active member status. These members will act as guides and mentors for you within the club until you are voted into active member status yourself.
Guests at HDTC classes/meetings: You are welcome to bring guests to HDTC classes or meetings. We welcome the opportunity to meet new people and let them become acquainted with Heartland, its training methods and programs. Guests may bring their own dog if they comply with all HDTC policies regarding control of their dogs, and pay a per-night membership fee.
Non-member dogs on agility equipment: Because of liability issues, it is Heartland policy to limit access to agility equipment at club functions to member dogs only, except in the case of trials and matches, where dogs entered in these events are permitted on the equipment. When it comes to agility, itŐs an issue of safety first and we want to ensure that dogs and handlers have proper instruction on how to negotiate each obstacle.
Training methods: Heartland's by-laws specify that, when training our dogs, our club members prefer using positive methods consistent with the principles of operant conditioning. Abusive training methods are not permitted at Heartland events or practices.
HDTC AGGRESSION PROTOCOL
Heartland's Aggression Protocol was written by training director Jeanne Saddler with assistance from other members in spring 1996. Since that time a number of clubs have requested this protocol and then adopted it for their own clubs. Heartland takes pride in having helped other clubs deal with a complex and difficult issue in a pro-active way. We are proud of this document, because its aim is to help the owner and the dog without endangering others.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this protocol is to:
1 DEFINE aggression issues
2 PROVIDE a mechanism to INFORM members of a perceived or potential aggression problem
3 DOCUMENT incidents of aggression
4 PROVIDE GUIDELINES for the management of individuals involved with an aggression issue
5 ASSIST members in seeking a resolution of an aggression issue
This protocol is intended as a proactive measure to help members while providing for the safety and welfare of all members and their dogs.
Aggression, whether directed at animals or people, is a serious issue. Members are reminded that observing principles of safe handling, exercising appropriate etiquette, and complying with the Club's policies on owner responsibilities, will eliminate a high percentage of situations that may spark an aggressive response.
1 DEFINITION
For the purpose of this protocol, aggression will be defined as, not only those behaviors which are easily recognized as antagonistic, but also those which may be precursors to full-blown aggression. These behaviors include, but are not limited to: repeatedly charging towards others while either on or off leash, or while otherwise confined; biting or snapping; threat displays; and prolonged, intense direct eye contact, especially while moving towards another individual. Regardless of its apparent motivation (e.g., dominance, fear, or play), aggression issues must be addressed as early as possible.
2 and 3 INFORM MEMBERS AND DOCUMENT
Incidents of low-level aggression often go unnoticed, unrecognized, unreported, and therefore untreated. Without proper guidance and handling, aggressive tendencies can quickly become big problems. Early intervention can often mean the difference between success or failure for a rehabilitation program. Members are encouraged to assist in the identification of those dogs who could benefit from aggression intervention. Recognition and reporting of dogs who may be at risk for developing aggressive behavior is the first step in securing help for that dog and owner. This is a responsibility of each club member. If a member is uncomfortable with filling out a written incident report, verbal notification of the incident to the Training Director will suffice.
The owner of the dog then will receive a letter from the Club Officers or, if appropriate, the owner's sponsors. This letter will draw attention to the dog's behavior and inform the owner how to obtain assistance. A copy of this letter will be maintained in the membership records. The owner will be responsible for choosing a course of action consistent with club policies.
4 MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The owner must address the management of the dog to facilitate the
development of appropriate behavior and to ensure the safety of others who are
participating in club activities. While training and behavior support
#CFB53B">Policy on Owner Responsibilities
Members are encouraged to exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship and
personal responsibility. This policy is intended both as a general guideline and
to inform members of some specific expectations.
Owners are responsible for all aspects of their dogs behavior. This responsibility includes, and extends beyond, the use of a pick-up baggie. Owners will closely supervise any interaction between his/her dog and any other person or dog at Club activities and events. Any contact between dogs will only occur with the expressed permission of both handlers. Specific behaviors to be avoided include: allowing a dog to approach anyone else's crate or exercise pen or allowing a dog of any age to approach any other dog, working or resting, close enough to affect the other dogs behavior. Handlers should be aware if their dogs behavior, eye contact, or proximity seems to disturb another dog. When it is apparent that another dog is being affect may be available through club members, the owner is solely responsible for the dog's behavior, careful supervision, and physical restraint.
Some cases may require measures such as informing the general membership of the need for their cooperation, the use of special safety equipment, multiple handlers for a single dog, or postponement of participation in club activities.
5 ASSIST MEMBERS
Control of the environment is extremely important when working on any behavior issue. By consistent compliance with the club's policies on owner responsibilities, handlers do their part to maintain an environment in which all feel comfortable. The Club encourages the application of the principles of classical and operant conditioning when addressing behavior problems, especially aggression. Members who have an interest in assisting with the rehabilitation process should identify themselves to the Training Director. Methods which are antagonistic or punitive in nature are discouraged. Instead, methods which develop confident, friendly, compliant attitudes are encouraged. It is, however, ultimately the owner who is responsible for the management and rehabilitation of a dog who has displayed aggressive behavior. The Club reserves the right to request the removal of any dog, who through behavior or management, compromises the comfort and safety of other club members and participants at club events.
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(c) 2000, 2001, 2002 by Heartland Dog Training Club