1. To ensure that all dogs enter the building safely and without incident, we ask that they all enter through the middle doors on a very short leash and move directly away from the door once inside. We also ask that they exit in the same manner through one of the side doors to avoid possible confrontations. Once inside the building, we ask that you continue to keep your dog on a very short leash.
2. Unless instructed otherwise, we ask that all handlers refrain from allowing their dogs to approach other dogs. Many dogs do not like other dogs and become frightened or defensive if one approaches them. Exceptions may be made by instructors.
3. Do not allow your dog to jump on other dogs or people. It does not matter how friendly the owner believes her dog to be. Other dogs may react in a negative manner to being jumped on which could result in a dog fight or a frightened dog. Jumping on people could result in injury to the human by knocking them off balance and causing them to stumble, inflicting scratch marks from the dogs toenails, or creating tension to the persons dog who is watching his human being jumped upon thus possibly creating a dog fight.
4. Be aware of what your dog is doing at all times. Try to avoid having your dog fixate, lunge, or bark at other dogs or people. Staring intently at any target be it human or dog is one if the first signs of an impending attack. If you notice your dog doing this, immediately distract the dog from his intended target by turning it away and putting more distance between him and the target.
5. Dogs who bark excessively are extremely distracting to all and will not be tolerated in a class setting. Instructors will offer a variety of suggestions to curb the barking. If the handler is unsuccessful in doing so, the dog and handler may be asked to leave.
6. Dogs who demonstrate any of the following aggressive behaviors may be excused from class and referred to an animal behaviorist for help before they will be allowed to return:
a) repeated growling, snarling, lunging, or snapping at other dogs or humans
b) involvement in a dog or human attack (other than the owner)
7. Handlers who repeatedly allow their dogs to violate any of rules 1-4 may be asked to leave class as their lack of willingness to cooperate with DKC rules of basic dog manners is putting other dogs and handlers at risk.
8. All DKC instructors have the right and responsibility to excuse any dog and handler from class if the instructor feels the dog poses a threat to the safety of the other dogs and/or handlers.