Rules of Etiquette & Responsibilities for Spectators & Competitors at Canine Events

Photo by Tien Tran Photography, Burbank CA used with Tien's permission W322xH206
My mom, Casino's Stellar Charm OA OAJ RS-N JS-O GS-N NAC OJC NGC CL3-R CL2-H CL2-S CL2-F CGC/TDI



RULES OF ETIQUETTE & RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SPECTATORS & COMPETITORS AT CANINE EVENTS
written for me by Tony Di Bartolo, my Dad

Spectators

•   Do not leave children unattended or allow them to run around unsupervised.

•   Do not allow children to play near caged animals, or near the ringside when animals and handlers are practicing or competing.

•   Do not bring your animal to a canine sporting event if it is not well trained or has behavioral problems, this is not the right place to introduce your dog to canine sports or to socialize it, rather enroll it in a local training program.

•   Do not approach a caged or penned animal without the owners permission and then only with the owner present.

•   Never take or let an animal out of its cage or pen if it is not your animal.

•   Do not run up to a caged or leashed animal quickly or from behind, but calmly and quietly in full view of the animal and handler, remembering to ask permission before petting or touching the animal.

•   Do not yell or shout at any animal.

•   Do not poke fingers or objects into cages, pens or at leashed animals.

•   Do not kick at, punch, or pull on any part of a caged, penned or leashed animal.

•   If someone is waiting to compete, respect the fact that they and their dog are focused on the upcoming event and do not disturb them with questions or idle chatter, if you have questions, wait until after they have finished competing and then speak with them.

•   Do not take flash pictures that are directed into either the animals or the handlers face or eyes, either inside or outside the ring.

•   Do not play ball or Frisbee so that either you or your dog will wind up running close to, or end up near a crated animal.

•   Do not eat, shout, wave your arms and hands or make other big movements if you are near to the ringside.

•   Do not loiter near obstacles that are located close to the edges of the event arena.

•   If you are using a stroller, remember that it is not to be used as a battering ram or bulldozer.


Competitors

•   Do not set up crates or hold leashed dogs within a 15 foot radius of a ring entryway.

•   Do not set up near other competitors if you have a crate aggressive or noisy dog.

•   For your animal's safety and your own peace of mind always leave someone you trust to watch over your area while you are registering, socializing or exhibiting.

•   Do not move other peoples crates or property without their permission.

•   Be attentive when using sprays or powders, the breeze can carry them and affect the well being of your neighbor or their animals.

•   Try not to set up too close to other competitors if space permits.

•   Be thrifty of space at crowded venues, have consideration for others.

•   Clean up after yourself and your animal.

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