Sugar Run Schutzhund Club – Code of Conduct
SRSC is a non-profit dog training group in the sport of Schutzhund. We are a group of individuals dedicated to the concept of the “working dog” – the canine that performs a utilitarian purpose in the service of mankind. We are dedicated to preserve the working heritage of our dogs, using the three-phase activity of Schutzhund to test our dogs’ capabilities in Tracking, Obedience, and Protection.
We are an “all breed” club – any dog of any breed, or any mix of breeds that demonstrates the strength of temperament and the desire to work is welcome. We do not view dogs through the filter of prestigious pedigrees: a good dog is a good dog.
We, as members of SRSC, agree to embrace all dog handlers regardless of age, sex, race, religion, or any of the other petty categorical adjectives that pervade humanity. We are united in our love of dogs and dog training, and we welcome all members who are committed to developing a working relationship with their dogs. We require that all our members commit to our Code of Conduct, to preserve the harmony of our club, as well as the positive image that we present to public eye.
The following is a list of basic expectations for members of SRSC:
1) Be human and be humane.
We must all recognize our finite limitations. None of us is so wise as to be beyond capability of learning something new. To be a member of SRSC is to be committed to the concept of continual learning. We should all commit to give and receive constructive criticism to help each other improve.
Although we may laugh at each other’s mistakes in a jovial manner, there is no room for mean-spirited ridicule, insults, gossip, or drama at this club - this is grounds for immediate expulsion.
We must be committed to building a fair, trusting working relationship with our dogs. We recognize that each dog possesses a different temperament and has specific training needs. Nevertheless, we believe that handlers must learn to be tough but fair. Most training equipment is allowed when properly fitted and used in a safe and humane manner.
We have no tolerance for abuse, either verbal or physical, directed towards dogs or fellow club mates - this is grounds for immediate expulsion.
2) Support one another.
Every member of SRSC has the right to develop his or her own personal goals, whether those goals are to compete in the Nationals, or get a SchH1, or even no titles at all. We respect each other’s choices and we commit to help each other out in such ways that we can. Nobody gets to the top alone, and nobody should have to struggle on the field all alone when an opportunity to assist presents itself.
Get off the bench and help somebody get something done.
3) This is a three-phase sport.
Although the protection phase of the sport is exciting, we as a training group are committed to the concept of a well-rounded working dog that has been schooled in all phases. We support the principle that each of the three phases of Schutzhund develops different functional capabilities in our dog.
Dogs being worked in protection must also be worked in tracking and obedience.
4) Take care of your canine companion.
Your dog is a canine athlete and we expect you to treat it accordingly. All dogs training with SRSC are expected to be kept in good physical condition, at a healthy weight, up-to-date on required vaccinations, and free of parasites and disease.
We reserve the right to refuse to work any dog in poor condition.
5) Command and control.
Although many dogs trained in Schutzhund are friendly and social dogs, some dogs may have “issues”. If you are aware of your dog having inappropriate aggressive tendencies towards animals or people you MUST disclose this for the safety of all. Safety is top priority in training. If you feel your dog may have “issues” then we will gladly work with you to attempt to modify these tendencies and help you nurture a safe and stable canine companion. Please understand that we cannot afford “accidents” and it’s too late to say “I’m sorry” when the damage has already been done. Novice dogs should be brought onto the field on a long line for the safety of all.
Handlers must maintain control of their animals at all times – failure to do so is grounds for immediate expulsion.
6) Face Value.
Unfortunately, the sport of Schutzhund and the working dog breeds that commonly participate can have a negative image in the eyes of a misinformed public. As a group we must commit to protect our privilege to participate in a protection sport.
SRSC members should present a positive image in their community of a stable dog working in harmony with its handler, both and on and off the training field.
About Schutzhund…
Disclaimer: This is not a sport for all dogs, and it is not a sport for all handlers.
Schutzhund is a demanding three-phase activity that tests the mettle of both dog and handler alike. To participate in the sport of Schutzhund does not require titles and trophies, but it does require hard work, and lots of it. We will be fair and honest in our evaluation of both your dog and you as a handler. If it turns out that your dog does not succeed in Schutzhund this does not mean that it’s a bad dog. On the other hand, if the problem is on the human end of the leash, this does not mean that you’re a bad person. Fortunately, other titles are also available through USA as an alternative for competition and achievement such as Tracking, Obedience, Article Indication, Search Dog, Watch Dog, etc.
As a club we commit to help each other bring out the maximum potential in all our dog/handler teams.