Conduct at Dog Trials - Aims:
We aim to maintain a high standard of care of the animals under our control. Every effort should be made to ensure that livestock and dogs used in our trials are worked with the minimum of stress.

All members and competitors involved agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Condition of dogs:

• All dogs are to be presented in a good healthy condition at all times.
• Competitors will ensure their dogs are fit to compete, and not trial sick or injured dogs.  
• A bitch in pup may not be permitted to trial at the discretion of the trial convenor and or committee members.
• A lactating bitch may not be permitted to trial at the discretion of the trial convenor and or committee members.

Transport of dogs:

• Dogs are not to be over-crowded in vehicles and trailers.
• Dogs are to be safely secured when being transported.
• Trailers & cages transporting dogs are to be kept clean & well ventilated.
• Dogs must be a allowed to empty out regularly
• Dogs must have ample water, sufficient food and adequate shelter from extreme weather conditions.

Behaviour of handlers and members: ( the 'handler' is a person who is responsible for the dog during the trial)

• Handlers and members must be competent to handle livestock
• Handlers disciplining dogs in a manner that offends the public will not be tolerated.
• Handlers threatening dogs on the trial ground will be reprimanded, have points deducted or be disqualified.
• Handlers & members must not inflict pain on, or cause wilful distress, to any animal.
• Handlers & members are required to be respectful towards officials, other members, handlers & spectators & behave in a sportsmanlike manner both on & off the trial venue.
• Handlers & members must not inflict verbal or physical abuse upon another member, competitor, official or spectator.
• Handlers & members must not engage in any action or dialogue that may be deemed as discrimination or sexual harassment.
• Handlers & members must always present themselves for competition & official business in a state of sobriety.

Members etiquette:

• A Handler must wear appropriate clothing and footwear when competing
• Handlers should be considerate when exercising their dogs.
• All dog droppings are to be appropriately disposed of.
• Dogs are to be under control at all times.
• Handlers & Members should be considerate and responsible when exercising dogs.

Course
All sections of the course should be designed to allow the movement and flow of livestock to be achieved with a minimum of stress to the animals and utilising the natural following behaviour of the livestock.