CLub Etiquettes - Page 2

never pet a dog that has just come off of a protection exersize, 
while approaching never look a dog in the eyes,
don't pet , or give a treat a dog unless you first get permission,
dont get to close to cars, trucks and cages with dog becasue the are very protective and tend to go crazy,

do be helpful,
ask lots of questions,
if doing a particular exersize for the first time, ask questions
control your own dog know where all other dogs are and that your dog cannot get too close to the others.

Always ,alway, always, allow your dog at least 10 minutes to poop or pee off the training field before you take it on the field.Nothing is so embarrising as to have your dog take a squat while being worked. also leave your cell phone in the vehicle cause some dogs get annoyed at the strange ring tones!  Never square up to a strnge dog or any dog for that matter. And keep my arrogant mouth shut untill I learn enough to make a educated comment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clean up after your dog.
Leave politics and religion at the door, don't discuss at the field.
Don't stand behind or next to somebodys vehicle where their dog is and correct your own.  (I'm talking standing there for minutes at a time, a quick correction on the way by is something different)
If everybody brings their own chairs, don't sit down in one and stay sat.  The person shouldn't have to ask for their chair back.
Offer to help every chance you get. 
Did I mention clean up after your dog???????

No whining.  First come is not always first served (by the helper), stay until the bitter, dark and cold  end, you will learn more.

Many excellent points and suggestions here. I think contributing is one of the most important of them all - nothing worse than leaving others to put equipment away, tidy up etc. Ditto holds true at seminars/trials - don't leave things for others to do when you can help. Asking "what can I do to help?" goes a looooong ways.

Another point I would like to add is how important it is for new members to take a personal initiative and not expect club members to hand everything over on a silver platter. In other words, everyone has his or her own dog and needs to make a committment and take the initiative to increasing his or her own knowledge in training his or her own dog. One shoe does not fit for everyone, nor is a club (IMHO) responsible for training other people's dogs. Teamwork absolutely yes - but also consider that sometimes what may happen unintentionally is that those members who are seen as more "knowleable" (or whatever word you want to use) are often called on frequently or expected to drop everything to help others, with the result being that they often end up with less time to work their own dogs. So be respectful of others' time and need to train as well.

Be cognizant of your dog at all times and respect the space of other handlers and their dogs.

Be prepared to commit to training. Appreciate the efforts made and time contributed by club members and the helpers - I can see how frustrating it wold be to dedicate time and resources to a member who is then not committed and rarely shows up.

I also personally think that new members should already have some degree of foundation type training knowledge already in place (eg basic OB etc, not necessarily ScH specific). But thats my HO only - others may disagree?

Tina, How in the HELL did I forget picking up after one's dogs??? That was such an issue with a gone and not-lamented former member. Which brings up another issue: DO NOT BRING YOUR SICK/INFECTED/EXPOSED DOGS TO TRAINING!! And, for God's sakes, don't have dogs potentially carrying parvo work on club equipment (sleeves and tugs)! There are always young puppies, or people with litters at home that should not be irresponsibly exposed to deadly viruses. I swear, after two such instances, I will take violent action with anyone who ever again irresponsibly exposes a puppy of mine to parvo. I am not kidding--there will be an ass-kicking, if it ever happens again. Add to correcting your dog near others crated in vehicle dogs-- PLEASE God don't start playing tug/fetch/ball right near a vehicle with a known high drive dog!! It is plain dumb and, at least in my experience, leads to something in the car ebing destroyed...often the crate. Not good! :-) Be vigilant about your bitch in heat. Let people KNOW your bitch is in heat. Some might want to park down-wind and not have to deal with that distraction during training. :-) Some members might WANT to take advantage of that supreme distraction with their male dogs. There is no shame in having a bitch in season. Trying to be "secretive" about it, though is inconsiderate and self-centered. You can't keep iit secret anyway--those male dogs are like heat-seeking missles and their handlers will "know." If the club is having a trial and your in-season bitch is not entered in the trial, you might consider leaving her at home, while you spectate and help out. If she IS entered, find out which club members are also trialing with a bitch...OR have a male dog they want paired up with a tantalizing bitch. Again, it is simply a matter of consideration. Finally, remember that Schutzhund is a small community--there are not a lot of secrets, some would say none. If you are not happy with the club's training, its helpers, hate half the members and want a different training day or field....LEAVE!! Find another club. Do NOT try to change everything to suit you-- it aint gonna happen. Do NOT try to gather a flock of followers to "take over." That, in all probability, is not gonna happen, either. DO NOT get caught up in some ego-maniac's agenda to damage or destry the club, if they can't have things their way. When the smoke settles, you will find yourself not only out of Club #1, but with a reputation as one of the trouble-maker who tried to _____, as far as other area clubs are concerned. YOU will end up suspect, if not outright unwelcome, at other area clubs, not to mention Club #1. Burned bridges often remain that way with no hope of rebuilding.

 I think taking care of the decoy is most important!!! :)

My first spring/summer at my current club, I showed up each week with a cooler full of gatoraid, pop, waters, ice.  I found out what the TD and helpers liked best and made sure to have plenty.  This past fall and winter I show up with a big 4-burner propane stove and have hot water for tea, hot chocolate, and hot cider.  Nice stuff when it's cold out.  Anytime we have "guest helpers" coming, I like to find out what they drink while working and have some there.  It's a nice easy touch that is appreciated by them. 

Think of what can you give helping that will be appreciated.  Heck even a bucket of fried chicken goes a long way.    Is there an outhouse?  Bring toilet paper!  Hand sanitizer, paper towels.

Everything boils down to
Don't be rude
Do be helpful

have fun 

 Had to log on for this one...if anything to at least acknowledge Animules and her fabulous propane stove :-)!
I know it is a welcome, comforting sight !   You Rock!