SMDTC
YEARBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS (You may jump to any section by clicking on the appropriate content item.)
CLUB COMMITTEES
Annual Meeting Chairperson
Building Committee
Chairperson
Demonstration
Committee Chairperson
Equipment
Committee Chairperson
Fundraising
Committee Chairperson
Library Chairperson
Membership
Committee Chairperson
Memorial Plaque
Chairperson
Sunshine Chairperson
Trial Committees
Training Committee
Agility
Committee
Home Manners/Obedience Committee
Tracking Committee
Yearbook, Constitution and Bylaws Committee
AWARDS PROGRAM
Title Achievement
Plaques
Annual Awards
Hot Dog Roll
Geriatric
Award
Pediatric
Award
Post Card
Award
Crying
Towel Award
Perseverance Award
Special Awards
INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM
I. OBEDIENCE:
II. AGILITY:
III. TRACKING:
IV. OTHER
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL INSTRUCTORS:
V.
INSTRUCTOR/ASSISTANT BENEFITS/INCENTIVES
STANDING RULES
I. EQUIPMENT
II. VACCINATIONS
III. CHILDREN IN CLASSES
IV. BITCHES IN SEASON
TRAINING: GENERAL INFORMATION
I. AGGRESSIVE
DOG POLICY
II.
BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT
III. FINANCIAL
MATTERS:
IV. BOARD
INFORMATION
DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI DOG TRAINING CLUB
V. NEWSLETTER
VI. MEETINGS
VII. SMDTC EVENTS
The name of the club is to be the Springfield, Missouri, Dog Training Club, Inc., also operating as Competition Dogs of the Ozarks
The Objects of the club shall be:
I. To further the advancement of all dogs.
II. To conduct dog training classes and performance events.
President...........................................................................Cathy
Hawkins
Past-President (Ex-Officio Board Member)...........……….Becky Swearingen
Vice President……………………………………………Katherine Emge
Secretary…………………………………………………Dianne Strickland
Treasurer…………………………………………………Sarah Schroeder
Director…………………………………………………..Jean Ann Christensen
Director…………………………………………………...Georgie Clegg
Director…………………………………………………...Joan VandenBerg
Training Director…………………………………………..Pam Tynes
President,
Treasurer and one Director are elected in even years.
Vice-President, Secretary and two directors elected in odd years.
I.
Annual Meeting Chairperson (3/01)
This Chairperson will be in charge of arranging the awards ceremony at the
Annual Meeting. This includes title plaques, special awards and the memorial
plaque.
II.
Building Committee Chairperson
The Chairperson of this committee shall be responsible for making
recommendations to the Board regarding: overseeing, the maintenance,
repairs, additions, and modifications to the Club's building, land, fencing, and
signage. The Chairperson may recruit club members when and if necessary to carry out tasks as
needed.
III.
Demonstration Committee Chairperson
The Chairperson of this committee will be in charge of arranging for public demonstrations.
IV.
Equipment
Committee Chairperson
The Chairperson of this committee shall be responsible for maintaining an
inventory of obedience and agility equipment and mats belonging to the Club that
are
housed in the training building and storage buildings and seeing that all are kept in working order,
and notifying the Board when additional and/or replacement equipment is needed.
V.
Fundraising Committee Chairperson
The Chairperson of this committee shall be responsible for making
recommendations to the Board regarding, organizing, and overseeing, fundraising
activities for the Club.
VI.
Library Chairperson
The Chairperson is responsible
for maintaining the library in good order. The Library is open at every
general meeting. Books and Videos may be checked out at the meeting and are back at the following meeting Fines are charged for overdue
books/videos at the rate of $ 1.00 per week. [If the fine is not
paid in one month the name of the member owing the fine will be published in the
newsletter. (02/09)] Books/videos in
the library contain envelopes with
cards inside their front covers. Cards are to be signed and left in the Library
file box prior to removing a book/video..
VII.
Membership
Committee Chairperson
The Chairperson, appointed by the President, of the Membership Committee
receives inquiries from individuals requesting information on becoming a member
of SMDTC. The rules and regulations of the AKC dictate the process by which an
individual becomes a member of SMDTC. The process is as follows:
A. An
application must be completed, including sponsorship by two Club members
familiar with the applicant;
B. The
completed application is returned to the Membership Chairperson who presents it at
the next General Meeting. This "first reading" is to acquaint the Membership
with the applicant;
C. The applicant's
name will be published in the next newsletter following the first reading.
D. The
applicant must be in attendance at the meeting where they are voted in for their
second reading. Exceptions will be made by the Board for those working
evenings, living far away, etc. on a case by case basis. (01/10). The new
member's picture will be taken and posted on the Welcome New Member's board.
E. A family membership is defined as
"Individuals living in the same household meeting the AKC's definition of
immediate family as follows: husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter,
brother, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law,
brother-in-law, or sister-in-law." (8/98)
F. There is a $300.00 lifetime membership to
SMDTC. This membership is non-refundable and non-transferable. (6/98)
VIII.
Memorial Plaque Chairperson
This Chairperson is in charge of the plaque which is to hang on the wall in the Training Building in memory of
members' dogs (this can be for any dog--not necessarily one trained at the Club)
who have died. The dog's call name, title(s), and owner's name will be listed.
It is the responsibility of the dog's owner to notify the Chairperson. The
above information should be supplied at least a month before the annual meeting.
IX. Sunshine Chairperson
X.
Trial
Committees
XI.
Training
Committee
The Training Director is appointed by the President and is a voting member of
the Board. The Training Director serves at the pleasure of the President and of
the Board. The Training Director appoints this committee with the concurrence of
the Board. Members include: the Home Manners/Obedience (HMO) Committee Chairperson, the
Agility Committee Chairperson, Tracking Committee Chairperson, and others that
the Training Director appoints. The Training Committee serves in an
advisory role to the Training Director for all aspects of the training program
including: curricula, programs, policies, progression of classes and
approval of instructors. Notification of Training
committee meetings will be posted at least one week before the meeting occurs.
A. Agility Committee
The Agility Committee shall
consist of a Chairperson, appointed by the President in consultation with the
Training Director, and 3 members appointed by the chair. This committee shall
be responsible for curriculum development, seminars, fun matches, instructor
training and initial approval of instructors with final approval from the
Training Committee prior to the instructor instructing individually.
B.
Home Manners/Obedience Committee
This Committee shall consist of a
chairperson, appointed by the President in consultation with the Training
Director,. and 3 members appointed by the chair. This Committee shall be
responsible for the development of curriculum for Puppy, Home Manners,
Public Manners and all advanced obedience classes, seminars and fun matches, instructor training and initial approval
of instructors with final approval from the Training Committee prior to the
instructor instructing individually.
C.
Tracking
Committee
The Tracking Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, appointed by the
President in consultation with the Training Director and three members appointed
by the chair. This Committee, under the guidance of the Chairperson,
will plan the TD, TDX, and VST tests and hold TD, TDX and VST classes when
interest warrants. In addition, the Tracking Committee will appoint
members to serve as the TD, TDX, and VST
Test Secretaries. The Test Secretary's responsibility is to oversee the
coordination of the entire test conducted by the Club. The Chief Track
layers will also be appointed. The Chief Track layer coordinates and
oversees plotting and laying of tracks. This Committee shall be
responsible for providing curriculum development, seminars and fun matches,
instructor training and initial approval of instructors with final approval from
the Training Committee prior to the instructor instructing individually.
XII.
Yearbook
Constitution & Bylaws Committee
The Yearbook shall be compiled and kept
current by the Club Secretary. Updates are
made as necessary following approval by the membership of changes or additions
to the Yearbook or Constitution and ByLaws. The Club Secretary will also give the updates
to the web master for updating the web page (3/01).
I.
Title Achievement Plaques
Engraved plaques are presented at the Annual Meeting to each active member whose
dog has earned either an AKC title :obedience, rally, agility, tracking or UKC Obedience or Agility titles between January 1st and December 31st of the
preceding year. Active
Club membership is mandatory at the time the title is completed to be
eligible for recognition in the program. (1/20/05)
To receive this award, the owner of the dog must notify the designated person in writing by February with the title earned, date earned, and name of the dog as it is to appear on the plaque.
The Club pays for the plaque and any engraving for any AKC obedience, rally, agility, or tracking title or UKC Obedience or Agility title. (7/99) All other engraving is at the owner's expense. At least 12 hours of service, which may include meetings, must be accumulated before a new member joining after March is eligible for title plaques from the club. (11/05)
II. Annual Awards
The Annual Awards are made at the Annual Meeting held in March. All awards, with the exception of the "Geriatric Award," “Post Card Award,” “Perseverance Award” and “Crying Towel Award” are based on scores qualifying towards a title earned by Club members at AKC or UKC licensed trials held during the preceding calendar year.
A. Hot Dog Roll: Each year at the Annual Meeting the top scoring obedience dogs in the Club are recognized. The person designated by the Annual Meeting Chairperson compiles the points and prepares the Hot Dog Roll. Certificates will be awarded as follows:
Obedience:
3 dogs for
Beginner Novice, AKC Novice, UKC Novice
2 dogs for
Graduate Novice, AKC Open, UKC Open
1 dog for
Graduate Open, AKC Utility, UKC Utility, AKC Utility Excellent, AKC Versatility,
Obedience Master, and AKC/UKC Obedience Trial Champion.
Points are awarded to dogs by
the following system roughly based on The Delaney system used by FRONT AND
FINISH for AKC: each time your dog qualifies in a regular obedience class, he is
considered to have defeated all other dogs that received a lower score,
including non-qualifying scores. He receives one point for each dog present and
competing that he has defeated.
For UKC obedience, the awards will
be based on scores converted to UKC U-OTCh point system.
Rally:
3 dogs for
AKC/UKC Rally Novice
2 dogs for
AKC/UKC Rally Advance
1 dog for AKC/UKC
Rally Excellent, Rally Advance Excellent
Agility:
3 dogs for
AKC Novice Standard, Jumpers, Novice Fast, UKC Agility 1
2 dogs for
AKC Open Standard, Jumpers, Open Fast, UKC Agility 2
1 dog for AKC
Excellent Standard, Jumpers, Excellent Fast, Master Agility Excellent, Master
Agility Excellent Jumpers, UKC Agility Champion, Agility Champion Excellent.
1 dog for
most AKC 100's, UKC 200's
A&B classes
separated, Regular and Preferred classes and all heights combined.
B.
Geriatric Award:
For the oldest dog receiving the highest
qualifying score in a regular class or a score of 170 or more from the Veterans
class (since there are no qualifying scores in Non-regular classes.) (Rally
scores will be multiplied by 2 to make them equitable with obedience scores).
Only scores from AKC and UKC count.
C. Pediatric Award:
For the youngest dog receiving a qualifying
score in regular classes at an AKC or UKC licensed trial or test.
D. Post Card Award: Awarded to the dog receiving a qualifying score in regular classes at an AKC or UKC trial or test in the US or from a national registry in a foreign country at the furthest distance from Springfield.
E. Crying Towel Award: Awarded for the funniest hard-luck story involving obedience, agility, rally or tracking training or showing. Stories must be read aloud at the Annual Meeting. Applause will determine the winner.
F. Perseverance Award: To qualify for this award, the dog must have received the third leg within the preceding year and have the most unsuccessful attempts at attaining the said title at AKC and UKC trials or tests. All performances at AKC or UKC trials or tests including non-qualifying scores, from the first attempt to final attainment will be counted, regardless of when they occurred.
III.
Special Awards
A. Those members who obtain the
equivalent of the old Dog World Award (3/01) (Either AKC or UKC first 3 scores
in a class of 195 or above or all three titles [novice, open & utility] in one
12 month period) will have their name added to the Dog World plaque. An
OTCH [AKC/UKC (3/01)], [UKC GRACH, AKC MACH, and AKC CT (04/2010 Board)] will be recognized with a picture, paid for by the club,
to be on display in the Training Building (7/99).
B. There
shall be an Award for the highest scoring dog in regular classes of a Club Member in our Fall
Obedience Trials. This is a perpetual trophy with three wins by the same
handler, not necessarily the same dog, to retire the trophy. If there is a tie then both
names will be on the trophy. The Trial Chair will make sure a trophy
is available (11/87) The previous year's winner will obtain the name of the High
Scoring Club Member from the Trial Secretary and have the name engraved on the
Trophy for its presentation which will occur at the annual club meeting.
C. ACE AWARD. Established in honor of Fran Ippenson's Ch. Sunnybrook Acres Ace O’Spades, UDTX. It will be a traveling trophy to be given at the Annual Meeting to the High Scoring dog in Obedience who has at least one Breed Championship point and a working title (includes tracking) along with its Obedience Title. (2/91)
D. Retired Dogs. When club members retire a dog from competition, the dog will be recognized at a club meeting, have their name put on the recognition cake, and receive a certificate. The member should notify the Secretary at least one month before the meeting at which they wish the recognition to take place. (7/09)
I. Anyone interested in taking part in the instructor program has to be at least 18 years old.
If an instructor has not taught a class in three years and if significant changes have been updated to the training program, the instructor most co-instruct.
B. Home Manners and Puppy
Socialization
1) Must be an SMDTC member in good standing
2) Must have assisted in two Home Manners/Puppy classes, one within the last year
3) Must have, themselves, earned a UKC/AKC CD title
4) Must have completed the instructor training program
5) Having completed the above, the individual must apprentice under a qualified apprenticsor and be approved by that individual as well as the training committee.
C. Public Manners
1) Must be an SMDTC member in good standing qualified to teach Home Manners
2) Must have taught at least 4 Home Manners classes in the past 2 years
3) Having completed the above, the individual must apprentice under a qualified apprenticsor and be approved by that individual as well as the Training Committee.
D. Obedience/Rally Skills
1) Must be a SMDTC member in good standing and qualified to teach Public Manners.
2) Must have earned an AKC/UKC Rally title
3) Must apprentice under a qualified apprenticsor and be approved by that individual as well as the Training Committee.
E. (A) Rally, (B) Novice, (C) Competition Heeling ,Open, (D) Utility
1) Must be a qualified (A) (B) O/R Skills (C) Novice (D) Open instructor.
2) Must have, themselves, earned an AKC/UKC (A) Novice and one open leg (B) Open title (C) Utility title.
3) Must attend seminars, read books, or watch videos to learn new methods
4) Must be adaptable to different approaches based on the dog and handler team.
Having completed the above, the individual must apprentice under a qualified apprenticsor and be approved by that individual as well as the Training Committee.
Instructor qualifications may be modified for an individual at the discretion of the Training Committee." (4/06)
F. HOME MANNERS/OBEDIENCE APPRENTICSOR QUALIFICATIONS
Any instructor wishing to apprentice other individuals as Home Manners instructors must make an application to the Training Director. No individual will be grandfathered in. Individuals approved should note that they must teach the approved class at least one time per year to maintain their certification as Apprenticsor for that class or have special approval from the Training Committee.
1. Home Manners/ Puppy Soc Apprenticsor
a) Must meet the requirements of Home Manners/Puppy Soc Instructors
b) Must have taught at least 4 home manners/puppy soc classes within the past three years
2. Public Manners Apprenticsors
a) Must meet the requirements of Public Manners Instructor
b) Must have taught at least 3 Public Manners classes within the past three years
3. (A) Obedience/Rally Skills, Rally, Novice (B) Competition Heeling, Open,
(C)Utility Apprenticisors
a) Must meet the requirements of (A) Obedience/Rally Skills, Rally, Novice, (B) Open or (C) Utility Instructor
b) Must attend seminars, read books, or watch videos to learn new methods.
c) Must have taught 3 of the appropriate
class (novice, open, utility) in the past three years
4. Rally
1) Must meet the requirements of a Rally Instructor
2) Must attend seminars, read books, or watch videos to learn new methods.
3) Must have taught 3 rally classes in the past three years
A. Basic Agility Class
1. Shall be an SMDTC member in good standing who has accomplished one of
the three following options:
a) 50 points toward a U-ACH
OR
b) One of the following:
1) Both AKC novice titles (NA, NAJ) and at least one AKC Open title
2) Both NADAC NAC and NJC and either OAC or OJC
OR
c) A CD or UCD or RA AND one of the following:
1) U-AGI & U-AGII
2) NA & NAJ
3) NAC & NJC
2. Shall have assisted in three basic agility classes.
3. Shall be knowledgeable of AKC and UKC rules and equipment.
4. Having completed the above, the individual shall apprentice under an approved apprenticsor and be approved by the Agility Committee, with final approval from the Training Committee..
5. Shall demonstrate to the Agility Committee knowledge of agility curriculum.
6. Shall attend agility seminars, read books, or watch videos to keep current on new methods.
7. Shall be adaptable to different approaches based on the dog and handler team.
B. Beginning Agility Instructors who may apprentice other beginning agility instructors
1) All of the above
2) Complete the Apprentisor form and submit it to the Agility Chairperson for Agility Committee approval. The Agilty Chairperson will then submit the form and final recommendation to the Training Director..
*An individual may substitute a similar
title in another agility organization, such as USDAA, if approved by the Agility
Committee. The intent is to require a comparable level of difficulty in an
agility style comparable to AKC or NADAC (larger courses, faster times,
requiring more precision performance work) as opposed to UKC (smaller courses, slower times,
requiring more precision performance but less distance). Knowledge of different
styles of agility is most important for the Competition instructor. Also
please note that AKC preferred titles are considered equivalent to other AKC
agility titles (e.g. NAP same as NA).
Class enrollment restrictions: To enroll in competition/advanced agility, a dog must have an U-AG1, NA, or a comparable title.
A. Assistant Instructor
Individual must be a member of SMDTC and have trained
or be training a dog in tracking. This is mainly a "Class Helper" job and an
opportunity to observe the role of the instructor.
B. Apprentice Tracking Instructor
Individual
must have served as Assistant Instructor at least two times and must have earned
a TD title.
C. After successfully completing the above requirements as well as having read books on tracking, attending seminars and meetings, the individual then becomes an instructor, if approved by the Tracking Committee and Training Director.
D. Instructors
1. Must have assisted in at least two tracking classes;
2. Must have served as an Apprentice Instructor satisfactorily
under a qualified Instructor;
3. Must have earned a TD title.
E. Instructor benefits/incentives shall be the same as for instructors of other classes except Instructor will receive credit as if teaching two classes for each class taught. Tracking classes are not included in the classes eligible to be taken for free. Tracking classes are exempt from second paid class discount.
A. The name of SMDTC must not be used in any advertising for classes not sponsored by SMDTC.
B. Instructors WHO TEACH ELSEWHERE are not to solicit SMDTC students or members for their classes. Using our enrollment lists, class handouts, or any other SMDTC material is prohibited. (7/99) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS POLICY CONSTITUTES AN ETHIC VIOLATION AND WILL BE HANDLED ACCORDINGLY.
C. The established class curriculum must be followed by all Instructors. Any suggestions for changes in the curriculum must be submitted for consideration to the Agility Chair (for agility classes), Tracking Chair (for all tracking classes), or HMO Chair (for all obedience/rally classes) and approved by the applicable committee in consultation with the Training Director.
NOTE: Individuals wishing to become an SMDTC Instructor who have taught for other organizations may come into the program at the Apprentice level under an experienced class Instructor with the approval of the Training Director and the Training Committee.
A. Free Classes and Coupons for Free Classes:
1. Instructors who sign up and teach at least one class in a six month period are entitled to free classes, except for tracking classes, in that same period (defined as January through June and July through December).
2.
When there is a family membership with one person being an instructor, the
instructor receives free classes, and the other family member’s classes will be
$25 for the first class and $10 for any additional classes on that
membership. Additional classes must have a starting date prior to the
ending date of the first class to qualify for the $10 price (2/06) (7/98)
3. Assistants in classes other than tracking classes will receive a certificate for one free class upon completion of assisting a class so long as the assistant has not been absent more than one time during the session. If a class other than the free class from a coupon is taken the same session, that class will be $10. If a third class is taken the same session under this scenario, that class is $10. Additional classes must have a starting date prior to the ending date of the first class to qualify for the $10 price (2/06)
4. When a coupon is given for a person with a
family membership, that person's class is free. When another family
member is taking a class during the same
session, that class is $10 and any
additional classes taken by any family member is $10.
Additional classes must have a starting date prior to the ending date of the
first class to qualify for the $10 price (2/06)
5. Individuals answering the Club phones for two months will receive
one free class. Individuals answering the Club phones for a period longer
than two months will receive all classes free as long as they continue to answer
the Club phones. (9/12)
6. The enrollment secretary will receive free classes while performing
this duty. (4/09)
B. Seminars: Because the Club wishes to maintain an excellent training program it encourages instructors and assistants to attend seminars by providing financial assistance. This is done only for instructors and assistants who are active in the program.
Seminars hosted by the Club are divided into two levels as follows:
1. Level 1 - The presenter is low cost and usually fairly local.
Level 1 seminars are free, without costing seminar credits, to Instructors and
Assistants
2. Level 2 -
The presenter is well known with higher fees and expenses. Level 2
seminars are widely advertised. Instructors and Assistants must either pay
the advertised fee or use seminar credits to attend.
C. SEMINAR CREDITS:
1. SIX classes MUST be taught over no more than a two year period (2/03) To Earn ONE seminar credit. TWELVE classes taught within the same period will earn TWO credits. Each credit is worth up to a maximum of $200 ($100 for assistants), so an instructor could choose to attend two different seminars and be reimbursed up to $200 for each ($100 for assistants), or they could choose to attend one seminar and be reimbursed up to $400 ($200 for assistants).
2. To receive this benefit, the individual must send to the training director the completed registration form and an addressed and stamped envelope. The training director will forward the information to the treasurer. (7/99) The treasurer will mail the form and check. Alternatively, the individual may turn in to the training director a receipt or registration confirmation showing the amount the individual has paid. The training director will forward the information to the treasurer to reimburse the individual.
3. If there are discounts available for early registration, the club expects that you will get this information to the treasurer in time to take advantage of the discount or pay the difference (7/99). If the club has paid for a seminar and the individual does not attend the seminar, he/she must repay the club to continue receiving Club benefits. (Special cases may be appealed to the Board.)
4. Seminar credit will be held over for 3 years (11/05).
5. The individual must provide feedback about the seminar to the
training committee or the membership in the form of one or more of the
following:
a) a written report,
b) a presentation,
c) a donation to the club library of a book, video, DVD, etc.
from the seminar.
d) verbal feedback to the training director or other members
of the training committee. Exception: seminars that SMDTC hosts
which count as a seminar credit. Please note that is expected that
instructors will share what they learned with others in the club, either while
training or while teaching.
6. Seminar credits are intended as a reward/incentive to the instructor/assistant who puts in the time and work for the club. The intent is for the instructor/assistant to use them or not use them as they see fit for themselves. They are not meant to be gifted or "given" to another. However, within a family membership, they may be shared just as hours toward active membership may be shared. (9/09)
D. APDT and Clean Run Seminars - Iindividuals who qualify for one of these seminars needs to contact the Training Director. The Training Director will take the matter to the Board. Qualifications are:
1. The instructor or assistant must have taught five (5) classes in the previous year with at least 1 being a Home Manners class or Puppy Soc class (for APDT), or Agility Basics-Contacts or Agility Basics-Contacts or Agility Basics-Jumps (for Clean Run).
2. Each person must give an instructive write up article or give training seminar to instructors or make a presentation to the club. This should be determined before the individual's registration fee is paid.
3. This seminar is in addition to your regular seminar credit.
4. The Club will pay 2 days maximum for Instructors and 1⁄2 of the 2 day fee for Assistants
5. The Club needs to recognize all savings so all paperwork must be turned in early.
6. All other policies under seminars will apply
7. The Club will pay for a limit of 3 people to attend an APDT or Clean Run seminar. If more than 3 people apply, The fees for 3 people will be divided equally amongst those people for a 2-day seminar..
8. Applicants are responsible to submit the Club's portion, with balance, for registration. (7/99)
E. An instructor or assistant who instructs 8 or more classes during a calendar year will receive a free 1-year club membership effective beginning with classes taught during 2007. Double credits are given for teaching classes on Saturday. (7/06).
F. Instructor Training Meetings: The club will hold four training meetings per year. Anyone wishing to attend may do so. Instructors, apprentices, and assistants who attend four meetings a year may count this as one of their seminar requirements. (7/99)
1. Training equipment is NOT to be removed from the building without Board approval. (3/01)
2. No chain leashes or electronic collars are allowed in classes.
4. Only one discount of any type may be given per class.
5. Wolves and wolf hybrids are not allowed in classes. (7/99)
1. Puppies are required to have at least two sets of immunizations before coming to class.
2. Shelter dogs and pups must have lived with their current owner for at least two weeks before coming to class.
3. Owners of adult dogs must bring written proof from their veterinarian saying that the dog is correctly following their protocols.
4. Owners of all adult dogs must present a current certificate of rabies vaccination as required by Missouri law. (1/20/05)
III. CHILDREN IN CLASSES:
1. Individuals 16 years of age or older can enroll in any class by themselves;
2. Individuals 12-15 years of age must have a parent or approved guardian at each class who will be able to take over if the child cannot be successful. A parent must sign the Agreement to Hold Harmless Waiver, Assumption of Risk and the Excusal from Participation Statement on the Application for Training form before the class begins. If the child is not training their own dog, two forms will be required: one signed by the child's parent and one signed by the dog owner. (2/2012);
3. children under the age of 12 must meet the requirements of #2 and (2/2012) have the permission of the Training Director to enroll in class. (3/2004)
IV. BITCHES IN SEASON:
1. Bitches in season are not to be brought to the Puppy, Puppy Home Manners, Home Manners, Public Manners, Obedience/Agility Skills, Agility Basics-Contacts, or Agility Basics-Jumps classes.
2. Owners who wish to bring a bitch in season to any other class must obtain permission from the instructor prior to class time. The dog must be clean and wearing a sanitary panty.
V. TRAINING: GENERAL INFORMATION
1. FEES
A. The Club offers free classes to full time Assistance Dogs with Board Approval. (1/85)(9/88)
B. Dogs adopted from an approved rescue organization receive a $10.00 discount with proof of their adoption
C. Eligibility for membership discount on classes
1. Must have trained through two sets of classes at full price, either as a member or a non-member (if a family membership and two members of the family train two dogs in the same class, this requirement is met) (7/98),
2. Must Achieve Active Membership Status. Individuals must have 24 volunteer hours of which 6 hours must be from meetings. (4 meetings at 1.5 hrs. each). Family membership has same requirements but hours may be combined.
3. Members must submit hours worked to the Vice President no later than the last day in November. The Vice President will check the hours you have reported against meeting roll sheets and other indicators of times reported (spreadsheets for stewarding, instructor tracking lists for classes taught, etc). The member may, of course, add hours for other activities you undertake for the Club. (11/09)
4. Hours do not carry forward from one year to the next year. (11/09)
5. The year is defined as January 1st through December 31st. If you know you will be volunteering for a Club event in December, you may pre-report it. (11/09)
6. Traveling to and from events is not counted in the hours worked. (11/09)
7. Instructors only count hours for the actual time a class meets, not for prep. (11/09)
8. Extenuating circumstances will be handled by the Board for waivers. These waivers should be presented to the Board in writing. (11/09)
9. New members must meet the following criteria to achieve active status for the year joined. (11/09)
April-June - 18 hours of service, attend 3 meetings
July-September - 12 hrs. of service, attend 2 meetings
October-December - 6 hrs. of service, attend 1 meeting
10. Positions exempt from reporting hours: Officers and Board members, Trial/Test chairs/leadership positions, as identified by the Trial Chairperson, for the trial/test. Newsletter Editor/Copier, Home Manners/Obedience Chair, Webmaster, Instructor Schedulers, Phone answering, Equipment Chair, Yard Mowers, Enrollment Secretary and Membership Chair. (11/09).
11. When a person reinstates a membership after 5 years, that person will not be qualified to receive the discount on classes until one round of classes is completed at full price, and active member status has been achieved as listed above. (9/99)
D. Students or instructors taking classes for free must purchase Social Graces if they wish to have one.
E. Club Members who enroll for a class and who have not paid for that class and then do not show up for class on the first night of class and have not previously notified the instructor of their absence will be dropped from the roll to allow a paying replacement student to enroll.
F. Second paid class (for courses running concurrently) for a dog will cost $10.00. Additional classes must have a starting date prior to the ending date of the first class to qualify for the $10 price (2/06). Tracking classes are exempt from this discount. When one member of a family membership pays $25 for a class, other classes taken in the same session will be $10 (3/01) for each family member, so long as all family members are active members. Additional classes must have a starting date prior to the ending date of the first class to qualify for the $10 price. (2/06) (7/96) (7/98)
G. Drop-ins will only be allowed in the Advanced Novice, Open and Utility classes. Drop-ins must be okayed by the instructor at least 24 hours in advance. Non-members and members who are not active pay $15 per session, active members pay $5. Active instructors and assistants are free. (9/09)
H. Membership discount follows member, not the member's dog.
(8/96)
I. One free class per two months of answering the phones for the Club will be given to individuals answering phones.
J. The enrollment secretary will also receive free classes while performing this job for the Club. (4/09)
K. Cancellation of Classes Due to Weather. If the Springfield Public Schools are closed, our classes will also be canceled. Instructors may cancel classes when schools are NOT closed, but it is the Instructor's responsibility to notify students.
L. Aggressive Dog Policy (1/11)
1. Dog’s owner is responsible for any expenses incurred due to that dog biting a person or another dog. (2/97)
2. Instructions To
Instructors & Club Members
a. Any dog that exhibits behavior such as excessive lunging and barking,
snapping, biting or attempting to bite is to be excused from the building. If
the incident happens during class, the instructor will either request the
owner/handler remain to discuss the incident, or have the Training Director
contact the handler to determine options for future classes or activities. An
Incident Report will be filled out and put in one of the locked “dog houses” on
the counter, file top.
b. Any dog that is reactive in a crate will be crated in an area away from dog/person traffic.
c. Dogs that bark or whine when crated to the extent that people can’t hear and other dogs are upset will be kept in the car or held on leash any time the dog would otherwise be crated.
d. Dogs should remain on lead any time they are not involved in specific off-lead training. The exception to this policy will be those times when a small group of dogs are present and all owners are in agreement.
e. Dogs having space issues should wear a bandana to alert other dog owners that this dog needs more space.
3. Procedure
a. An Incident Report of behaviors such as excessive lunging and barking, snapping, biting or attempting to bite, will be forwarded to the Training Director. The Training director will request an assessment of the situation from the instructor involved, person involved, and/or witnesses to the incident.
b. Review of the report must be started by five days after the Training Director receives the Incident Report.
c. The Training Director will determine what steps, if any, should be taken. If further steps are deemed necessary, the Training Director will advise the Board so that an “Incident Committee” can be named and convened to research the matter. The Incident Committee will consist of five members. A new Incident Committee will be appointed for each incident that is reported.
d. The Incident Committee will thoroughly research the matter, request any documentation, interview witnesses, and make a recommendation to the Board.
e. If the Incident Committee recommends excusal of the dog from future SMDTC activities, the only recourse is to follow the Reinstatement Process.
f. If a dog bites a person, the Incident Committee will determine if the bite was justified and make any recommendations accordingly.
g. If the Incident Committee finds that the reason for biting is not acceptable, and/or if the dog has a history of biting, the dog will not be eligible for reinstatement. The club's insurance agent as well as legal counsel have explained that if we allow a known biter to participate in club activities and it bites again, and that bite results in a claim, our insurance will likely be dropped, making it likely that we become uninsurable
4. Reinstatement Process
a. The owner/handler must send a letter requesting reinstatement to the President for Board consideration.
b. The letter must state the reason(s) why the dog should be reinstated and what actions have been taken to remedy the problem.
c. A $100 non-refundable check or money order payable to SMDTC must accompany the reinstatement request as well as all documentation pertaining to the reinstatement.
d. The Board will name a “Reinstatement Committee” to thoroughly review the reinstatement request. This committee will be composed of five members including at least two members who served on the Incident Committee. This committee will make recommendations regarding reinstatement to the Board. A new Reinstatement Committee will be appointed for each Reinstatement Request.
e. Only one reinstatement request per incident will be honored.
f. The Board’s decision, based upon the Reinstatement Committee’s recommendation, will be final.
M. Class sizes
1. Home Manners classes will have no more than 12 dogs, and agility classes are limited to 8 dogs (3/01).
A. Published material left at the Building
for distribution must first be approved by the Board (1/13/84)
B. Building rental includes only the use of obedience jumps, no agility jumps (05/09).
C. Equipment owned by the Club will only be removed from the buildngs for club events.
D. The training building will be used for Club activities only. Any other use must be approved by the Board of Directors. With approval of the Board, the building rental fees are as follows:
ACTIVE
CLUB MEMBERS
One
Room: $10.00 Per Hour or $80.00 Per Day (Up to 8 Hours).
Two Rooms: $15.00 Per Hour or $120.00 Per Day (Up to 8 Hours).
NON-CLUB MEMBERS:
One Room: $20.00 Per Hour or $160.00 Per Day (Up to 8 Hours).
Two Rooms: $40.00 Per Hour or $320.00 Per Day (Up to 8 Hours). (5/2008)
In making SMDTC space and equipment
available to 4-H, we have set the following policy:
1. Space for training will be provided free of charge.
When the 4-H charges a fee to participants, SMDTC will expect that 4-H will pay
for the space. All reservations for space need to be addressed to the
Board.
2. 4-H can use the 3 types of obedience jumps.
They may also use any of the regular agility jumps except for the new folding
ones. Additionally, they ahve been approved to use the following pieces of
equipment: the puppy a frame, tunnels, sway
bridge, and swing plank.
3. Dogs must be worked on leash with only one dog and one handler on the floor
at a time.
4. Children may not play on any of the equipment.
5. There should always be an active club member present who has been approved
to use the agility equipment when 4-H is using the facilities for agility. When
not using the agility equipment, they need only have an active club member
present.
6. We ask that 4-H encourage a few of their members to volunteer as helpers at
either/both agility/obedience trials. (8/09)
C. Building rental includes only use of obedience jumps (not agility equipment). (5/09)
D. Equipment owned by the club will be removed from the building for club events only. (5/09)
E. Effective at the 2010 annual meeting only active members, as defined in this Yearbook, will be issued keys. (7/09)
A. All bills will be itemized, dated, and signed by the Club member incurring the bill and then submitted to the Treasurer on the form provided. All receipts should be attached to the paper.
B. The Treasurer is to be bonded in the
amount of $50,000. The premium is to be paid by the Club.
C. The President shall be allowed to spend up to $75.00 for Club equipment, but all purchases need to be approved by the Board. If the Board does not approve the purchase(s), the matter is to be brought before the Membership for consideration. (8-17-84)
D. The Training Director is authorized to spend up to $50 on items for the Training Program without prior approval of the Board. Identical procedure as in "C" above is to be followed if the Board does not approve the purchases.
E. Approval of all events is contingent upon presentation of a budget to the Board for approval. Any cost which exceeds the budget must be resubmitted to the Board for approval. (5-93) This means that each tracking test, trial, agility test, fun match, etc. must have a budget submitted to the Board prior to expending any funds for that event. All expenditures incurred by committees involving special events and trials must be approved by the chair of that committee before the expenditure is made. (8/96)
F. To purchase equipment costing more than $300, two written estimates (unless only one written estimate is available) must be submitted to the Board for approval.
G. Parties renting equipment from the Club must deposit full replacement cost of items to be rented or must provide proof of insurance of full replacement value.
H. A Tribute Memorial Fund will exist so those donations can be made in the name of a person or a dog. When the amount donated in one person or dog's name totals $50 arrangements will be made for the Club to purchase a brick with a message of the person's choice for placement in the new building. A notice of the donation shall be posted in the newsletter without mention of the amount of money donated. (8/98)
A. Written Minutes of Board Meetings and all substantive motions shall be available on the Club's web page under the Member's Only section.
B. Sensitive issues involving individual members may be handled in a closed session of the Board, but no action may be taken before informing the Membership.
C. A safe deposit box will be rented by the Club for important Club documents. Keys will be given to the President and the Treasurer.
D. The club incorporation seal is kept in the Safe Deposit Box.
E. No emails with a negative tone regarding the club or club members will be forwarded to the general membership through the list. All issues of concern should be brought to the appropriate club officer or person in charge. If a satisfactory response is not made, the issue should be brought to the club president directly. (7/09)
F. Duties of the Board of Directors of the Springfield,Missouri Dog Training Club. Note - Items marked with * are from the SMDTC Constitution and Bylaws.
1. General Description and Duties of Board Members
a. *The Board shall be comprised of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three (3) Directors, all of whom shall be members in good standing, and all of whom shall be elected for a two year term at the Club's Annual Meeting as provided in Article IV of the Constitution and By Laws, and shall serve for not more than two consecutive terms, in any one position, or until their successors are elected. (Article III Section 1)
b. The Board of Directors shall
i. *designate hour and place of club meetings (Article 2).
ii. *call Special Club and Board meetings (Article II Sections 3 and 4).
iii. *fill vacancies in the Board of Directors (Article III Section 3).
iv. *carry out the duties related to Discipline (Article VI).
v. *interpret the Constitution and Bylaws (Article 10 Section 2).
vi. maintain knowledge of SMDTC activities and possess a personal commitment to its goals.
vii. foster a positive working relationship with other Board members and the club membership.
viii. be aware of and abstain from any conflict of interest.
ix. serve on committees as necessary.
x. *during the month of October, the Board shall select a Nominating Committee and name the Chairperson of the committee as directed in Article 4 Section 4.
xi. prepare for and participate in the discussions and the deliberations of the Board and membership meetings.
c. *Members of the Board of Directors must attend meetings as outlined in Article II Section 3 of the Constitution. *If any Officer or Director misses either three (3) Board Meetings or three (3) General Membership meetings in a club calendar year (March through February), that individual will be removed from the Board, and they will be replaced as specified in the Bylaws (03/02).
d. Directors will be assigned specific duties at the beginning of their term based on their abilities and areas of interest that will most benefit the club. (02/10)
2) Officers
a.*The Club's Officers, consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the Club and its meetings and the Board and its meetings (Article III Section )
b. President - The President shall:
i. * preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of the President and in addition to those particularly specified in the Bylaws. He/she shall serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of the Board upon the election of a new president, for the first year of the new President's term.
ii. *appoint committee chairpersons and such members deemed appropriate, subject to prior approval by the Board of Directors, as outlined in Article V of the Constitution and Bylaws.
iii. sit as an ex officio member of all committees, if desired.
iv. run the Board meetings and the General Membership meeting and v. *place members on the agenda of Board meetings at the request of the member.
vi. serve as a signing authority for financial and legal purposes.
vii. represent the club to the community when necessary.
viii. maintain a key to club safe deposit box in addition to the Treasurer.
c. Vice President - The Vice-President shall
i. *have the powers and exercise the duties of the President in the event of the President's absence, death, or incapacity. This officer will also have responsibilities as assigned in the Yearbook.
ii. keep current records on member’s volunteer time with the club. This will be used to determine a member that is active and good standing.
iii. schedule programs for membership meetings in alternating months.
iv. serve as a signing authority for financial and legal purposes.
d. Secretary - The Secretary shall:
i. *keep a record of all meetings and activities of the Club, Board of Directors, and all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the Club. At the termination of service, the secretary shall turn over to the newly elected Secretary all records in this regard. The Secretary shall have charge of all correspondence, notifying members of meetings, and shall handle promptly and efficiently all detail work and correspondence designated by the officers of the Club or the Board of Directors. In addition, the Secretary shall carry out such other duties as are prescribed in the Constitution and Bylaws and Yearbook.
ii. *carry out the specific duties related to Discipline (Article VI).
iii. *call Special Club and Board meetings and notify members of Special Club and Board meetings (Article II).
iv. *immediately notify the nominating committeemen and alternates of their selection (Article IV section 4b).
v. prepare minutes of all meetings, submit to President for approval and Webmaster for posting.
vi. update club information as necessary with AKC and UKC including list of current officers and club members.
vii. serve as club contact for AKC and UKC to receive incoming mail concerning trials and events.
vii. circulate sign in sheet at membership meetings and maintain attendance records .
viii. serve as a signing authority for financial and legal purposes.
ix. The Yearbook shall be compiled and kept current by the Club Secretary. Updates are made as necessary following approval by the membership of changes or additions to the Yearbook or Constitution and Bylaws. The web master is also given the updates for the web page (3/01).
e. Treasurer - The Treasurer shall:
i. *collect and receive all monies due the Club, or belonging to the Club, and shall receipt thereof. The Treasurer shall deposit the same in a bank satisfactory to the Board, in the name of the Club. The books shall, at all times be open to inspection by the Board, and the Treasurer shall report to them at each meeting the condition of the Club's finances, including all balances. At the Annual Meeting of the Club, the Treasurer shall render an account of all monies received and expended during the previous fiscal year. The Treasurer shall be bonded in such an amount, as the Board of Directors shall determine.
ii. serves as the chair of the budget committee.
iii. prepare, in collaboration with the Budget Committee, an annual budget.
iv. present the annual budget to the Board for approval.
v. ensures monthly bank reconciliation.
vi. maintains balance sheet for assets to include: Checking, savings, and Certificates of Deposits.
vii. maintain safe deposit box and contents, to include corporate seal and 1 key.
viii. pay bills, including the reimbursement of members for SMDTC expenses (Accounts payable).
ix. maintain licenses (Merchants).
x. file business report through Secretary of State.
xi. maintain record of income generated through sales of supplies and payment of state sales tax.
xii. maintains and provides records to tax preparer for preparation and filing.
xiii. assists Trial Chairmen in preparing financial outcome reports.
xiv. act as signing authority on behalf of the board for financial matters.
F. Training Director - Training Director is appointed by the President and is a voting member of the Board.
a. The Training Director
serves at the pleasure of the President and of the Board.
b. The Training Director appoints the Training Committee with the concurrence of
the Board. The Training Committee is responsible for all aspects of the
training program. Notification of Training committee meetings will be posted at
least one week before the meeting occurs.
c. The Training Director oversees:
i. class schedule
ii. instructor/assistant scheduling
iii. instructor and assistant apprenticing
iv. curriculum development for agility and obedience
v. Training Committee meetings
vi. instructor meetings
d. The TD handles situation that come up in classes regarding dog behavior problems, student complaints, and any other issues.
e. Answer questions & make decisions from/for phone person or Enrollment Secretary.
f. Make decisions or approve requests for refunds of class seminar credits.
A. Information must be submitted to the Newsletter editors in writing The deadline is determined by the Newsletter editor.
B. Club members are responsible for submitting their own show results to the Newsletter editor, preferably in writing.
C. Advertising: Brief advertisements by Club members (equipment available, dogs or puppies for sale) will be listed in the Newsletter at no charge. More lengthy advertising by Club Members or any advertising by non-club members will be charged at the rate of $5 per listing per 1/4 page, $10 per 1⁄2 page, $15 per full page ad.
D. The Editor of the Newsletter will exercise his/her discretion on all articles submitted by members (3/94)
E. No editorials or political statements may be printed in the SMDTC Newsletter.
A. General meetings cancelled due to bad weather must be rescheduled within one week from the originally scheduled meeting.
B. As an incentive for attendance to the General meetings, $5.00 shall be randomly awarded each General meeting to a member attending that meeting who was present at the immediately preceding meeting.
A. No vendor may be allowed at a Club Trial when the silent auction is scheduled to take place.
B. No premiums will be mailed to club members unless requested.
C. Available vendor slots for all club events will be filled in the order in which their completed application and payment or gift commitment (as specified by event) are received.
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