Version 1, Revision 12 [v1.12]
Code of Conduct Policy
Effective Date: September 16, 2024
Welcome to California Cattle Dogs ‘Pack’, a community dedicated to dog owners, trainers, caregivers, and canine enthusiasts. Our goal is to create a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all members, both online and in person. By participating in our community, you agree to adhere to the following Code of Conduct.
1. Respectful Behavior
- Respect for All Members: Treat all members with kindness, respect, and consideration. Harassment, discrimination, or any form of abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
- Constructive Communication: Engage in positive and constructive discussions. Avoid inflammatory language, personal attacks, and disruptive behavior.
- Privacy: Respect the privacy of other members. Do not share personal information without consent.
- Welcoming Environment: We welcome everyone to be part of our pack. All people and dogs are invited to join and participate in our community.
2. Dog Handling Guidelines and Requirements
- Humane Treatment: Always handle dogs with care and compassion. Any form of abuse or neglect is strictly prohibited with ZERO TOLERANCE.
- Training and Care Standards: Follow best practices for training and caring for dogs. This includes using positive reinforcement techniques and ensuring dogs’ physical and emotional well-being.
- Safety Measures: Ensure the safety of dogs and people during all activities. This includes using appropriate equipment, supervising interactions, and adhering to local laws and regulations.
- Control: Handlers must maintain control of their dog(s) at all times. This includes using leashes, harnesses, or other appropriate restraints to prevent accidents or incidents.
- Mandatory Reporter: Any person who is a moderator, manager, or community administrator is required by this Code of Conduct to report all incidents or suspicions of neglect or abuse of dogs, other animals, or humans to the appropriate authorities immediately or as soon as it is safe for them to do so. For more details and information about becoming a leader in the community, please refer to the “Pack Leader Requirements and Code of Conduct Policy.”
3. Foster Home Requirements and Guidelines
- Commitment: Foster homes must be committed to providing temporary care for dogs in need. This includes meeting the dog’s physical, emotional, and medical needs.
- Environment: Provide a safe and nurturing environment for foster dogs. Ensure that the home is free from hazards and that the dog has adequate space and comfort.
- Health and Care: Follow all guidelines for the health and care of foster dogs, including feeding, exercise, and veterinary care. Keep the rescue organization informed of any health issues or concerns.
- Adoption Process: Assist with the adoption process by providing accurate information about the dog’s behavior, health, and needs. Facilitate meetings between potential adopters and the foster dog.
- Support: Foster homes will receive support and resources from the community and rescue organization to the best of our ability. This includes training, supplies, and access to veterinary care.
- Full Policy: For more detailed information, please refer to our full Foster Home Requirements and Guidelines Policy.
4. Adoption and Rescue Guidelines
- Promote Adoption: Encourage the adoption of dogs from shelters and rescue organizations. Highlight the benefits of giving a dog a second chance at a loving home.
- Responsible Adoption: Ensure that adopters are fully prepared for the responsibilities of dog ownership. This includes understanding the dog’s needs, providing a safe environment, and committing to long-term care.
- Support for Rescues: Support rescue organizations by volunteering, donating, or fostering dogs in need. Work collaboratively to improve the lives of rescued dogs.
- Transparency: Provide accurate information about the dog’s history, health, and behavior to potential adopters. Ensure that all necessary medical treatments and vaccinations are up to date before adoption.
- Full Policy: For more detailed information, please refer to our full Adoption and Rescue Guidelines Policy.
5. Dog Surrenders
- Responsible Surrender: If you need to surrender a dog, contact the community or rescue organization for guidance. Provide accurate information about the dog’s health, behavior, and history.
- Support: We will work with you to find the best solution for the dog, including rehoming or placement in a foster home. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to accept or place any surrender, but we will try to do so to the best of our ability.
- Transparency: Be honest and transparent about the reasons for surrendering the dog to ensure the best possible outcome for the animal.
6. Dog Health and Vaccinations
- Regular Veterinary Care: Ensure that your dog receives regular veterinary check-ups and necessary medical care.
- Vaccinations: Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date according to your veterinarian’s recommendations. This includes core vaccines such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and others as advised.
- Health Monitoring: Monitor your dog’s health and well-being. If your dog shows signs of illness, seek veterinary care promptly and avoid bringing them to community events until they are healthy.
- Full Policy: For more detailed information, please refer to our full Dog Health and Vaccinations Policy.
7. Responsible Breeding Practices
- Ethical Breeding: Breeders must adhere to ethical breeding practices that prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs. This includes avoiding overbreeding and ensuring that breeding pairs are healthy and free from genetic disorders.
- Health Testing: Conduct appropriate health screenings and genetic tests for breeding dogs to prevent the transmission of hereditary conditions.
- Puppy Care: Provide proper care for puppies, including adequate nutrition, socialization, and veterinary care. Puppies should not be separated from their mothers before they are at least 8 weeks old.
- Transparency: Be transparent with potential buyers about the health, temperament, and care requirements of the puppies. Provide all necessary documentation and support.
- Authorization: Breeders must have written authorization in advance to breed a dog that was adopted from us.
- Full Policy: For more detailed information, please refer to our full Responsible Breeding Practices Policy.
8. Dog Park Etiquette
- Supervision: Always supervise your dog while at the dog park. Be attentive to your dog’s behavior and interactions with other dogs.
- Clean Up: Clean up after your dog. Dispose of waste properly to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for everyone.
- Respect Boundaries: Respect the boundaries and comfort levels of other dogs and their owners. Not all dogs are comfortable with close interactions.
- Health and Safety: Only bring healthy dogs to the park. Ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and free from contagious illnesses.
- Leash Rules: Follow the park’s leash rules. Keep your dog on a leash until you are in the designated off-leash area.
- Positive Interactions: Encourage positive interactions and play. If your dog shows signs of aggression or discomfort, remove them from the situation immediately.
9. Organizing Dog-Friendly Events
- Planning: Plan events that are safe and enjoyable for both dogs and their owners. Consider factors such as location, facilities, and the number of participants.
- Safety: Ensure that the event location is secure and free from hazards. Provide clear guidelines for dog handling and supervision during the event.
- Health Requirements: Require that all participating dogs are up to date on vaccinations and in good health. Consider implementing a health check or screening process.
- Behavior: Set expectations for dog behavior during the event. Encourage positive interactions and provide guidance on managing any issues that arise.
- Clean Up: Provide waste disposal stations and encourage participants to clean up after their dogs. Maintain a clean and hygienic environment throughout the event.
- Communication: Clearly communicate event details, including rules and guidelines, to all participants. Provide contact information for event organizers in case of questions or concerns.
10. Guest and Non-Member Participation Restrictions
- Guest Policy: Guests and non-members may participate in community events only if they are accompanied by a member in good standing. Guests must adhere to the same Code of Conduct as members.
- Registration: Non-members must register as guests prior to attending any community events. This includes providing necessary information and agreeing to follow the community’s guidelines.
- Limitations: The number of guests a member can bring may be limited to ensure a safe and manageable event. Check specific event guidelines for details.
11. Referrals of New Members
- Referral Program: Members are encouraged to refer new members to the community. Referrals help grow and strengthen our community.
- Eligibility: Referred individuals must meet the community’s eligibility criteria and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct.
- Incentives: Members who refer new members may be eligible for incentives or rewards as determined by the community administrators.
12. Addressing Conflicts Between Community Members
- Respectful Resolution: Address conflicts with respect and a willingness to understand different perspectives. Avoid personal attacks and inflammatory language.
- Direct Communication: Whenever possible, address conflicts directly with the involved parties. Use private messages or conversations to resolve issues rather than public forums.
- Mediation: If direct communication does not resolve the conflict, seek mediation from community moderators or administrators. They can provide guidance and facilitate a resolution.
- Reporting Issues: Report any serious conflicts or violations of the Code of Conduct to community moderators or administrators. Provide detailed information to help with the investigation.
- Consequences: Consequences for unresolved conflicts or repeated violations may include warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent removal from the community, depending on the severity of the issue.
13. Community Participation
- Active Engagement: Participate actively and positively in community activities, both online and in person.
- Sharing Knowledge: Share your expertise and experiences to help others learn and grow. Be open to learning from others as well.
- Event Conduct: Follow the specific rules and guidelines for any community events or gatherings.
14. Right to Refuse or Terminate Membership
- Violation of Code of Conduct: We reserve the right to refuse or terminate the membership of anyone who violates this Code of Conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, engaging in disrespectful behavior, mishandling dogs, or failing to adhere to community guidelines.
- Reporting Violations: Members are encouraged to report any violations of this Code of Conduct to community moderators or administrators. All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.
- Consequences: Consequences for violating the Code of Conduct may include warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent removal from the community, depending on the severity of the violation.
15. Amendments to the Code of Conduct
We may update this Code of Conduct from time to time. Members will be notified of any changes, and continued participation in the community constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
If any referenced policy or community guideline named herein should conflict with this Code of Conduct, the referenced policy or guideline shall prevail as the Code of Conduct requirement and supersede the text of this policy.
16. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Code of Conduct, please contact us.