HomeClub Policies and Practices

This is a DRAFT that is currently under construction and review
by the Board of Directors.
Do not rely on this information as yet.

Introduction to Club Policies

Purpose

The purpose of these policies and procedures is to further explain and augment the policies stated in the Bylaws of the Oriole Dog Training Club (ODTC).

In cases where a policy statement conflicts with the Bylaws, the Bylaws take precedence.

Amendments

This is a living document and changes are expected to accommodate the ever-changing nature and business of ODTC. Amendments to these club policies and procedures many be made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors (BOD) at any time.

All substantive/functional amendments shall be published in the Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting Minutes.

All amendments shall be annotated with the date on which the policy takes effect.

Administration

Administration of Club affairs shall be vested in the BOD duly elected by the general membership.

Minutes from BOD meetings shall be published in the Dumbbell club newsletter upon approval by the BOD and available in the ClubExpress Documents library in the Meeting Minutes and Agendas folder.

Meetings

The board establishes the dates of the BOD meetings and General Membership (GM) meetings as needed except as specifically provided for otherwise in the Bylaws. Meetings are communicated to the membership through the email list and are additionally published on the Meetings page on the public website.

Attendance at meetings may be strictly physical, strictly virtual, or hybrid (a physical meeting with virtual attendance allowed). ODTC uses the Zoom platform for providing virtual attendance. Like physical attendees, virtual attendees are provided the opportunity to be recognized and to vote.

Meeting minutes may be found in the Meeting Agendas and Minutes folder in the ClubExpress Documents section available to logged in members.

Board of Directors (BOD) Meetings

Board meetings are held at least every other month (currently January, March, May, July, September, and November) in order to conduct and manage routine club business. Board meetings are open to all club members in good standing with the club except when the board moves to meet temporarily in ‘Executive Session’. Club members may request to address the board on specific issues, but may not freely participate in general board discussions. Club members may not vote on issues before the BOD. A quorum of the BOD must be present for votes to be valid.

The board also 'meets' occasionally on an online Forum to discuss subjects that must be expeditiously addressed or which require more thoughtful deliberation than the time constraints of the regularly scheduled board meeting permit. Although it not common, votes may be decided on the Forum and a quorum of the BOD must participate in this discussion. When issues on voted on in this manner, minutes from this single item are published on the same Meetings page on the public website used to publish meeting times and dates.

General Membership (GM) Meetings

GM meetings are held quarterly (currently January, May, July, and November). The election of officers is held at the January meeting. Members may contact the Secretary to suggest agenda items for each general meeting. Passing votes shall be determined by the majority of the members present either in person or via active attendance in the adjacent online meeting.

When a general membership meeting is scheduled, all classes during that time period are cancelled.

Club Functions

Club Events

The dates on which events are to be held shall be pre-approved by the Club Event Coordinator (currently assigned to the office of the club Vice-President).

Events appearing in Table 1 Club Events are expected functions of the club and do not require any special approval from the appropriate training director or permission to file paperwork with sanctioning organizations.

The Club Event Coordinator (CEC) approves dates according to the following guidelines:

Events held on corresponding dates receive precedence over new events being requested,
When there are conflicting corresponding dates (due to different calendar arrangements of the sanctioning organization), the CEC shall work with the Training Director(s) to arrive at a solution,
If an event being requested conflicts with another Oriole event that is already on the same date but that does not use the same (location) resources, then the Coordinator shall ask the board to vote on whether both events may occur.

Each trial/test/tournament event must have a designated Trial Chair who must be a club member and a Trial Committee, the majority of which must be club members. Trial chairs are given a budget to adhere to in order to receive club funding for trial expenses and awards. In addition, donations towards trial expenses may be accepted from sponsors approved by the BOD. The club's insurance agent must be notified of all official club events so that these activities are properly covered.

<<NEED A BUTTON HERE FOR THE TRIAL CHAIR DETAILED POLICY>>

Each event must also have a designated Trial Secretary who may be a club member or a secretarial business engaged by the club according to a contract approved by the BOD. The Trial Secretary is responsible for accepting and documenting all payments and discounts, and well as providing for and documenting refunds.

<<NEED A BUTTON HERE FOR THE TRIAL SECRETARY DETAILED POLICY>>

Many of the club functions listed in Table 1 Club Events traditionally either encourage or require participation from club members in order for these events to proceed. In those cases where participation is required, the Training Director overseeing that activity in the club has the ability to restrict class registration to those members who meet the participation requirements. Changes to participation requirements over those listed in this table must be approved by the board.

Table 1 Club Events

Function	Organization(s) Supported	Club Member Obligations
Agility Trials	AKC (January, June & December) CPE (March & June) NADAC (February, June and November) USDAA (Multiple) Corresponding dates are automatically set by the CEC	All ODTC members entered in a club trial must volunteer to help work the trial which shall additionally include either help setting up or taking down the equipment. Students in club introductory level agility classes must work at least one agility event for each semester during which they are enrolled in a class
Obedience/Rally	AKC (April, May & August) CDSP (March & August) Corresponding dates are automatically set by the CEC	Students enrolled in core obedience classes at ODTC must volunteer in one obedience-related (trial or Show-N-Go) event per year.
Flyball	NAFA (multiple months) Note: these trials are hosted by one or both of the two teams belonging to the club (No Speed Limit and Scallywags). Automatic corresponding dates do not apply.	Team members are required to work at the tournament if their team is the host and members of the other team should be prepared to assist/support. Other club members are encouraged to volunteer to help.
Tracking	AKC (November or December). Automatic corresponding dates do not apply.	All tracking students are required to work at tracking tests.
Companion	AKC CGC and Fetch Automatic corresponding dates do not apply.	Member obligations have not yet established for these events.
Scentwork/ Nosework	AKC (April) NACSW (multiple dates) Automatic corresponding dates do not apply to NACSW.	Member obligations have not yet established for these events.
Barn Hunt	BHA (multiple dates) Automatic corresponding dates do not apply.	Member obligations have not yet established for these events.
Fast/CAT	AKC (March and September) Corresponding dates are automatically set by the CEC per AKC policy	Member obligations have not yet established for these events.

Seminars

From time to time, the club conducts standalone seminars which utilize one or more independent contractors to instruct on topics supportive to the mission of the club such as specialized training in a dog sport, instructor education, or canine/human health.

These ad-hoc events must be approved through the Club Event Coordinator (CEC) and are organized by a dedicated Seminar Committee.

<<NEED A BUTTON HERE FOR THE SEMINAR COMMITTEE DETAILED POLICY>>

Membership

ODTC is a volunteer organization. All club members are expected to volunteer to work at club activities annually.

ODTC has the following categories of members:

Lifetime members are considered members in good standing without the need for payment of dues. Lifetime members do not pay registration fees for enrolling in classes. Lifetime membership is considered by the Board of Directors and recommended to the general membership where it may be awarded by vote of the general membership. Lifetime membership is restricted to members who have donated many years of distinguished service to the club.

Honorary members are not voting members of the club. Honorary membership is time limited and awarded by vote of the BOD.

Training members (TM) represent the majority of ODTC members. Training membership is awarded after a period of provisional membership and documentation of meeting volunteer requirements. Training members may vote on club issues, receive priority registration for classes, pay reduced class fess, receive the club newsletter, and if they have an email address, are included on the club announcement distribution list.

Household members are members who pay reduced annual dues as a result of living at a common address. Each member of the household must apply for training membership and go through a provisional period individually. Household members have all the same rights and privileges as training members.

Contributing members (CM) are members who volunteer a minimum of 50 hours to the club annually. CMs are generally those who instruct regularly, clean the building regularly, serve on the BOD, serve as trial secretaries, routinely steward or judge at all Show-N-Go events, or combine numerous activities such as various trial chairs, teaching some semesters, working some Show-N-Go events, etc. New contributing membership may be awarded throughout the year. Contributing membership is awarded after a member has worked at an ongoing activity for 6 months or met at least half of the required hours with the expectation that they will continue the activity throughout the year. Contributing membership is re-evaluated annually during the annual dues solicitation. Contributing members will retain their CM status for 6 months after they discontinue their CM duties. After this 6 month period has ended, their membership status will be changed to Training Member.

<<NEED A BUTTON HERE FOR THE CONTRIBUTING MEMBER INFORMATION PAGE >>

Provisional Membership is awarded upon approval of the Membership Director after receipt of a membership application that is signed by a sponsor who is a member in good standing. Most members are permitted to sponsor a maximum of 2 new members per year. BOD members and instructors are permitted to sponsor an unlimited number of new members. Sponsors are responsible for introducing the prospective member to the club and its requirements. Provisional members are required to contribute to the club through volunteering to work at club activities. The Volunteer work must be performed by the individual applying for membership; not a spouse/family member. Provisional membership will last a minimum of six months. Upon completion of the 6-month provisional period and volunteer commitment, the Membership Director will present the provisional Members name to the BOD for approval. The BOD may approve the provisional member, extend the provisional period, or deny membership. Upon approval of the BOD, provisional members will be contacted for payment of annual dues. Upon receipt of dues, the provisional member will be converted to training membership and will begin the rights and privileges of membership. New members will be announced in the club newsletter.

The membership year will run from July 1 through June 30 of the following calendar year. Membership renewal will take place annually during the spring months. In addition to annual dues, all members are required to volunteer to at least one club activity annually. Members who fail to renew in a timely manner will have a 60-day grace period in which they may remain a member in good standing. If the member fails to pay their dues in full by the end of the grace period, they will loose membership rights (voting rights, member registration fees) but will be permitted to regain membership rights without having to go through provisional membership if they pay their dues within 4 months of the due date. Members who fail to pay dues within the 4-months following the due date will be removed from the membership rolls. If they wish to renew their membership following the 4-month period, they will need to apply as a new member and go through the provisional period again before becoming a member.

Provisional members who join in the last quarter of the membership year (April, May and June) are considered paid in full for the following year. In addition, provisional members are asked to pay their dues within 30 days of acceptance, otherwise they will need to reapply.

Provisional members who volunteer in jobs that would normally qualify as hours towards Contributing Member (CM) status (i.e. housekeeping, instructors, assistant instructor, etc), will be allowed to apply those hours toward obtaining CM status once they become members. Job descriptions for CM positions may be found available in the ClubExpress Documents library in the Bylaws and Club Policies folder (SUPERCEDED BY ABOVE CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS BUTTON?)

Committees

Committees shall exist for the most efficient delegation of authority for various club functions. Committees are appointed as necessary, subject to the approval of the BOD and are designated either permanent, or 'ad-hoc' to deal with a specific issue or improvement the completion of which results in the dissolution of the ad-hoc committee.

Committee reports are assigned a designated spot on the board and general membership meeting agendas. Each committee head shall report status to a designated Board member and/or report status directly at club meetings, including BOD meetings. Oral updates at meetings are encouraged.

If a person serving on a committee feels the time spent on committee work meets the hours requirements for Contributing Member, that person can apply to the Membership Director for that membership designation.

Awards

ODTC holds an annual awards party in January each year. Award recognition will be given for all new titles earned in sports for which
ODTC offers a sanctioned trial or test (See Table 1 above in Events). In addition, ODTC provides performance awards for teams that title in multiple sports (see Table 1 for eligible sports and organizations) as well as various special awards for outstanding performance of a club member in the sport.

ODTC recognizes but does not provide additional awards for special awards or honors provided by an organization outside of ODTC.

Members may submit award applications at any time throughout the year. Award applications should be made (1) by mail, or (2) scanned and submitted via email. There is no provision provided for collecting award applications left in the building mailboxes.

Members are encouraged to submit award applications as the awards are earned to avoid failing to obtain recognition for the title at the end of the year. A specific date in December each year will be announced as the last date to submit award applications so that the awards committee has time to procure the awards for the January Awards Meeting. No awards will be given for late applications, although the awarded titles may still appear in the published summary of awards for the year.

ODTC also makes appreciation awards throughout the year at general membership meetings. Any member may nominate someone for an appreciation award using a designated form.

Award applications as well as the form for making an appreciation award nomination can be found at Member Award Forms

Communications

ODTC uses email for the majority of its routine communications with its members. Members may request announcements be made to the membership, by contacting announcements@orioledogclub.club .

It is ODTC’s policy NOT to make announcements regarding urgent homes needed for dogs in shelters where euthanasia is eminent. We will however, permit routine announcements regarding finding homes for dogs in need.

The electronic communication email list administered by ClubExpress is updated annually based on the information provided during the membership renewal period. New members are added to the list upon payment of their dues. Members who experience mid-year changes in their email address may change their profile in ClubExpress or email the webmaster at webmaster@orioledogclub.club to revise their address on the distribution list.

ODTC publishes a newsletter periodically. Members are encouraged to submit information to the newsletter. Items of interest include brags on qualifying scores on their dogs, humorous stories or jokes, stories of general interest to dog enthusiasts, recipes for treats for dogs, etc. Items should be submitted to the newsletter electronically by emailing dumbbell@orioledogclub.club . The newsletter is distributed electronically to all members who are on the email distribution list.

ODTC maintains two Internet websites:

1. www.orioledogclub.org, which houses publicly available information about the club and its events and classes, and
2. odtc.clubexpress.com , which contains information intended to be private to ODTC members only.

Websites are maintained by a webmaster appointed by the BOD. Only the webmaster is able to add information to the site, so all materials to be posted are sent to webmaster@orioledogclub.club.

In addition, both the building and event calendar are maintained on the website. In order to schedule the building for personal use, members should contact the building coordinator at building@orioledogclub.club. To have events added to the events calendar, please see the previous section "Club Events".

ODTC also maintains a Facebook page for announcements and member inquiries/input (i.e., items for sale, training advice). Other social media sites where the club has a presence are X and Instagram.

ODTC on Facebook

ODTC on X

ODTC on Instagram

Classes and Registration

ODTC Classes

ODTC holds 4 registration sessions for classes throughout the year (fall, winter, spring and summer sessions). Each registration session will have a closing date. Late registration will incur a $25 late fee in addition to the price of the class fees.

Only dogs enrolled in a specific class may participate in that class. Students may not bring additional dogs with them to participate in class. Guests are not permitted in any classes.

ODTC holds 4 class sessions annually. A catalogue of classes offered during each session will be posted to the Internet and mailed to members who do not have Internet access 5 days before registration opens. ODTC’s classes are taught at the adult level. Well behaved, mature children may enroll in classes. However, children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who remains in the building throughout the entire class period. Individuals who have written, legal authorization to supervise another’s child under the age of 16 may attend classes with the child.

Many classes have prerequisites and students may not register for classes unless they meet the prerequisites. In addition, many classes are continuation classes and are open only to students who have taken earlier sessions of the same class. However, in order to ensure room for advancement of new students, students may be limited to a certain number of times to enroll in a specific class if the class is over enrolled. For example, a student may be limited to three sessions of Level I agility if the class is over enrolled to allow new students an opportunity to advance.

Entry level classes in obedience and agility are open to registration on an ongoing basis. Entry level students will use hard copy registration forms and may contact the entry level class registrars with any questions they may have regarding the entry level programs. Students registering for higher level classes and electives are encouraged to use the online registration system, Count Me In, to register for class. However, hard copy registration forms will be accepted by the registrar when received during the registration period.

It is ODTCs policy to reward contributing members with priority class selection during registration periods as well as a reduction in class fees. Contributing members may enroll for classes 4 days in advance of other ODTC members and 8 days in advance of the general public. Likewise, ODTC members have priority over the general public in class selection by having registration open to members 4 days in advance of the general public. However, contributing members and training members who do not take advantage of their early enrollment period, will not receive priority over others once registration is open to the general public. Registration dates will be clearly announced on the website and through announcements sent through the email distribution list.

In order to monitor and aid in class registrations, Training Directors will be listed as the 'Event Coordinator' in the Club Express system for each class in their discipline, with the understanding that only the registrar is allowed to make changes to class registrations.

Each registration period will have a closing date. Registrations may be accepted following the closing date if there is room in the class. However, registrations received after the closing date will be assessed a $25 late fee, regardless of membership status. Students attempting to register for a class that is full may transfer to another class once they learn they will not be able to enroll in their selected class without paying the late fee.

The registrar will maintain a wait list for those who wish to register for a class that is full.

It is not ODTCs policy to make refunds for class registrations after the second night of classes. Students who find the class is not what they expected should contact the registrar for a refund immediately after the first or second class ends. Unexpected longterm illness or injury of a student may be grounds for a partial refund on a pro-rated basis. Students experiencing long-term illness or injury necessitating them dropping a class should contact their instructor to discuss the possibility of refund.

All changes to enrollment should be referred to the Registrar.

All ODTC classes are instructed by volunteer teachers. Members wishing to instruct or assist in instructing a class, should contact the respective training director for that discipline.

At the start of each semester, the Registrars email each instructor a spreadsheet containing information on class attendees as well as general club policies to explain on the first session of class. For convenience, instructors may print and store this information on clipboards hanging in the clipboard cabinet to the right of the entrance to the sportsfield. Instructors having students in the class who are not listed on the enrollment spreadsheet should contact the Registrars to confirm the student is appropriately registered for the class.

Class Cancellations

ODTC will make an effort to ensure that students receive the number of classes advertised in the course catalogue. However, it may be necessary to cancel classes at times due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather. ODTC classes will be cancelled when Baltimore County schools are closed for the day due to inclement weather or if they have an early dismissal due to snow, sleet, high winds, etc. (not heat).

Cancellations are posted on the public home page www.orioledogclub.org

If an instructor believes that the schools have been over cautious in closing and wishes to hold classes, they may discuss this with the respective training director and if they agree to hold class, contact the students to advise them. Instructors will attempt to schedule make up sessions for any classes cancelled, keeping in mind that if there are a large number of cancellations, rescheduling may not be possible before the start of the next session. ODTC does not have a heat cancellation policy. Instructors who believe that the heat is so excessive as to create an unsafe situation, may cancel class by contacting their respective students.

Private Lessons

Private lessons may only be provided by persons specifically authorized to do so by the BOD and appropriate Training Director. Persons wishing to take privates must register to do so at the beginning of the class semester. Consult the Class Catalog for more information.

Contracted Classes

ODTC provides a limited number of hours a week that may be rented by an outside contractor for the purpose of conducting training classes. Outside contractors are responsible for their own class registration and policies, subject to their contract with ODTC.

When a contracted classes is on-going, ODTC members may use other areas and equipment in the building not specifically included in the contract at ODTC. Oriole members are not entitled to audit a contracted class.

Building Usage

The primary usage of the club building at 9 Azar Court in Halethorpe MD is for club member use for classes, as well as events involving both members and non-members such as trials, tests, tournaments, seminars, and run-throughs. All class and event attendees are expected to treat the property and equipment used for events or individual practice with respect and care.

A secondary usage of the club building is practice time for contributing members on an occasional basis on an as-available basis as explained in the Building Reservation Policy

Contributing members must work with the building scheduler to reserve this private training time. The building scheduler may be contacted at building@orioledogclub.club

Rules of Conduct that apply to ALL USAGES of the building (class, seminars, privates, personal use, trials, etc) are posted here: House Rules

ODTC Members of all types are our club's first line of response involving issues with the building. Consult here for the best way to report problems: Reporting Building Problems

Sportfield Cleanliness

There is a $10 fee for a dog fouling the turf area. Instrutctions for payment and recording of the incident are on the cleanup boxes located at either end of the sportsfield.

Frequent pee'ers may be required to wear diapers or belly bands by the class instructors.

Equipment

Members are NOT permitted to remove equipment from the building for their personal use without the permission of the Board of Directors or the Training Director responsible for the equipment. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary actions.

Much of the club's obedience and agility equipment now has dedicated storage locations. When using equipment outside of scheduled class time, make sure you follow the principle of "Put it Back Where You Found It"

Quiet Hours

ODTC remains in constant jeopardy of losing our lease due to the noise produced by barking dogs. The club officers are regularly called on the carpet before the building management and owners for complaints submitted by adjacent businesses about continuous barking that has occurred during daytime working hours.

Official quiet hours are weekdays, 7:30 am through 5 pm. During those times, barking dogs may not be left unattended in cars in the parking lot and may not be crated anywhere in the building except the back wall of the building where their barking is unlikely to be heard. If a particular dog is unable to work quietly anywhere in the building (including the sportsfield) during quiet hours, then that dog may not be trained in the building during those times.

Guests

Non-members may use the club facilities to train as a guest ONLY if they are accompanied by a keycode holding contributing member AND they sign a statement of responsibility/waiver form AND pay a guest fee of $25. Completed waiver forms and guest fees should be deposited in an envelope in the lock box mounted on the wall in the office behind the door. Guests accompanying an enrolled class member may attend only with the consent of the instructor. The waiver may be found here: Guest Waiver

Keycode Holders

The ODTC building is open to members and non-members enrolled in classes during class times. At other times, it will be necessary to use a keycode to enter the building. Keycodes to the building are issued to contributing members on a need to have access basis. This includes instructors, cleaning crews, committee chairpersons, etc. whose job involves opening or closing the building, or maintaining a resource stored in the building.

Members in general are not issued keycodes to the building and are not permitted to use the building during non-class hours unless they are with a keycode holding contributing member.

Keycode requests should be emailed to the Club President president@orioledogclub.club or to the Membership Secretary membership@orioleclub.club.

We particularly rely on keycode holders to report building problems. Consult here for the best way to report problems: Reporting Building Problems

Operating Procedures

Keycode holders are responsible for following all operating procedures policies related to building opening/closing and temperature control, and in addition should ensure guest policies and quiet hour restrictions are followed in the off-hours.

Failure to do so may result in disciplinary actions and/or loss of keycode privileges. Building opening/closing procedures may be found here: Building Opening/Closing

Building temperature are set on an automated schedule that accommodates more normal usage on weekdays and weekends. If a keyholder finds it necessary to alter the temperature, instructions are for doing so are here: Building Temperature Control

Building Rentals

Persons or organizations wishing to rent the building for exclusive use for an event or partial use of the building for designated activity may enter into a contracted agreement with ODTC. See Rental Information for more information.

Incidents

Dog Aggression

ODTC classes are intended for dogs that are reasonably well socialized and not aggressive toward other dogs or humans. Owners/handlers are responsible for their dogs’ behavior at all times and must assure that their dog is under control and does not approach or interfere with other students’ dogs.

Instructors identifying any aggressive or unruly dogs may excuse the dogs from class. A prorated refund of class fees will be issued. Instructors should keep in mind their safety as well as the safety of students and their dogs in making the decision. Training directors are available and interested in assisting instructors in making decisions on potentially aggressive behavior. Instructors dismissing a dog for aggression should recommend the student see their veterinarian for referral to a behaviorist and encourage the handler to consider ODTC in the future once the behavior problem is resolved.

Examples of aggressive acts that are potentially harmful or dangerous include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Growling, snarling or snapping at other dogs or humans including the instructor.
- Exhibiting intimidating behaviors toward other dogs or humans including the instructor.
- Charging or running down another dog.
- Attacking and/or biting another dog or human including the instructor.

If an incident occurs despite these precautions:

1. The dog that involved the biting must be removed from the premises,

2. Ask the owner for proof of rabies vaccination or titer,

3. Collect witness statements and write an incident report :

2025 ODTC Incident Report.docx or
2025 ODTC Incident Report.pdf or
2025 ODTC Incident Report (fillable pdf).pdf

Although anyone can file an incident report, if an incident occurs during a class, it is the instructor’s responsibility to report the aggressive incident and/or injury to a dog or human. It is recommended that the club president and appropriate Training Director be notified immediately that an Incident Report is being prepared. See the Club Contacts page for contact information.  The Incident Report must be submitted within 3 days of the incident.

When completed, the form should be submitted to the Club President at president@orioledogclub.club . If there any photos or videos of the incident, these should be emailed to the President as well.  The President will make the form and all materials available to the BOD for consideration.

If the incident occurs during a trial, the normal procedures for aggressive/misconduct for the sanctioning organization must be followed. A copy of the findings of trial's misconduct hearing should be attached to the Oriole Incident report.

Services to the Community

It is part of ODTC’s mission to provide services to the community. As such, ODTC makes donations to charitable organizations annually. Members are encouraged to nominate their favorite dog-related charitable organization. However, breed specific organizations will not be accepted for nomination. All nominees will be compiled and presented to the membership for a vote at the annual meeting in January. The budget for donations for the year will be divided among the top 6 vote getters in proportion to their share of the total votes made.

In addition, ODTC may conduct local demonstrations or rent space for a booth at an event to promote dog sports and training.. In the event a demonstration includes charging the public for trainer assisted run-throughs, the demonstration must have a designated chairperson and the club's insurance agent must be notified this is an official club events so that this activity is properly covered.

Funds

If at any time a member receives payment for services rendered by the club and loses such payment (check or cash), the Treasurer will advise the Board so that a decision can be made regarding further action.
Any member who wishes to use the club’s debit card for a specific purpose must obtain approval from the Board.

Human and Dog Health

COVID-19

ODTC complies with all government advisories concerning human health, particularly with concern to pandemics.

COVID-19 Mitigation Policy

Rabies

Proof of rabies registration is required for all dogs participating in ODTC Classes.

Collars

Electronic collars are not allowed in ODTC’s facilities or at any event sponsored by Oriole DTC.

Bitches in Season

No Bitches in Season (BIS) are allowed in the following classes: Puppy, Basic Obedience, and Advanced Basic/CGC and Trick Dog Drills. Otherwise BIS are allowed in classes or trials (when permitted by the sanctioning organization) providing:

a) they are covered (i.e. wearing 'panties');
b) the owner maintains 'social distance' from other dogs.

Instructors may refuse entry of a bitch in season to class if in their opinion she is causing a disturbance. Instructor(s) will make the final decision.

Kennel Cough

Dogs diagnosed with kennel cough may not attend ODTC classes and events for a period of 14 days from when the initial cough was detected. For multi-dog households: asymptomatic dogs residing in the same household are also prohibited from attending until the original dog has cleared its 14 day isolation period.

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza is a serious, novel pathogen that is spread through respiratory secretions and contaminated objects (crate floors/walls, food/water bowls, leashes/clothing). Dogs diagnosed with canine influenza may not attend ODTC classes and events for a period of 20 days from when the dog is diagnosed. For multi-dog households: asymptomatic dogs residing in the same household are also prohibited from attending until the original dog has cleared its 20 day isolation period. Persons who own or have come into contact with a dog with canine influenza may not enter the building for at least 24 hours following exposure.

If a dog is diagnosed with canine influenza and has been crated in the building 48 hours prior, the Club President must be immediately notified at president@orioledogclub.club so that crates in that area can be disinfected in an attempt to stop any further spread.

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