Training With HAHA

updated 12-12-2024

TRAINING FIELD POLICY

The Hawaiian Agility Handlers Association requires all participants and observers of its classes, workshops, agility trials, meetings, and events to comply with our Training Field Policy.

The Club’s training program is based on positive reinforcement. Our field policy is meant to remind members and guest handlers to be safety conscious and courteous to fellow members and to the general public. We are the faces of agility.

Training Sites

Location: Oahu, Hawaii ~ Training site: 3 Locations depending on the day of the week - check Classes for where you might find us.

TRAINING - Keeping Us All Safe

LAW, SAFETY & GUESTS ~ We need to abide by the state's requirements on the gathering of people, our concern to remain careful and not compromise each other's health by following the guidelines provided us, and that we remember, we are guests, at all our training sites.

FIELD POLICY AT ALL SITES Crated dogs MUST be quiet. Running dogs is another thing! We can all live with the few seconds of noise and enjoy the voice of one dog expressing his happiness. • Agility dogs should never soil their training field. Take the time needed before leaving your home to take care of his needs. • Walk your dog prior to entering the field. • Pay attention to him; name the behavior and do not forget to reward him for responding to the cue, just like you did when he was a puppy being potty trained. • Avoid post, polls, walls, trash cans, gates, etc. areas that maybe other dogs relieved themselves on. Take a walk and find a less traveled area. • Do not leave rubbish around. • Take your poop bags with you to dispose in a proper area away from the school and public areas (home is best or a dumpster). • No smoking on the properties. If you must smoke do so outside on the street, downwind from class.

GETTING AROUND SAFELY ~ For all classes, working teams need to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to class (it depends on your instructor). If you arrive earlier, depending on the training field, it might be best to wait in your car so as not to disrupt a class in session. This is also a good time to go on a walkabout. Basic obedience and tricks, throw in some sits, down, hand touches, etc. Let them sniff and relieve themselves. (clean up after your dog - avoid marking gates, poles, trashcans & walls). Take your poop bag with you - you don't want to smell up public trash cans. • Working teams must exit off the property after they are done with class, so the next class can come on the property. • All crating should be placed with ample space to the neighboring crate. You want to easily removed your dog and not disturb the crates near you. How much space? It depends on your dog and your neighbor's dog(s). When setting up ask your neighbor if the allotted space is good. It all depends on your dog and their dog. Be a good handler and neighbor, it's a win win!

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ~ You & Your Dog

DOG'S HEALTH • Dogs should be in good health (no heart, sight, joint conditions, etc.). • It is highly recommended that all dogs (and handlers) undergo annual physical exams and their veterinarian is aware the dog is participating in agility classes. Agility is a physically and mentally demanding sport. • At registration handlers must give registration a copy of their paperwork showing their dog is current on vaccinations for Distemper, Parvovirus. Hepatitis and Bordetella are REQUIRED. Leptospirosis is recommended. The records will be kept with the registration form. It will be the responsibility of the dog's handler/owner to keep track of their dog's shot records and at each registration must present a copy of shot records. • Monthly treatment for fleas and ticks is required. • Dogs less than 15 months may have jump height restrictions until their growth plates have closed.

CLOTHING & GEAR • While training it is suggested that you wear athletic clothing. • Closed-toe footwear is required. Foortwear with traction is highly recommended. • The following are suggestions and not requirements: Having rain gear and a tarp in your car "just in case" is also nice. • A stool or chair comes in handy. • Water to keep you hydrated. • Sunscreen and a hat to protect you from our tropical sun. Sunglasses to protect your eyes, however, when handling your dog you might consider not wearing your sunglasses so that your dog may see your eyes.

DOG'S BEHAVIOR, THEIR GEAR & NEEDS • Dogs must be under direct control of their handlers. Buckle collars or harnesses are acceptable. Choke, prong, head halters or shock collars are not allowed on the agility field. Fake shock collars are not allowed. • All dogs should be on a 6’ to 8’ leash, unless working in an exercise. No flexi-leashes permitted.• Each dog must demonstrate attention to its handler, should be able to walk next to its handler on and off leash (unless in a puppy level class), should not run away from its handler and should be able to pass an evaluation test at time of registration. • All dogs in the agility program must be non-aggressive to other dogs and/or people. Dogs that charge other dogs or people shall be returned to their crates immediately.• When not under the direct control of their handlers, for example, when the field is being set up or taken down, all dogs shall be contained in covered ex-pens or crates off the field. Dogs shall not be staked or left in a “sit-stay” or “down-stay” position, nor shall they accompany the handler on a leash at set up and take down time. Dogs may be outside of a crate only if on leash which is secured to the handler. • Handlers must bring a water dish, water, toys, and food treats for their dogs. • Handlers shall not permit their dog to perform on unfamiliar equipment unless supervised by the instruction staff.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DOG • Cookies for your dog! Cookies are treats, training treats and dogs love them. Cookies are a variety of good stuff that your dog likes. The more he likes it the higher its worth, or "value". Here's what you do; surprise your dog with something super special like a piece of chicken or something new that you think he might like. Not sure what to bring? Your instructor can help you with this but come to the first class with a few goodies. • Just as important as cookies are toys, training toys; tug toy, ball, empty water bottle, bait bag etc. Whatever turns him on! Squeaky toys aren't the best toys and if that's all that currently works bring that to class. Have your instructor talk to you about teaching your dog to play and tug. • A shade cloth covering his crate is nice. • Bring a well rested and hungry dog to class! • Of course don't forget to bring their crate, water bowl, water, leash and have them wear a buckle collar (no choke/training collars allowed in the sport of agility).

PERMITS AND USE OF THE SITE
TRAINING FIELD
SHARING THE FIELD WITH OTHERS
GOOD NEIGHBORS
NO SMOKING POLICY
PARKING & BATHROOMS

• We have permits for the various fields (Enchanted Lade Elementary School & Aiea District Park) and an agreement with Salt Lake Elementary School only on specified dates and times listed on our training schedule. Please don’t enter or use any field at other times without permission of the Club. Having permits is valuable and we don't want to lose these privileges.
• At Salt Lake Elementary School our access is limited to the field adjacent to Ala Lilikoi Place. Please do not walk your pets on other areas of the school campus, including the restroom facilities. There are public restrooms available at the adjacent district park.
• The fields we use are play areas used by school children. Please be respectful by keeping the area free of debris (droppings, fur/hair, broken dog toys, food, plastic bags, etc.) and clean up after your dog. Avoid throwing these items in school trash cans— take them with you to dispose of off-campus. Also refrain from letting your dogs relieve themselves next to or against buildings, equipment, walkways, walls, gates, etc. ~ Our behavior might be the difference between someone loving dogs or disliking them.
• We want to be good neighbors and not disturb surrounding residents. Please be attentive to your dog’s needs and don’t let your dog bark excessively or for prolonged periods. Dogs are to be securely contained in ex-pens or crates, where they can safely relax. Dogs may not be tied to the fence or staked.
Smoking prohibited; (a) All public schools within the State, from kindergarten through grade twelve, shall prohibit the use of tobacco at public schools or at public school functions as well as parks. ~ Prohibition of smoking in certain places. Except as otherwise provided herein, smoking shall be prohibited in the following places within the City and County of Honolulu: (m) All public parks, recreation areas and facilities under the maintenance of the department of parks and recreation and the department of enterprise services...
• ENCHANTED LAKE site: Bathrooms and a fair amount of parking are available at the site. Overflow parking available on the street. • AIEA DISTRICT PARK: On street parking and public restrooms available. • SALT LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: On street parking is available. Make sure you park 5' from driveways so homeowners can easily get in and out and love us. There are bathroom facilities (ask).

REGISTRATION

Preparing to register for classes.

The Facts

KNOWING THE RULES

Rules, huh? Yup, there is a right way and a not so right way to behave on an agility field.

Mind your P's & Q's