- Obey local Laws. We need to be seen to be doing the right thing. Only then will dogs be allowed more places.
- Obey Race Directors. They need to see us doing the right thing. Only then will dogs be allowed into more events.
- You should run with your dog on a lead, except in designated dog off-leash areas. This is important for many reasons.
- Your dog’s safety is greater if it is under your control or in an area set aside for dog activities.
- If your dog is a nuisance you lower the opinion people have of all dog owners.
- Your liability for accidents or incidents that may happen is increased if you allow your dog out of your control.
- Work to your dog’s capacity. Running with your dog is not when you set a best time for that hilly ten kilometre loop. It’s when you bond with a furry friend and spend some quality time together.
- Pick up after your dog. No-one can claim to enjoy this task but it’s a fact of life. Dogs need to relieve their bowels, and often the need occurs during a run. Droppings attract flies and make a mess of paths and parks. Everyone will notice if you pick up or you don’t.
- Work to avoid confrontation: dog to dog, dog to people, dog to other creatures. If you see trouble coming up, try to deflect it, defuse the situation, and dodge problems before they arise.
- If you’re in doubt about your dog’s wellbeing, stop running. In hot weather particularly, dogs can get distressed and dangerously unwell before we are even feeling uncomfortable ourselves. Don’t judge your dog by how well you feel, try and observe how well your dog feels.