Name: Explore by Paw Code of Conduct - a 'back to skool' reminder for 2024!
Start: 2024-05-06T19:00:00+01:00
End: 2024-05-06T20:00:00+01:00

Dear Fellow Dog Walker

Thank you for joining the Explore by Paw dog walking group. Walking the dogs is all about dogs and owners having a relaxed and enjoyable walk. To avoid any misunderstandings the group ‘rules’ are given below, and if you join a walk it is assumed that you have read them and agree to act accordingly.

The MeetUp website has clear guidelines about its role in the community, and we stick to these. Key points for us are

* The group is a community group of like-minded individuals.
* Explore by Paw is not insured for anything at all. So you are individually responsible for any damage or injury caused by your dog; and for any mishap befalling your dog.

You should have your dog fully under control and within sight at all times. There is a maximum of two dogs per person/pair of people.

The walk routes go over farmland. Please ensure your dog is treated for worms, ticks and fleas. Livestock can contract serious diseases from dog parasites.

ALL dogs should be on leads near livestock, horses, llamas, etc whether they are known chasers or not. Dogs behave differently in a pack, and can cause distress to farm animals especially at lambing/calving time.

In the event that a dog walker allows their dog to act in a way that is likely to cause, or actually causes, injury to other group members, livestock or other dogs they will be asked to leave the group.
**Practical dog management**

* To avoid competition between dogs, please do not bring dog toys (balls, frizbees, etc) on walks and do not throw sticks for your dog to chase.
* Extending leads are sometimes useful for a few dogs with specific behaviour needs. If you are using an extending lead, please ensure you do not inconvenience other walkers and do not let other dogs get entangled. Extending leads should be fully retracted at stiles, narrow bridges, and anywhere when other dogs are on-lead.
* When the group is stationary (in the pub, having a picnic, etc) your dog should be fully under control and close to you. Dogs must never be allowed to roam out of 'your' space.
* Treats. If you give your dog food treats, please make sure that other dogs are out of range.

**Health** if you or your dog are unwell and infectious, please do not come to the walk. If your dog is unwell after a walk, please let other group members know in case vet treatment is necessary; e.g. parvo outbreak, kennel cough, etc.

**Bitches on heat**: please don’t bring on walks until the season is well and truly over.

**Other dogs and people**

When the group meets other dogs, please keep your dog under control. A pack of dogs can be very threatening to a dog walking solo, and its owner too. Same applies for small children, let’s not be the ones who give a child a lifelong terror of dogs!

**Stiles** The walks are created to avoid stiles as far as possible, but occasionally big dogs may need to be lifted over.

**Dogs under 12 months** may not join walks until they are over 12 months. If in doubt about this, please ask your vet.

**Swimming** we try and get a dog swimming place into the walks but cannot guarantee that the water is always danger-free. Floodwater, poisonous algae and other waterborne hazards are beyond our control.

**Walk distance and pace**. Each walk has a start and finish time. We start punctually at the time stated and do not wait for latecomers. We always aim to finish by the time stated.

In pubs after the walk dogs must not be allowed on seats, and should be kept under control and away from other patrons. Dogs must not be allowed to lick plates or other items intended for human use.

**There is a small charge of £2 per wal**k. This is used to maintain the group, develop new routes and to support our chosen charities. The main charity is the Cinammon Trust, and we also run activities to support local rescue centres.

Children: due to the potential danger to children from a large group of dogs, people under the age of 15 may not join Explore by Paw dog walks. Exceptions to this include people training for the KC Young Handler categories, and outdoorsy kids who enjoy walking and socialising with adults.

Inactive new members are automatically removed by Meetup if they haven't come on a walk within three months of joining. If this happens, it's not personal and you're very welcome to re-join.

Each walk is Risk Assessed for its suitability to our activity. The walk leader will try to point out any areas that s/he considers may be a danger or where extra care should be taken. However neither Meetup nor the walk leader takes any responsibility for any accident or injury that may occur on one of our walks. Each and every walker is responsible for his/her actions and that of their dog.

If you disagree with any points in the Code of Conduct, please don't join the group as these are not negotiable.

Lezli Rees

November 2016

Explore by Paw in South Warks and Worcs

Pets & Animals

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Walking

Off-Leash Dog Recreation

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Dog Walks

Nature Walks with Dogs

Explore by Paw Code of Conduct - a 'back to skool' reminder for 2024!

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Explore by Paw Code of Conduct - a 'back to skool' reminder for 2024!

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