Yappy Pack Rules & Guidelines

IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION

  • While not required, we strongly recommend following our Facebook page or joining our GroupMe for important updates, including weather-related cancellations and other Yappy Pack announcements

ADULTS AND DOGS ONLY

  • Effective immediately, children under 12 years of age are not permitted at playgroup

    • This policy ensures the safety of all participants and maintains focus on positive dog socialization

    • Questions about this policy should be directed to volunteers at check-in or playgroup leadership

VOLUNTEER AUTHORITY

  • Volunteers reserve the right to deny entry to any dog or owner

  • Volunteers may ask any dog and owner to leave at their discretion

  • All members must respect volunteer decisions regarding safety and conduct

GENERAL SAFETY

  • Stay with your dog at all times

  • Keep your dog on leash when arriving and departing

  • Manage only the number of dogs you can effectively control

  • All dogs must be under voice control

  • Clean up after your dog immediately and completely

  • Humans should stay spread out and avoid gathering in large groups for dog safety

  • Avoid brining treats into the field as this may cause resource guarding

    • Always ask before giving someone else’s dog a treat

    • Be mindful of other dogs around you when giving your dog a treat

HEALTH & ELIGIBILITY

  • Dogs must be current on all vaccinations, including rabies and bordetella

  • Puppies must have had a minimum of two sets of puppy shots, especially parvo

  • No dogs in heat

  • Puppies must be at least 4 months old

  • Dogs should be healthy and parasite-free

BEHAVIOR & RESPONSIBILITY

  • Aggressive dogs are not permitted

  • If your dog shows aggressive or mounting behavior more than twice, please remove them

  • Owners are responsible for any injuries their dogs cause

  • If your dog injures another, provide your contact information before leaving

  • Please respect requests from other members regarding dog behavior

FIELD ETIQUETTE

  • No smoking

  • No glass containers or alcohol

  • Repair any damage your dog creates

  • Keep the area clean and free of waste

  • No digging (dogs or humans)

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • First-time visitors: Join us Thursday evenings for a calmer introduction, or arrive during the final 30 minutes of Saturday playgroup (11:00-11:30 AM) when activity naturally winds down

  • Stay Connected: Visit our homepage for schedule updates, volunteer opportunities, and more information about joining The Pack