Summer PlayGroup Rules
(Please read carefully, and copy - Playgroup is expected to begin in JUNE) 

The following are the rules for the Greyhound Summer PlayGroup - it is important that these rules be adhered to.  These rules are not onerous, but have been established to safeguard the health and safety of all participants, four-legged and two-legged.  It has been demonstrated that deviation from these rules has caused problems to greyhounds and adoptive parents alike.

The rules are not in place to decrease the enjoyment you experience when going out with your greyhound, they are simply guides to ensuring that no dogs (or owners) suffer any unpleasant experiences, and that everyone benefits. We understand that some owners may not be as aware of rules like these, but we ask that you read these rules and follow them diligently as you would guidance for a T-Loop digital hearing aid or safety warnings at the pool.

In the following rules, “parents” mean “greyhound adoptive parents”.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

1. All participants must sign the Hold Harmless form (enclosed) before they are allowed to participate.  A payment of $5.00 for the season (maintenance of a medical kit) must also be received in advance.
   
2. Muzzles are to be worn at all times when a greyhound is on the PlayGroup field.  Greyhounds don’t have to be running to be competitive - attempting to establish hierarchy can also create an opportunity for injury, especially if not muzzled.
   
3. Each greyhound must always be under the control of their parent(s) at all times.  Allowing greyhounds to run off lead does not negate that responsibility in any way.  Parents are responsible for ensuring that unacceptable behaviour is corrected as quickly as possible.
   
4. Parents are expected to meander around the field as the greyhounds move around during play.  This is to ensure that parents are in close proximity to the greyhounds wherever they are on the field and parents can appropriately supervise the hounds during “play time”.  This allows for quick intervention if problems arise.
   
5. All parents are expected to correct unacceptable behaviour of any greyhound even if the adoptive parent is not in the immediate vicinity.   Unacceptable behaviour can lead to severe problems and must be stopped immediately.  
   
6. If and when two or more greyhounds become excitable and/or unruly, “parents” are expected to IMMEDIATELY intervene, separate and exercise full control of the hounds.  
   
7. The baseball field must be left as clean or cleaner than it was found. Please ensure that all solid (and not so solid) waste matter is promptly and appropriately retrieved, and disposed of. There are waste bins located at the field.  However, the recommended disposal method for dog waste is flushing it in your toilet.  
   
8. As a general rule, not more that ten greyhounds are to be running off lead at any time, but this is the decision of the organizer.  Adoptive parents must exercise appropriate discretion at all times, and relaxation of that rule is allowed only if the hounds are exercising their best behaviour.  That is, so long as the numbers do not excite a tendency to fighting, the greyhounds are allowed to run at their leisure.  Introducing new hounds to the other members of PlayGroup is always done cautiously because new dogs change the group dynamics and have to be watched carefully.  It is the prerogative of the PlayGroup organizer to restrict the numbers of dogs on the field at any given time for the safety of all participants.  
   
9. PlayGroup is not held if it is raining at the field.  Wet fields can cause the greyhounds to slip, causing injury.  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you are unsure.  
   
10. It is recommended that all Greyhounds be vaccinated against rabies, etc. before participating in PlayGroup.
    
11. No other breeds (including retired show greyhounds) will be allowed in on the field during PlayGroup due to the number of greyhounds running as well as the fact that greyhounds have been known to interact poorly with non-greyhounds in a ”free-running” environment. 

Note:  If a non-greyhound is given access to the PlayGroup field while greyhounds are present, PlayGroup must cease immediately and greyhounds put on lead.  This is for the safety of both the non-greyhound and the greyhounds.