CRADP Professional Best Practices
Trail & Park Etiquette
- Be polite and respectful of all park users
- Be respectful of the natural environment and minimize impact
- Follow all park rules and guidelines including on leash and off leash areas
- Leash and control dogs at entry and exit points (ie, CRD requires leashing within 100m of parking areas)
- Stay on designated trails
- Give right away to others on path (hikers, bikers, horses)
- Do not allow dogs to approach others
- Don’t allow dogs to chase wildlife
- Pick up pet waste
- Minimize barking
- Do not trespass on private property
Business Practices
- Current business license
- All client dogs licensed in their municipality
- Minimum of $2,000,000 liability insurance
- All business and / or commercial permits up to date for the relevant region (ie, CRD Commercial Dog Walking Permit if using CRD Parks)
Safety Practices
- Pet first aid training by all dog handlers
- Adequate safety ensured in transportation with relevant business use vehicle insurance
- All dog handlers possess appropriate professional dog handling skills
- No dogs with Dangerous Dog Designation
- Identify dogs that do not have reliable recall and ensure they are leashed
- Have leashes for all dogs while in parks and on trails
- Have and use muzzles as needed
- Lost or missing dog plan
Professionalism
- Always be polite and friendly with the public and with other dog professionals
- Remain respectful at all times when encountering conflict
- Ensure recall with and without distraction for each dog
- Treat every dog as if it was your own
- Never take more than you can handle