TCASWA Practice Rules
1. The practice schedule is posted on this website and time slots are assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis.
2. A Site Manager will be present at all times. No club practices may be performed otherwise.
3. Only club members are allowed because of insurance restrictions.
4. The welfare of the dogs and the livestock is paramount. Contact the Site Manager immediately if there are any problems.
5. Practice sessions are 2 hours in length for either sheep or cattle and more than one session may be reserved at each date to either work different stock or to receive extra practice time.
6. There is no limit on the number of dogs worked during these time periods.
7. The Site Manager will resolve any questions on availability of particular stock or work areas.
8. Members are expected to be flexible on stock, exact start/stop times, practice areas, etc. and to work out conflicts amiably.
9. Those starting dogs for the first time must inform the Site Manager so that he/she can ensure that excessive pressure or damage is not applied to the stock.
10. All members will be required to sign a general release before each session. However, the release applies to all practice sessions part, future and present.
11. Because of possible rapid changes in weather and vegetation, no guarantees on the state of the practice area can be given. Every effort will be made to inform interested members on field conditions as of the previous practice.
12. High ground temperatures, burrs and sticky weeds are frequently present, and members should take care to protect/monitor/treat their dogs feet.
13. Cattle availability is subject to change.
14. Report any particularly difficult or dangerous cows to the Site Manager. We generally rent extra cows for trials so that difficult and/or dangerous cows will be isolated.
15. When a new group of cows arrive, only Advanced Handlers and dogs will work the cattle for the first two weeks to carefully dog break them.
16. Pay for each session by cash or check (preferred) immediately before or after the practice session.
17. Reserved sheep sessions may be cancelled at any time without penalty within 24 hours of the day of the practice. After that, members are required to pay for their sessions whether or not they use them to compensate for the rental of stock for their use.
18. Often for cattle, members will have to sign up and pay for at least two sessions per month for several months to defray for the cost of the feed. Terms and conditions vary and will be announced when set.
19. Stock are to be regularly rotated and/or rested. See the Site Manager for assistance or notify him/her when stock are rotated by a member.
20. Clean up after your dog immediately! See Site Manager if you need bags.