This Code of Conduct exists to protect dog welfare, ensure safety, and uphold the values of education, respect, and community across all Canicross South Africa activities, events, hubs, and training sessions.
All participants, handlers, instructors, and volunteers are required to adhere to the following.
Dogs must be fully matured before participating, typically between 12–18 months of age. If unsure, please consult your veterinarian.
Dogs must be in good health and physically capable of participating.
Annual vaccinations must be up to date.
Any medical, behavioural, or welfare concerns must be disclosed to the instructor before participation.
Canicross South Africa reserves the right to refuse or withdraw participation if we believe involvement may be detrimental to the welfare of the dog or handler.
In such cases, this decision is final, and any sessions not yet completed in full will be refunded.
All training must follow the Canicross South Africa approved Canicross structure.
Training methods must always be based on positive reinforcement.
Participants must follow instructor guidance at all times regarding pacing, progression, spacing, and session structure.
Failure to follow instructor instructions may result in removal from a session for safety or welfare reasons.
Only appropriate Canicross equipment may be used, including a well-fitted Canicross harness, bungee line, and suitable waist belt.
Equipment must be correctly fitted and in good condition.
Aversive equipment such as choke chains, prong collars, or slip leads are not permitted during Canicross activities.
All dogs must be signed up to events in advance.
Dogs are not permitted to attend any Canicross South Africa event unless all required information has been supplied in full and the dog has been approved prior to attendance.
This includes health, vaccination, and behavioural information as requested during registration.
Dogs must be transported to and from events in suitable, safe, and well-ventilated transport, providing appropriate shelter from heat, cold, drafts, and fumes.
Please arrive on time.
Dogs must remain in the car until advised otherwise by the instructor.
Dogs must remain on lead at all times.
Handlers are responsible for maintaining control of their dog at all times.
No dog may approach any other dog at any point.
Dogs must be kept a minimum of two leash lengths apart from all other dogs at all times, including during breaks.
At rest stops or breaks, dogs must remain under control with spacing maintained.
Please inform the instructor beforehand if your dog is reactive toward people or other dogs, or if your bitch is possibly in heat.
Do not feed your dog 1–2 hours before a session to reduce the risk of bloat.
After exercise, offer water gradually, not all at once.
Allow your dog adequate time to cool down before returning them to the car.
Follow all safety briefings and instructions.
Treat fellow participants, instructors, landowners, members of the public, and wildlife with respect.
Harassment, intimidation, or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.
Please clean up after your dog and dispose of waste responsibly.
Respect trails, parks, and natural environments at all times.
If you are 15–69 years old, a physical activity readiness questionnaire will help determine whether you should consult your doctor before participating.
If you are over 69 and not regularly active, please consult your doctor before starting Canicross.
Our Commitment
Canicross South Africa is committed to providing safe, educational, and supportive environments where dogs enjoy a good quality of life through structured activity, correct equipment, socialisation, and meaningful time spent with their people.
By attending any Canicross South Africa activity, you acknowledge and agree to comply with this Code of Conduct
