The following rules apply to all child handlers:

a. No child under the age of 12 years old can be registered as a member of this club

b. No child is to handle a dog until the dog has been promoted from Class 1B, with the exception of Puppy Class where, with the approval of the Chief/Deputy Chief instructor, the child may with the assistance of a   parent participate in the class instruction, whatever their age.

c. One of the child's parents must be responsible for handling the dog in orientation and throughout the time the dog is in Class 1A and 1B.

d. Instructors of Class 1A, 1B, puppy and orientation classes need to ask if any members have a child over the age of 11years who intends to train from Class 1C onwards. (The child can then remain in close proximity to the parent in order to observe and listen to the club's training methods.)

e. When the dog is the promoted from Class 1B the child will be assessed by two instructors as outlined in the following policy:

Extract from NST & ODC Domestic Rules:  Children Training Dogs

6.1  The minimum age for child handlers training dogs is 16 years of age, however children between the age of 12 and 16 years may handle a dog in class provided both the child and dog have been assessed as proficient by two obedience instructors, one of whom must be a senior instructor and the following criteria is adhered.

6.1a The parents have agreed to the train the dog in Class 1A and 1B prior to the child being assessed.

6.1b The child may begin training their dog in Class 1C once he/she has been assessed as proficient to do so.

6.1c The child will be issued with a proficiency badge when he/she is are deemed capable of training his/her dog.

6.1d   Children may not attend class with out a parent present.

6.1e A parent must always stay within the close vicinity of his/her child during all training sessions.