Christchurch
Tramping Club

Hiking with Dogs

Dog Friendly Trips

In accordance with CTC Bylaws 6(d), dogs and other animals are not permitted on CTC trips by default. However, the CTC committee has approved the running of designated dog-friendly trips. These trips are governed by more comprehensive regulations than standard CTC trips.

By signing up to a dog-friendly trip, participants should read and accept the conditions outlined below.

Rules & expectations

Below states the additional rules, expectations and logistical arrangements required for dog-friendly trips. This page should be read in conjunction with the Constitution and the Bylaws of the Christchurch Tramping Club.

 

1. Trip logistical information

 

Attendance & costs

  • The maximum ratio of dogs to humans is 1:1, meaning each participant may bring no more than one dog. If a participant wishes to bring two dogs, they must be accompanied by another person.
  • A maximum of 6 dogs and 12 humans may participate in any one trip. However, the final decision on the number of dogs allowed rests with the trip leader. 
  • The trip leader may also designate a trip as a "Single Dog Trip" - a CTC trip where only the leader is permitted to bring their own dog.
    • The intention to bring a dog must be clearly stated in the trip description.
    • Details regarding the means of transporting the dog must also be included, along with any necessary adjustments to the trip cost calculation.
  • To avoid complications, children will generally not be allowed on trips (teenagers who are skilled in the outdoors & are self-sufficient walkers may be allowed by permission of the trip leader).
  • The cost of the trip is a normal trip cost calculation, however the cost for individuals may be more than it is for a non-dog trip (as it's possible there will be only 2x people in a car if they each have a dog each). 
  • Prospective members are welcome to join with the standard additional fee of $5 per trip.
  • We encourage dog owners to keep their dogs up to date with vaccinations, however the vaccination status of dogs on trips is not being checked or enforced.



Trip locations

  • Trip locations will be limited to areas that publicly advertise that dogs are explicitly allowed.
  • The DOC Pesticide summary will be reviewed before choosing trip locations, however it is up to owners to check the area is suitable for their dog.



2. Trip departure & vetting

 

  • All attendees will meet at a dog-friendly park with reasonable parking (e.g F W Delamain Park), and participants will be required to mingle. Any dogs that display antisocial behaviour at the meeting point will not be allowed to join the trip. Anti-social behaviour may include (but are not restricted to), fighting or aggressive barking/lunging. 
  • A round of introductions will take place, and each owner will be asked to share information about their dog that may be relevant for the rest of the group to know about (e.g resource guarding, allergies, obsessed with sticks, in training to not jump up…)
  • The final decision for determining if a dog’s behaviour/suitability will sit with the trip leader. The trip leader’s decision is final.

 

3. During the trip

 

  • In carparks, and during group food/drink breaks, all dogs will be required to go on lead. This avoids any issues around dogs getting into peoples and other dogs' food.
  • Landowner rules will be obeyed at all times to ensure the club does not fall into disrepute e.g. if dogs are required to be on lead, they will be on lead the whole time. 
  • If dogs are required to be under effective control, and the trip leader does not feel this is being appropriate managed, owners will be asked to put their dog back on lead for the remainder of the trip. The trip leader’s decision is final.
  • A dog lead, poo bags and water must be carried at all times by each dog owner. 
  • Dog faeces must be picked up and removed.

Emergency Management for Dogs

The participation of dogs must not compromise the safety of the people.

  • If a dog becomes injured or stuck the group may attempt to help the dog/owner provided this does not cause any safety risk to human trip attendees (i.e. dog owners will not be allowed to put themselves in danger to rescue their dog). If such situation arises, then  “New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Dogs” will be contacted to assist
  • If the dog goes missing, the group may attempt to help the owner re-locate their dog for up to 1 hour. A trip will not be delayed more than 1 hour to help search for a dog except by agreement from other trip participants (and not put anyone in danger). No searching will take place in the dark.
  • Dog owners are liable for any costs related to emergency response or healthcare needs for their own dog if an incident were to occur on a club trip (the club will not pay). The trip leader, or club will not get involved in dispute resolution between owners if a dog is injured through a dog fight, or for any other reason there may be a dispute between owners.