Code of Ethics / Standards of Conduct

The Bird Dog Society is dedicated to developing community, promoting sportsmanship and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for activities that meet its mission. These activities include but are not limited to education, webinars, resources, and activities for bird dogs and their owners, as well as interacting with chapters and their members. We believe that the opportunity to participate in the Bird Dog Society and its related events is a privilege, which is accompanied by the responsibility to act with dignity, integrity, and respect at all times. All Bird Dog Society Ambassadors, members, guests, speakers, participants, and associates are expected to observe and support civility, ethical conduct, maturity, and integrity in their interactions with all fellow members and the general public, and to support and promote the rules and standards of the Bird Dog Society. Finally, these same, high standards of behavior apply not only to members’ interactions with people, but with all animals including dogs and game. Conduct expectations include, but are not limited to, the below and each Ambassador, chapter representative, participant, and member agrees to abide by this Code of Ethics/Standard of Conduct as detailed herein:

WHEREAS, The Code of Ethics/Standards of Conduct are necessary to protect the Bird Dog Society , our members’ safety, our dogs, and the reputation of hunters and dog owners in general.

WHEREAS, Becoming an Ambassador, Chapter Representative, and/or member of the Bird Dog Society signifies your agreement with this Code of Ethics and confirms your responsibility to adhere to the Code as a member in good standing.

1. Personal Conduct

  • All Bird Dog Society (BDS) members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which brings respect to BDS and the birddog community generally by displaying good sportsmanship, civility, integrity and responsibility for their dogs and themselves always.
  • BDS maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards intimidation or harassment of/by any club member, guest, visitor, speaker, participant. Unsportsmanlike conduct or abusive behavior is subject to review by BDS governing bodies.
  • All BDS owned equipment and/or property must be treated with care and respect.
  • All BDS leased or loaned equipment and/or property must be treated with care and respect.
  • Ambassadors and Chapter Representatives have a duty to both their dogs and to others to make Chapter events productive and welcoming for BDS members and guests

2. Treatment of Dogs

  • All members must consider the health and welfare of dogs under their care of utmost importance. This includes providing adequate food, water, shelter, exercise, mental stimulation, and medical care.
  • Abuse of any dog by any member, owner, handler, trainer or visitor will not be tolerated under any circumstance.

3. BDS Primary Purpose

  • The BDS primary mission is to create and enhance resources for the physical and mental well-being of bird dogs and facilitate a more rewarding experience for bird dog owners by way of education, outreach, and public resources.

4. Alcohol Policy

  • Consumption of alcohol or drugs during BDS and chapter events may void insurance coverage for certain events and as such may be prohibited.

5. Social Media Policy

  • Social Media presence, including posts and photos on social media should always promote BDS primary purpose, be in line with BDS Code of Conduct/Ethics, support unity and illustrate our respect for the bird dog community. Inappropriate use of social media or the Chapter member contact list for purposes other than promoting the best interests of BDS shall be grounds for immediate termination of membership and/or BDS position.

6. Business Interactions

  • BDS Ambassadors/Chapter representatives, will become familiar with the primary purpose of BDS, the business operations of BDS, and the intellectual property owned by BDS, and will conduct BDS business as a representative of BDS without permitting personal interest to conflict, or appear to conflict with BDS business, and will adhere to a high level of integrity in relation to BDS business interactions, maintaining a level of confidentiality of any confidential information.

7. Violations

  • Any Ambassador/Chapter representative, or member may report and give evidence to the Board of Directors, to either support or refute any occurrence, behavior or offence committed by any member that breaches this Code of Ethics. Most occurrences can be corrected through open discussion or friendly reminders. Expulsion should only be considered if an offense is serious and chronic or when the offender is unapologetic or abusive.

8. Duty of Disclosure

  • Applicants for Chapter representative/Ambassador positions have a duty of disclosure in the application process. Participation may be evaluated or denied if persons have a record of cruelty towards animals, violent behavior, criminal record, or are found to be under suspension, with good causes, by another sanctioned club or association related to the breeding, or testing of dogs.