08/28/2026
Rules for NC Urban Mushing meetups and events:
We pride ourselves on being a reactive-dog friendly group, and we want every handler and pup to feel safe, supported, and welcome. In order to keep our meetups fun and safe for everyone as the club continues to grow, please review our official event rules:
1. Safety & Respect First: Remember we are all here to have a fun and safe time with our dogs! Please respect each other and help us maintain a space where everyone feels their dog is welcome.
2. Always Tethered (No Off-Leash Dogs): When we say all dogs are welcome, we mean it! To ensure safety for everyone, all dogs must be tethered to their handler or a fixed object at all times. Absolutely no off-leash dogs at official meetups/events.
3. Give Plenty of Space (6+ Feet): Unless told otherwise, assume that every dog needs at least 6 feet of space from other humans and dogs at all times, both on the trail and at the trailhead. Allow more space if their handler requests, and manage your dog accordingly (remember bungee lines stretch).
4. No Nose-to-Nose Greetings: This is a mushing sport, not a social club for dogs! Unless the dogs arrived together, keep them separate. No greetings between unfamiliar dogs at our events.
5. Muzzles Welcome & Encouraged: Muzzles are allowed/encouraged for dogs who are bite risks (or scavengers) as long as the dog has adequate pant room.
6. Passing Protocols: Remember dogs at meetups are at varying levels of training, and we want everyone to succeed! Therefore:
**Announce first: Call out that you want to pass and specify which side.
**Wait for the okay: Allow the team ahead of you to give the go-ahead before moving past.
**Advocate for your dog: Space needs vary when dogs are learning to pass. Respect other mushers' boundaries and speak up for your own dog!
Thanks for helping us keep our events safe, inclusive, and fun for every team!
