Audrey- I delayed posting on this thread for several reasons- just hear me out. I do not believe the club handled this right.
However- I will tell you even in the show circuit, people are required to maintain control at all times- including sniffing noses. The only "group" allowed and encouraged to come in contact is the terrier group ( staffy's aside) as terriers are encouraged to spar..
Let me give you a medical reason to keep your dog from others dogs. There are two out breaks now, and neither have vaccines- one is the new dog flu, and the second is dog herpes. Now dog herpes can be genetic or environmental- but the fact is- they just do not know. The leads I heard from the Vet. Assoc. LAST WEEK was even spread by urine to even sniffing another dogs uh woo hoo could spread it.
IN the 80's a new disease named parvo showed up- we were terrified as not only puppies were infected but adult healthy dogs as well- with usually fatel results.
Keeping dogs apart is not just for the safety of a conflict- including to your dog- it can also be a health issue.
As far as " you would not even be allowed to compete in my class/school/group"- I find that total "baloney".. We bring new ones into our groups all the time- and this is the best learning grounds to learn as the dog goes- sometimes ending up the best members quite frankly.
If you feel they ( they meaning the people) have problems in communications- well honey-- it wouldnt be the first time a "club" is not the best one for you. I joined a Sch. club once that required muzzles- to me their whole technique was too much hardness.. I left and found another one that better suited how the dogs were changed- THEN DID THE CONGO DANCE when in competitions my dogs took the top titles verses the club I left..
Some clubs build their rules based on a couple of dogs and how they learned- then take it and run- well not all dogs make all molds- and this doesnt work.. I hear your rant, and I am sure you looking at this differently- but if you arent- may I suggest another 'club'.. But keep in mind- for personal reasons and health- for you own dogs protection- keep your dog back from the others except in obvious open play...