Terms and Conditions

It is important that you read through this document and then we can get on to the fun stuff!

Please note that payment for services implies full agreement with these Terms and Conditions.

Training and Handling Methods

The training techniques used by The Dog Academy are based on the principles of positive reinforcement and, as such, are kind, fair and reward-based. Harsh handling of dogs, physical force and the use of punishment/corrections or equipment designed to be aversive (including choke chains, check chains, prong collars, spray collars, e-collars or any other device deemed unacceptable by the trainer) are not permitted in training sessions and should not be used in training your dog.

To see progress with your training, you must practice regularly through the week. Training programmes will not work if you only practice at your session or if you attempt to move on past the stage your dog is coping at. If at any time you are unclear on how to implement your training plan, please use the WhatsApp support and contact your trainer directly for advice.

Our responsibility is to provide you with the knowledge and tools to successfully train your dog. Your responsibility is to employ these tools to achieve the desired results.

Payment, Refunds and Cancellations

Classes and Private Client Packages must be paid for at the time of booking. Classes are payable in full, Private Client Packages will take 50% of the fee at the time of booking and the system will then automatically take the remaining 50% of the fee four weeks later.

Arrangements for refunds of classes are set out below.

Greater than two weeks notice given, full amount to be refunded (minus fees) Contact emma@the-dog-academy.com

Between one and two weeks notice given, 50% to be refunded. Contact emma@the-dog-academy.com

Less than one weeks notice given, 25% to be refunded. Contact emma@the-dog-academy.com

Less than 48 hours notice given, no refund.

Arrangements for rearrangements of Private Client Sessions:

Greater than 48 hours notice given, no cost to rearrange. Contact emma@the-dog-academy.com

Less than 48 hours notice given, full cost of session forfeited; you may rearrange another session at a discounted rate. Contact emma@the-dog-academy.com

Exceptional circumstances may allow for bending of these rules but this is at the sole discretion of The Dog Academy Team; please get in touch if you feel this may be appropriate. Some of our sessions are non-refundable as we are not able to sell these spaces at such short notice therefore there is a direct cost to our business.

Private Client Package

The sessions within the Private Client Package must all take place within an eight-week period. Any unused sessions will be forfeited. We recommend booking your sessions regularly.

Females in season may attend private training sessions, however, please inform your instructor in advance by emailing emma@the-dog-academy.com and ensure that you do not come into contact with other dogs in the area. Your dog must remain on a short lead through the entirety of the session unless a full risk assessment has been done by your trainer, in which case a long line may be deemed appropriate.

In the event that we have to cancel a session with you due to unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather/illness/emergency, we will make every effort to reschedule your session to another mutually convenient time. If this is not possible, we will extend your package by an additional week to allow you to book this session at the end of your block.

Classes

You must attend all in person classes; any you cannot attend will be forfeited.

Females in season. Please contact us in advance by emailing emma@the-dog-academy.com to discuss further.

Equipment

Please bring your dog to training sessions and classes in a Y-shaped harness or flat collar with a fixed lead. We recommend using leads around 1.5m long. If you have a long line, please bring this with you to sessions also.

Please bring plenty of tasty treats to each session; as a general rule we recommend doubling whatever you initially get out to ensure you have enough! You’ll need quick and frequent access to treats throughout your training so we recommend using a treat pouch or putting them in an easily accessible pocket. Yoghurt pots are helpful to keep pockets and pouches open for easy access.

In addition, for classes please bring two toys that your dog enjoys playing with.

Safety

Any instances of accident or injury must be reported to the trainer at the time they occurred.

All dogs must be kept safe and it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the safety of others (other animals and people) with regard to your dog’s behaviour at all times. Flexi leads (extending leads) are not permitted in training sessions in order to avoid injury.

Parking

Parking at any training venue we use or for park sessions is done completely at your own risk. We do not accept any liability for your vehicle or contents, nor do we accept responsibility for any fines you incur.

Children

Children are very welcome to attend training sessions, with appropriate adult supervision. We accept no responsibility for children at training sessions and it is the responsibility of the supervising adult to ensure the children’s safety at all times. Young people under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

If your trainer feels your child is being disruptive to the class they will attempt to speak to you subtly there and then and they may request you not bring them to future classes. It may be deemed necessary for the trainer to ask you to leave the session.

Health and Vaccination

All dogs and puppies should be suitably protected from the potential risk of disease, as well as being appropriately treated for internal and external parasites. The Dog Academy advise that owners should consult their veterinary professional with regard to such issues. We do not mind if you choose to use annual vaccinations or titre testing, but please ensure you remain up to date with your chosen method of protection.

There can be no guarantee that there is absolutely no risk of disease at any venue or when in contact with any other dogs or materials, such as toys, which may have been in contact with other dogs.

It is the owner/ handler’s responsibility to ensure that their dog is appropriately protected against the risk of disease; The Dog Academy accept no responsibility for the potential or actual exposure of dogs to disease.

Please advise us in advance of the session if your dog has been in contact with another dog infected by a contagious disease or if they appear to be unwell (eg. vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, runny nose etc). Depending on the issue, it may be advisable for the session to be cancelled or re-arranged (see Refunds and Cancellations).

If your dog has any known allergies or intolerances to certain foods or has any other special needs, it is your responsibility to bring this to the attention of the trainer prior to the start of the session, and provide appropriate alternative treats etc.

Marketing/ Privacy

Photographs or videos may occasionally be taken during training sessions. Such photos may be used by The Dog Academy for the purposes of marketing. If you do not wish for photographs or videos of you and/ or your dog to be used or shared, please let us know.

Any verbal or written feedback (eg. by email or on feedback forms) may be used for marketing purposes (for example, posted on the website). Only the first name of the person will be used as identification. If you are not happy for us to use your feedback in this way, please let us know.

Photography and videography of sessions or parts of sessions is NOT permitted, without the express permission of The Dog Academy.

Our full Privacy Policy is available to view by clicking on the link on the footer of any page of our website or we are happy to provide you with a copy, on request.

Disclaimer

We make every effort to ensure the safety of both clients and dogs during sessions. However, by making a booking with us, you are accepting that participating in an activity with dogs, children and adults poses a risk of injury to yourself and your dog, and you agree to indemnify The Dog Academy for all personal injury and damage to property while attending training sessions.

You agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries or damages, known or unknown, which might occur as a result of your dog attending such sessions. You also agree to make any person who accompanies you to the session(s), or takes your place, aware that they are also there at their own risk. You understand and accept that your dog (and its behaviour) remains entirely your responsibility at all times, whether or not in the presence of the trainer/behaviourist.