These T&Cs are for the interest of safety, responsibility and welfare of my clients. I reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will take immediate effect and it is the responsibility of my clients to read these.

I am an Accredited Dog Trainer (PCT-A), accredited by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board and a Certified Dog Trainer with the Association of INTODogs and a Certified Animal Trainer certified by the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN). I have full professional membership with INTODogs, ICAN and the Pet Professional Guild. I proudly display the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter logo and the Pet Industry Advocacy International flag.

You can find out more about the above organisations here:

https://ukdogcharter.org

https://www.intodogs.org

https://ppgbi.com

https://www.credentialingboard.com/About-Nocti

https://companionanimal.network/ican-certified-animal-trainers/

https://www.petadvocacy.info

Force Free Training & Handling Methods

I am committed solely to the use of modern, ethical training techniques which are based on the principles of positive reinforcement only and as such, are kind, fair and reward-based, free of any force, fear or intimidation. I am bound by a strong code of ethics in my professional memberships. Any harsh handling of dogs, any physical force and/or the use of punitive methods, punishment, corrections or equipment designed to be aversive (including choke chains, check / half-check chains, slip leads, prong collars, spray collars, e-collars, spray cans / bottles, compressed air canisters, water spray or any other device deemed unacceptable by the trainer) are not permitted in my training sessions and not recommended for use in training your dog. I will teach you how to work with and train your puppy or adult dog, using up to date, science based, ethical training methods with the welfare of the dog at the heart of everything I do.

1-1 Behaviour and Training Sessions

Please note that we train outdoors, so in wet / cold weather you may wish to bring a coat for your puppy / dog if needed. Please ensure you always have water available for your dog. Occasionally sessions may be rescheduled due to extreme weather conditions, but you will be notified of any changes to your session.

Please always clean up after your dog and take home all used poo bags. Please do not leave these on the premises.

Photography or video recording is not permitted in class. I may occasionally record for promotional as well as teaching purposes, however please let me know if you do not wish to appear.

You must not knowingly book a dog that shows aggression or nervousness onto a training course/workshop, unless it is a specific course that is intended to address these issues. I reserve the right to exclude dogs that are not suited to in person sessions. In the event of 1-1 sessions, it may be more appropriate to conduct sessions via video conferencing, but I will advise you accordingly. If you do not advise me of potential problems and your dog shows signs of aggression you will not be entitled to any refund.

Group Classes

When arriving at a group class please ensure your dog is on a lead and please avoid meeting other dogs on lead. Not all dogs like to be close to other dogs whilst on lead and may react as a consequence. This includes group Hoopers classes where your dog should be kept on lead unless working on the course.

I limit the number of dogs in my classes to provide a quality and comfortable training experience for both dogs and their handlers.

You must not knowingly book a dog that shows aggression or nervousness onto a training course/workshop, unless it is a specific course that is intended to address these issues. I reserve the right to exclude dogs that are not suited to a class environment. If you do not advise me of potential problems and your dog shows signs of aggression or is not settled in a class environment you will not be entitled to any refund. I will always do my best to help you to settle your dog in a class situation though. If your dog is not suited to a class environment I will offer you alternatives, such as working online or working on a 1-1 basis (additional fees may apply).

I am unable to refund any course fees once paid. Deposits are non-refundable. Partial refunds for missed classes are not given. You cannot transfer from a course once booked and allocated a space. I will endeavour to help you catch up at your next session if you miss a class but if this is not possible, you may be able to book an additional 1-1 session or an online session (fees will apply).

Photography or video recording is not permitted in class. I may occasionally record classes for promotional as well as teaching purposes, however please do let me know if you do not wish to appear.

Please note that we train outdoors and the ground can be wet underfoot, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Occasionally sessions may be rescheduled due to extreme weather conditions, but you will be notified of any changes to your session. When taking part in a course, any sessions rescheduled by the trainer will be added to the end of the course.

If you would like to bring an additional handler please just let me know prior to your session.

In-home Training Consultations

For in home consultations, please arrange for your dog to be in another safe room away from the door. I am happy to wait while you do this. I will advise you as to when it would be most appropriate to bring the dog into the room to be introduced. If you feel that this arrangement is not suitable for your dog for any reason, please let me know and we can discuss the best option for you and your dog.

In some cases, online consultations will be more appropriate, and I will advise accordingly on this.

Online Dog Behaviour & Training Consultations (including Kids Around Dogs Protocol To Overcome The Fear Of Dogs In Children / Adults)

I may recommend online consultations for some behavioural issues and other training needs. You will receive the same quality guidance and be sent additional resources where required and asked to record your training with your dog for us to review online together at your next session.

Please keep any documentation or training videos provided to you for your sole use only.

Payment, Refunds & Cancellations

Sessions must be paid for at the time of booking. No refunds are given. Once you have agreed to course dates/session times, whether group or 1-1 or online and sent your first payment, sessions cannot be changed and full charges will apply. In the event there is the option to pay a deposit on booking your balance of fees is due no later than 10 days prior to your course start date. These rules apply to all services.

Payment for services implies full agreement with these Terms and Conditions. If you have made a booking within 14 days of the start date you waive your right to a ‘cooling off period.’

In the event that I have to cancel a session with you due to unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather/ illness/ emergency, I will reschedule your session to another mutually convenient time.

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 their dog’s safety and 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. If your dog injures any other person or animal, or causes any damage to any belongings, equipment, or vehicles parked on site, this is your sole responsibility and damages must be paid for.

Children

Children may be able to attend your training session with you, by prior agreement. I accept no responsibility for children at training sessions and it is the sole responsibility of the supervising adult to ensure the children’s safety at all times. Please ensure your child does not approach any other dogs and stays with you at all times. Please do not allow your child to carry / eat food when on the training field. Young people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Health & 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 and fully vaccinated. Please ensure you send a copy of your dog’s up to date vaccination card prior to the start of your session. Dogs who are not up to date with vaccinations cannot attend sessions at the field / arena. Walkies Dog Training accepts no responsibility for the potential or actual exposure of dogs to disease.

By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you are accepting full responsibility for the protection of your dog from the risk of 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).

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 and videos may be taken by me during training sessions. Such photos and videos may be used by Walkies Dog Training for the purposes of marketing and education. If you do not wish for photographs or videos of you and/ or your dog to be used or shared, please let me know. Any verbal or written feedback may be used for marketing purposes. If you are not happy for me to use your feedback in this way, please let me know. Photography and videography of sessions, or parts of sessions is NOT permitted.

Privacy Notice

When you supply your personal details to me they are stored and processed for 2 reasons:

1. I need to collect personal information in order to provide my services safely and effectively and as such have a ‘Legitimate Interest’.

2. Provided I have your consent, on occasion I may email you news, updates, announcements and offers for my training courses. You may withdraw this consent at any time by emailing me.

I have a legal obligation to retain my records for 7 years after your most recent appointment. After this period you can ask me to delete any records about you. Otherwise, I may retain my records indefinitely in order that I can provide the best possible service should you contact me again in the future. Your records are stored on paper at my premises (which are always locked when unoccupied) and on my email systems (which is hosted by a third party and secured by password) and in your notes contained within my client files. I will never share your data with anyone who does not need access without your written consent. I will never pass your details on to other parties. You have the right to see what personal data of yours I hold, and you can ask me to correct any factual errors. Provided the legal minimum period has elapsed, you can also ask me to erase your records by emailing me.

Disclaimer

I make every effort to ensure the safety of both clients and dogs during training sessions. However, by making a booking you are accepting that participating in an activity with dogs, children and adults poses a risk of injury to yourself and your dog and any accompanying person, and you agree to indemnify Walkies Dog Behaviour and Training for all personal injury and damage to property while attending training sessions. You agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries (including dog bites) or damages, or loss, 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 your dog’s behaviour remains entirely your responsibility at all times, whether or not in the presence of the trainer.

Owners are advised to have appropriate pet insurance cover that includes third party liability insurance. Walkies Dog Training has public liability and relevant business insurance to run classes and 1-1 behaviour and training sessions, providing adequate cover for our business liabilities. I will not take responsibility for misinterpretation of advice.

These terms and conditions apply for ALL services whether the owner is present or not.