Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions

Use of any of our services assumes that you have read and agree with the terms and conditions listed below.

Booking

  • How to book – by website – fill out the full contact form, by telephone (07484706085) or email rachel@puppypotentialdogtraining.co.uk
  • For one-to-one training sessions I will call you for free initially to discuss your requirements and to set up an initial one-to-one consultation meeting at a date and time that is mutually agreeable for us both.
  • For group training classes I will inform you of the next available start date for the requested course and confirm if you wish to enrol.
  • You will be sent an email, SMS or WhatsApp to confirm your booking if you have provided me with an email address or mobile telephone number. This will include details of the booking including consultation date and time for one-to-one training sessions or start time and dates including any breaks in the course for group classes.

Payments, Refunds and Cancellations

  • Payment is required before services
    • One-to-One training sessions
      • Full payment is to be made 48hrs before the initial one-to-one consultation session (initial visit). This will secure my visit. 
      • Full payment will then be required before any subsequent one-to-one consultation sessions (unless prior agreement is in place to pay in cash on the day).
      • If payment has not been received within 48hrs of the initial one-to-one consultation or subsequent one-to-one training sessions I reserve the right to terminate my services.
      • Bulk Bookings:
        • If booking and paying for a block of 4 sessions up front the 4th session will be half price.
        • If booking and paying for a block of 6 sessions up front the 6th session will be free.
        • Sessions cannot be later extended to obtain these discounts.
        • If no bulk bookings are made the full cost of the session will be due each time.
      • Travel costs may be incurred if I must travel over 5 miles to get to you.   These will be communicated to you during our initial phone call.
    • Group Classes
      • Full payment is to be made ideally 1 – 2 weeks prior to the course to secure your place.
      • If full payment has not been received within 48hrs of the course start date then I reserve the right to cancel the class for you and your dog.
  • Types of Payment. Bank transfer, online payment (via payment link) or cash..
  • Payment for training sessions, either one-to-one or group class, is charged per dog.
  • One to one training sessions. 
    • Any time up to the initial consultation (initial visit) you may cancel the service and receive a full refund of your initial consultation fee.Once the initial consultation (initial visit) has taken place a notice period of 48hours to reschedule a one to one appointment is needed unless due to illness or injury to you or your dog. I will endeavour to reschedule at a mutually convenient time.Cancelling services completely greater than 48hrs prior to the next scheduled training session will get a full refund of booked sessions.Cancelling services completely 48hrs or less than the next scheduled training session will result in a 50% refund of the next scheduled training session along with a full refund of any subsequent sessions that have been booked.
    • In the event that I have to cancel the session with you due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness/emergency or adverse weather conditions (if an outside class).  I will make every effort to reschedule your session to another mutually convenient time. If a mutually convenient time cannot be made, then a full refund of the session will be given, or an additional session will be added to the course.
  • Group Training Classes
    • Payment is for the full 8 week period of the course.
    • Any time up to 48 hours before the start of the course you may cancel the course and receive a full refund of the course fee.
    • Cancelling the course 48 hours or less before the start of the course will result in a 50% refund.
    • The group training classes are run as an 8 week block, no refund will be given for any weeks of the course that you are unable to attend.
    • In the event that I have to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness/emergency or adverse weather conditions (if an outside course), I will make every effort to reschedule the session or refund the weekly cost if this is not possible. If you are unable to attend a session that I have had to reschedule I will refund the weekly cost.
  • Invoice – an invoice will be emailed prior to payment.
  • Termination – Puppy Potential Dog training may, by written notice terminate any agreement at its discretion:

1) If the client fails to pay for an agreed session or it has become overdue.

2) If the client breaches any of the terms of the agreement

3) If the client tries to discredit the businesses reputation by social media or otherwise.

4) an agreement may be deemed cancelled if there is more than 30 days from the first training or consultation.

Delay of Session

  • I reserve the right to cancel training sessions (group or 1;1) at my discretion. It is infrequent but if Puppy Potential Dog Training needs to reschedule a session. See Payment, Refunds and Cancellations section above.

Confidentiality and Marketing

  • All customer records and information is kept in the strictest of confidence and is not shared with any 3rd party. Any information shared with volunteer assistants or paid employees is strictly on a need-to-know basis.
  • All email addresses and telephone numbers will be used to keep in touch with you while you are in class or one to one training.
  • All records kept by Puppy Potential Dog Training will be destroyed on the request of the client or when the training session has ended, and the client no longer needs our services.
  • If you are happy for me to keep your details on file, I can keep you updated with any future events that maybe of interest to you or benefit to your dog. Also, to send you useful information. You can remove your name from my mailing list at any time by contacting me directly.
  • Social media – clients need to opt out by informing me that they do not wish that any social media posts (videos or photos) are to be put out. This can be done by email or WhatsApp.
  • All materials given out both text, images and videos included in documents are the intellectual property of Puppy Potential Dog training.
  • If I do take photos or videos of you and your dog to use in marketing or social media, please let me know if you are happy for me to use them. I will also need any parent consent if there are any photos including a child.
  • Any videoing or photographs of training sessions are strictly prohibited and therefore not permitted without the express permission of myself.
  • Any feedback you give will be used on social media and marketing unless you express otherwise.

Safety

  • Arrival to any training ground or hall your dog must be fully secure on a suitable lead and harness/collar/headcollar. Your dog is your responsibility when in or around the training area.
  • If a one-to-one session is booked, please make sure your dog is secure and in a safe place without access to the front door when I arrive. I will wait while you do this, and I can message when I arrive so that the dog doesn’t get overly excited or stressed. I will advise when it is most appropriate to allow the dog in to greet me and for introductions to take place. If this isn’t suitable for you for any reason, then please let me know as soon as possible. It may be that we may have to meet initially outside before I enter your home.
  • Any instances of accident or injury must be reported to me or my assistant at the time it occurred.
  • All dogs must be kept safe, and it is the responsibility of the owner to always ensure the safety of others with regards to your dog’s behaviour, this includes other people and animals.
  • Whilst every care will be taken to ensure the safety of both you and your dog whilst attending the workshop, one to one or group session please note that no responsibility can be accepted by Puppy Potential Dog Training for any injury to yourself or your dog. This also includes any sickness or disease contracted whilst in training sessions that are made outside.
  • Owners are not permitted to use any equipment in the class until instructed to do so under guidance so that the equipment is used safely.
  • Please make sure that your dog’s vaccinations, worming, and flea treatment are up to date to ensure good health for all the participants in class.
  • Any dog faeces passed at training is the responsibility of the owner to clean up and take away to be disposed of. Don’t forget your poop bags! I will carry some spares if need be!
  • Dogs are not to be left alone in cars for long periods without adequate ventilation and water. On a hot day they should not be left inside a car at all.
  • One owner should be bringing one dog at a time. If there is a 2nd dog that requires training, then 2 handlers must be present and fees paid for each dog.
  • At all times dogs should be kept on leads whilst in class unless instructed to do otherwise. If your dog or another dog is reacting (lunging or barking incessantly) at another dog, then please create some distance between you as it may mean that you are too close.
  • Cars are parked at owners’ risk, please ensure that you leave them secure with no valuables on show.
  • Please wear suitable footwear for outside work and sensible nonslip shoes such as trainers for inside venues.
  • Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and always supervised.
  • It is advisable for you to have 3rd party insurance for your dog in case of injury. Puppy Potential takes no liability for injury which may occur.
  • Please take all belongings when leaving the training premises and report any broken toys or equipment to me.
  • Please ensure your dog doesn’t cause damage to property, fencing or equipment.
  • Dogs must be always supervised.
  • If your dog is reactive and requires a muzzle, please make sure a suitably fitted one is used. If you require advice on this matter, please ask.

Advice

  • I will not take responsibly for any misinterpretation of advice. Many external factors can influence behaviours and therefore I cannot guarantee that the advice will be successful if these factors are not controlled.
  • I am not a behaviourist and so will not give you any inappropriate advice.
  • I will recommend an appropriate specialist behaviourist if I feel that the dog requires more specialist care and training.
  • Please inform me before any session if there are behavioural issues such as reactivity.
  • Training plans for the most part will not be successful overnight. This requires a good deal of patience time and effort put in by the owner.
  • If any problems arise because of advice given the owner should promptly contact me to ensure that this is addressed quickly.
  • Any advice given should not be tried on any other pet only the animal whose name appears on the paperwork.
  • I thoroughly recommend contacting your Veterinary Surgeon prior to taking on any training so that I am aware that the dog is in good health before we begin.

Communication

  • I will communicate with owners via WhatsApp, telephone call or email. Whichever is preferable or most suitable.

Parking

  • Home visits – When I visit your home, please ensure there is an available parking space for me.  If I require a visitor permit, please make one available for my use.
  • Group classes: I will endeavour to get a venue with a parking space available enough for each class. There will be a 10-minute gap between classes so that dogs don’t have to interact with another class. Please endeavour to leave and arrive to class on time.

Covid-19 Policy

  • Due to the current pandemic, I am aware that there is still a risk of Covid-19 being contracted.
  • I am fully vaccinated but will also take a LFT test and wear a mask at your request if that makes you feel more comfortable. Be aware it is better for dogs if I don’t wear a mask so they can see my face.
  • Please make sure the room or area we are working in is ventilated to allow for dispersal of droplets.
  • If you or a member of your family (who you live with) has contracted Covid-19 please let me know as soon as possible so we can re arrange the session. I will also inform you if a member of my family has Covid-19 and then it will be at your discretion if I still attend. If I test positive, then I will inform you immediately and we will re book the session.
  • If you or I contract Covid-19 then testing on days 6 and 7 by LFT would be advisable. Once two consecutive negative flow tests have been recorded then we may reconvene our sessions.
  • In group classes the same rules apply.

Children

  • Children are more than welcome to group classes or in one to ones providing they are well behaved and don’t disrupt or interrupt the session.
  • Children under 18 will be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all time.
  • I will happily include them in the process with your consent if they show interest and an ability to be effective.
  • With any photos or videos taken it will be the owner/parent’s choice if their image is allowed to be used in social media or training materials.

Health & Vaccination

  • Illness & Injury – if your dog is sick or injured, please inform me immediately so that if needed sessions can be changed or procedures and allowances can be made.
  • Allergies or Intolerances – please inform me of any allergies or intolerances that your dog may have at the time of booking. I will provide my own treats in case you forget or need something different.
  • Vaccinated – it is advisable that your puppy/dog is fully vaccinated against parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, hepatitis and ideally Kennel cough. Puppies, Older dogs and dogs with poor immune systems are at high risk of becoming seriously ill.
  • Flea and worming – for the safety of other dogs and children it is advisable that your dog is wormed and de-flea’d regularly according to your Vets protocol and medications used.
  • Season – please let me know if your bitch is in season. I will do my best to accommodate them. If they are feeling particularly poorly, we can re arrange the session. Be aware that this maybe distracting for other dogs and worrying for your dog.
  • By agreeing to these terms and conditions you are accepting full responsibility for the protection of your dog from the risk of disease.
  • Please let me know if your dog comes into contact with another dog who has a contagious disease.
  • If you are unsure of your dog’s health, please consult a Veterinary professional before undertaking training.

Training and Handling

  • At Puppy Potential Dog training I am a fear free trainer and only use positive reinforcement methods that are science based.
  • I will not allow and/or advise against the use of the following equipment:

Choke chains – full or half check

Electric collars

Spray collars

Slip leads

Tightening harnesses

Prong collars

Pet correctors

This list is not exhaustive.

  • Any methods used to induce fear or cause pain and distress to your dog will not be tolerated and you maybe asked to leave the session.
  • These methods must not be used outside of training sessions either!
  • I may suggest different types of equipment or toys that I feel would be beneficial to your dog such as dogmatic head collars, perfect fit harnesses, long lines, and Kong’s etc…
  • Any toys used within a session must be supervised in case of injury or ingestion!

Media

  • Facebook / Website / Instagram – these types of media are what I commonly use and with your permission I will do regular updates about your dog’s progress.
  • Copyright – any videos, photos or documents made are the property of Puppy Potential Dog Training and therefore cannot be copied or duplicated for any reason.

Liability

  • Puppy Potential dog training is covered by professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

Disclaimer

  • Puppy Potential dog training will make every effort to ensure both safety of clients and their dogs. However, making a booking you are accepting that participating in activities with dogs, children and adults may pose a risk of injury to yourself and your dog. You agree to assume full responsibility for any risks injuries or damages which may occur because of your dog attending such sessions. You also need to make anyone who accompanies you aware they are also there at their own risk. You accept that your dog and its behaviour always remain entirely your responsibility whether or not in the presence of the trainer.