Client Compliance Agreement for 1-1 Training: Terms and Conditions
Thank you for choosing People and Dogs to support you in training your dog. Through a series of personalised 1-1 lessons, we aim to help you manage and overcome your dog’s training challenges while enhancing your skills as a handler. I am here to support you in reaching your goals, but achieving reliable results across different environments requires time, patience, commitment, and daily practice.
Please review the terms below to ensure you agree with our training programme requirements.
Privacy and Confidentiality
We respect your privacy in accordance with GDPR. Please also respect our privacy by not sharing teaching resources with others outside of those directly involved in the training.
Payments, Refunds, and Bookings
Payment: Full payment is required at the time of booking unless previously agreed; bookings are confirmed only upon receipt of payment. (See "Refunds" for more details.)
Refunds: Refunds are only given in exceptional circumstances, such as severe illness or death. A £10 administration charge plus Stripe fees may apply.
Booking Lessons: Scheduled lessons will proceed as planned, barring unforeseen illness or adverse weather that may render the training environment unsuitable (see "Weather Conditions" for more details).
Training Timeline: Consistency is essential for successful training. Blocks of 3 lessons must be completed within 2 months, and 5-lesson packages within 3 months from the first lesson date. If sessions are not scheduled within this timeframe without prior arrangement, the package will be deemed complete, and no refund will be due. While I aim to remind clients of outstanding lessons, it is your responsibility to book within the allotted timeframe.
Rescheduling: Rescheduling is allowed with a minimum of 5 days’ notice, unless alternative arrangements are agreed upon.
Booking Confirmation: Confirmation of your booking will be sent via email. If you don’t see it in your inbox, please check your spam or junk folder.
Training Conditions and Requirements
Training Methods: We exclusively use positive, reward-based training methods rooted in scientific understanding of canine behaviour. We do not condone forceful or punitive techniques, which can harm the dog-owner relationship and cause fear or pain. Any harsh handling during lessons or refusal to adjust handling methods will result in cancellation without refund.
Practice and Compliance: The success of the training programme depends on the dog and owner practising new skills regularly. Behaviour requires continuous reinforcement, and owners are expected to follow the lesson plan daily. Weekly sessions alone will not produce lasting behavioural changes.
Training Equipment: Please ensure your dog has the proper training equipment as outlined in our guide. Lessons may be cut short if necessary equipment is not available, and missed time will not be refunded.
Rewards: Avoid feeding your dog for at least 4 hours before a training session. Please bring a generous amount of your dog’s favourite treats, as training typically requires a high volume of rewards (see training equipment guide).
Health and Mobility: We are happy to accommodate different types of health or mobility needs but ask that you inform us in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Training Location and Weather Conditions
Training Location: The starting location for training varies by package:
Reactivity Packages begin with an online consultation, followed by sessions at our training fields in Dronfield. Once your dog has mastered key skills in this controlled environment, sessions will progress to public locations to practice around real-world triggers.
Other Training Packages usually start at our training fields in Dronfield.
Puppy Home School sessions are conducted at the client’s home.
Separation Anxiety sessions are exclusively held online.
For applicable packages, later sessions may take place in various public locations around Dronfield, South Sheffield, or North Chesterfield, depending on training goals and progress made in previous lessons.
Weather Conditions: In certain weather conditions, sessions may need to be rearranged, particularly for reactivity training. Conditions such as heavy rain, thunder, high winds, extreme temperatures, and snow/ice may impact your dog’s welfare or their response to training. Additionally, windy conditions can affect dogs’ sensory awareness and may make it challenging to manage reactive behaviours. In such cases, postponed sessions will be rebooked based on availability.
Field Conditions: Please be aware that our training field is open to the elements, has no toilet facilities, and the ground may be muddy and slippery, so appropriate footwear is advised. The field is accessed through a pedestrian gate and is on a slight slope. If this setup is not accessible for you, please let us know, and we will be happy to make alternative arrangements.
Specific Considerations
Additional Family Members: Other family members are welcome to attend training sessions. However, there should only be one handler working with the dog at a time. Children are welcome, but unless they are part of the training, they must follow instructions to ensure safety during the session.
Aggression: For dogs displaying aggression towards people or other dogs, it is essential that you follow the training programme and use advised safety measures, such as muzzles, leads, and appropriate distance from triggers. You are responsible for your dog’s behaviour at all times.
Illness: If your dog is unwell or a female dog is in season, please notify me as soon as possible. With adequate notice, I may be able to fill the time slot to prevent lesson loss.
Additional Terms
Punctuality: If you expect to be late, please notify me via WhatsApp at 07815 864626. I will accommodate the full hour if possible, though this is not guaranteed if other appointments follow yours.
Client Liability: Clients are responsible for any damage to property or injury caused by their dog during training sessions.
Vaccination Requirements: Dogs participating in training sessions should be up-to-date on their vaccinations, as recommended by your veterinarian, to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
Insurance Recommendation: We recommend that clients have appropriate pet insurance to cover any unforeseen issues that may arise, as well as to ensure access to further support if required.
Guarantees: While I am dedicated to helping you develop the skills necessary to manage your dog’s behaviour, please understand that dogs are sentient beings with individual histories and needs. Therefore, no specific outcome or timeframe can be guaranteed, as dogs learn at their own pace.
Qualifications: I am a qualified dog trainer and certified Separation Anxiety Consultant with additional training in Canine Behaviour Management. If it becomes evident that your dog requires advanced behavioural support, I may recommend referring you to our certified behaviourist, Victoria Cooper. In this case, any unused sessions will be refunded.
Use of Likeness: By participating in our programme, you consent to People and Dogs using recordings, photographs, or statements related to your training for documentary, educational, or promotional purposes, unless otherwise agreed.
Acceptance of Terms
By completing your booking with People and Dogs, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in this document.