These terms and conditions apply to all private sessions. Please note that booking and engagement in sessions both imply full agreement to these terms and conditions.
Training Techniques and Client Commitment:
-Kind and Non-Aversive Approach: The training techniques employed in all sessions are designed to be kind, fair, force-free, and non-aversive. We strictly refrain from using harsh handling, physical force, or any equipment designed to be aversive. This includes choke chains, check chains, prong collars, spray collars, anti-pull harnesses, and e-collars.
-Upholding Ethical Standards: We kindly request that our clients align with our ethics and commit to not seeking additional advice online or from other sources that may contradict our code of ethics. By adhering to our recommended approach, we can ensure consistency and effectiveness in training.
-Right to Refuse Service: It is essential to note that if we become aware that clients are utilizing inappropriate tools or techniques outside of our training sessions, we reserve the right to refuse service. This is necessary to maintain the integrity of our training methods and prioritize the well-being and welfare of your dog. We believe these revisions better convey the expectations and principles of your training approach.
Booking, Payment and Cancellations
-Booking Process: To schedule a personalized, private training and/or behavioural session, please utilize the online booking form accessible through the main navigation on our website. Once the form is completed, it will be directly emailed to Elizabeth. You will be prompted to select a preferred date and time for Elizabeth to contact you regarding the session.
-Payment Terms: The full session fee must be paid within 48 hours of booking. You can make the payment via bank transfer.
-Timely Payment: Failure to submit the required payment within 48 hours will result in the release of your suggested appointment slot(s) to other clients. Appointments are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
-Cancellation Policy: Appointments cancelled with two days' notice or less before the scheduled session will be subject to the full fee. If you cancel with more than two days' notice, you will have the option to reschedule the appointment or receive a refund.
-Session Cancellation by Elizabeth: Elizabeth reserves the right to cancel a session(s). If a session is cancelled by Elizabeth without rescheduling, a full refund will be arranged.
Definition of Cancellation: A cancellation refers to any appointment that cannot be upheld at the originally booked time, date, and location. Even if agreed upon by the trainer, sessions cancelled due to client or client dog-related issues are still considered cancellations on the part of the client.
Excessive Cancellations/Rescheduling: If a client cancels or reschedules a session more than three times without appropriate notice, we reserve the right to refuse further sessions.
We have revised this section to provide clear guidelines and expectations regarding booking, payment, and cancellation policies. Please review the changes and let me know if you have any further requirements or if you would like any additional modifications.
Safety
Please ensure dogs are kept away from the front door, garden gate (contained in your home) or kept in your car (if meeting on a dog walk) when we first arrive. Depending on the issue, you may be asked to take additional steps to ensure safety (and controlled observation of your dog's behaviour) during a behavioural 1-2-1 session. In any case, if you have concerns about your dog's behaviour towards meeting people, yourself or anyone present (including other pets), it is entirely your responsibility to take all necessary steps (e.g. muzzling your dog, keep them on a lead, other pets in a different room etc.) It is vital that you take sensible safety precautions and then discuss how and when your dog should be introduced rather than taking risks.
If your dog has ever bitten a person/other animal, you must report this before your behavioural session. If any accidents or injury takes place during our session this must be reported to us at the time they occur.
Children
All family members are welcome to attend sessions. In behavioural sessions, due to the nature of discussions it might not be appropriate for children to attend. It is your responsibility as parent/carer to determine whether or not it would be helpful/appropriate for children to attend. It is important that at least one adult can give their full attention to the discussion throughout. We accept no responsibility for children before, during and after sessions.
An adult must be in control of the dog at all times and no children under the age of 18 should be expected to take responsibility for the dog.
Product & Service Recommendations
I will often recommend products or services I feel benefit you and your dog. I am not affiliated with any products and hold no responsibility or liability for the effectiveness of product recommended. It is your responsibility to follow through with any recommendations, including any veterinary care that is suggested.
Marketing & Social Media
Photos and videos are sometimes taken during a session with the permission of the owner. These photos are the property of Barnie & Co and if you do not wish for them to be used on social media, you must specify ahead of the session.
Out of Hours Support
You are welcome to ask questions and get in touch in between training sessions for additional support, however the level of contact must be reasonable and not exceed an hour per week. Elizabeth reserves the right to charge for time or refuse additional support, if the requests are deemed unreasonable.
Owner Commitment:
By participating in our training sessions, you agree to:
-Fully engage in the process of working with your dog to the best of your ability, understanding that achieving desired changes requires commitment and consistency.
-Recognize that resolving behavioural issues does not have a quick fix and requires dedicated effort over time.
-Refrain from introducing alternative training or behaviour modification methods, such as those obtained from television, books, friends, or other trainers, in order to prevent confusion and conflicting instructions for your dog.
-Maintain open and honest communication regarding your dog's behaviour, providing accurate and comprehensive information during discussions.
-Seek clarification whenever anything explained is unclear to ensure a clear understanding of the training process and techniques.
-Approach potential solutions, changes, and strategies with an open mind, embracing new ideas and approaches that may be suggested.
Disclaimer
Owners must acknowledge that behaviour modification carries inherent risks of injury. It is your responsibility to take all necessary precautions to prevent any potential harm, including avoiding situations that might trigger aggressive behaviour. By participating in our services, owners agree to indemnify and hold Elizabeth unaccountable against any and all losses, liabilities, judgments, and costs (including legal fees and expenses) arising from, or related to, any claims of injury to persons or property, whether occurring before, during, or after the consultation, as well as when implementing the suggested techniques with your dog.
Training Packages
1. Commitment and Client Responsibility:
Our training packages are designed to provide you with the necessary support for your dog's success. However, it is essential that clients commit to the process with consistency. Elizabeth will offer comprehensive guidance, but cannot be held accountable for any lack of progress caused by insufficient client commitment.
2. Referral to Veterinary Professionals:
In the event that Elizabeth determines we are unable to assist effectively, we may recommend a referral to a veterinary professional, such as a Vet or Clinical Animal Behaviourist. Please note that fees for these professionals may vary and are not included within the training packages. While we may suggest specific professionals, it is important to acknowledge that they are separate entities, and Elizabeth cannot be held responsible for the services they provide.
3. Unlimited Support and Response Times:
You will have access to unlimited support via WhatsApp during our office hours, which are from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. While we welcome messages outside of these hours, please be aware that they will be attended to during the following office hours.
4. Payment and Rescheduling:
Training packages will be automatically billed on the day of booking. After completing your booking, please notify Elizabeth via email or WhatsApp, providing a screenshot of your full payment. Kindly note that a minimum of 48 hours' notice is required for rescheduling your training session. We regret that partial refunds cannot be offered. Failure to make payment will result in the immediate termination of your package.
