Terms and Conditions
It is important that you read through this document and are happy to agree with the terms and conditions set out below and then we can get on with all the fun things! Please note that payment for services and engaging in the training classes both private and group also implies full agreement with these Terms and Conditions.
Training and Handling Methods
The training techniques used by Positive Paws Training 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 punitive methods/ 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 classes or and should not be used in training.
PAYMENT, REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS
Statutory 14 Day Consumer Contract Regulations
If you choose to cancel a booking within 14 calendar days of receiving your booking confirmation, you are entitled to a full refund. Usually, you can cancel by clicking on the appropriate button in the booking confirmation email. However, if this is not possible, you would prefer to communicate with us first or there are any problems, please get in touch with us (classes@positivepawstraining.co.uk) and we will cancel the booking for you and issue your refund.
Cancellations, re-arranged bookings and refunds in circumstances outside the 14 day cancellation period are subject to the conditions set out below, in accordance with our standard terms. For the avoidance of doubt, the cancellation period will expire after 14 days from the date of the order confirmation.
If you are booking a service to start within 14 days (i.e. within the statutory cancellation period), we will require express permission from you to start providing the service before the cancellation period ends. You can grant this permission by ticking the appropriate box during the booking process accepting our Terms and Conditions. If you subsequently decide to cancel the contract, you will be liable to pay us an amount that is in proportion to the services performed until you communicated your decision to cancel, in comparison to full coverage of the contract.
You will not have the right to cancel a contract where the classes have commenced.
Standard Cancellation and Refund Policy
Payment in full is required when booking a place at training classes, unless otherwise agreed. After the statutory cancellation period (see above), this payment is non-refundable. Occasionally, where a client is unable to take up their reserved place on a course, their credit may be transferred to another suitable class/ service; this is at the sole discretion of Positive Paws Training and will be dependent on us having another client to fill your place. We are unable to offer any refunds on missed sessions but you will receive the handouts with step by step guides on the behaviours taught within the course for which you have paid, whether you attended or not.
In the event that we have to cancel a training class for any reason (such as unforeseen circumstances/ adverse weather/ illness/ emergency), we may try to reschedule your session to another mutually convenient time. However, it is difficult to find alternatives to suit everyone involved and we are restricted by hall availability. Therefore, if we feel that it is not possible or practical for us to arrange an alternative session, we will refund you for the cost of the class by calculating this as a proportion of the full course cost paid.
If, despite adverse weather conditions or any other issues, we are still able to run a class but you are unable to make it to the session, we are sorry but we cannot provide a refund or any kind or an alternative session. In such cases, this will be treated as a ‘missed session’ on your part (see above) and you will simply be provided with any relevant follow-up information/ recap/ online content associated with the session for which you were unable to attend.
One to One sessions (including Supplementary Training Sessions) should be paid for a minimum of one week in advance of the booked time / date or at the time of making the booking. These can be re-arranged or refunded with at least 1 week’s notice. With less than 1 week’s notice, no refunds will be given (except for any travel charges paid but not incurred). In exceptional circumstances, a partial refund or re-arrangement for a One to One session cancelled with notice of between 1 week and 48 hours may be made, at the sole discretion of Positive Paws Training. The Puppy / New Rescue Private Class Package of visits must all take place within a three month period or any un-used sessions will be forfeited, except in exceptional circumstances, in which case they may be refunded or re-arranged at the sole discretion of Positive Paws Training.
Suitability for Class Environment [Not applicable to Training Support Sessions or ‘One to One’ Training]
Some dogs are not suited to a class environment due to over-arousal, fear, anxiety etc (this is not the same as a young puppy who is new to socialisation and is just a bit nervous!). Dogs which are known to be reactive to other dogs or people will not be best placed in a class environment; it is simply not fair on the dog or the other attendees. If your dog is not suited to the class training environment now, we may be able to offer alternative solutions, such as one to one training sessions. If a dog is deemed by the trainer to be particularly stressed or reactive, despite the efforts of the owner and/ or trainer, the owner will be asked to remove the dog from the class (for that session or the rest of the course), in the best interests of both the dog and the others attending. Therefore, if you are unsure how your dog will respond to a class/ group environment, or have any concerns, you should discuss this with us before booking on to a course; refunds for course fees will not be given (see above).
Safety
Any instances of accident or injury must be reported to the trainer at the time they occurred. A first aid kit is available at training classes and carried by all staff during one-to-ones and training support sessions. All dogs must remain on lead and kept away from contact with other dogs unless specifically instructed by the trainer (eg. off-lead play). Flexi leads (extending leads) are not permitted in class, to avoid injury.
Children
Children are very welcome to attend classes / training sessions. We just ask that there are two adult’s for children aged 6 and under, to ensure that your puppy/dog have one adults undivided attention and that children do not approach or touch any dogs without appropriate supervision and permission. We accept no responsibility for children at classes and it is the responsibility of the supervising adult to ensure the children’s safety at all times. In addition, children must not be allowed to disrupt the learning and we reserve the right to ask for disruptive children not to be brought to classes in the future. Young people under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Health and Vaccination
All dogs and puppies attending classes should be suitably protected from the potential risk of disease as well as being appropriately treated for internal and external parasites. Positive Paws Training advises that owners should consult their veterinary professional with regard to such issues. Whilst the indoor venues used by Positive Paws Training are not routinely accessed by dogs (other than those attending classes), 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. We use High grade disinfectant both on the floors and toys.
It is the owner/ handler’s responsibility to ensure that their dog is appropriately protected against the risk of disease: Positive Paws Training accepts no responsibility for the potential or actual exposure of dogs to disease. If an owner chooses not to routinely vaccinate their dog / puppy (for example because they are choosing titre testing or using homeopathic nosodes), this is entirely the choice of the owner and is a decision made at their own risk. We do ask to have a copy of any titre testing periodically in line with vaccination guidelines too.
By booking a place at a class and agreeing to these terms and conditions, you are accepting full responsibility for the protection of your dog from the risk of disease. Please do not bring your dog to class if he or she 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). We accept bitches in season in class, we feel they exist in the real world and we want to help all our guardians understand how to help their dogs focus with seasons as distractions too, however if your bitch is ill, then we ask you do not bring her to class in line with the above health recommendations. If a dog is unable to attend classes, owners are encouraged and more than welcome to attend without their dog to keep up to date with the training course. 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.
Marketing/ Privacy
Photographs may occasionally be taken during training sessions. Such photos may be used by Positive Paws Training for the purposes of marketing. For example, weekly photos and graduation photos are posted on our Facebook page. If you do not wish for photographs of you and / or your dog to be used or shared, please let us know. Any 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 is NOT permitted, without the express permission of Positive Paws Training.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure the safety of both clients and dogs during training classes, training support sessions and one to one 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 Positive Paws Training for all personal injury and damage to property while attending training. 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 classes / 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 that your dog (and its behaviour) remains entirely your responsibility at all times, whether or not in the presence of the trainer / behaviourist.