Terms and Conditions of Services Effective 23.11.2022. Hannah McMillan Dog Training & Behaviour, hereafter referred to as “HMDT”, “we”, “our” or “us”, is a one-person entity that provides dog related services of reactivity courses, 121 training, group classes, training walks and dog walking, collectively known as the “service(s)”, “session(s)” or “booking(s)”. The “client(s)”, “owners(s)”, “handler(s)” refers to the person filling out the assessment form and anyone affiliated with the dog that attends a training session, be that in person or via video call.
In the interests of safety to HMDT, speakers, volunteers, clients, handlers, attendees and spectators please read and agree to the following conditions.
This declaration sets out the terms on which HMDT accepts you on any sessions. When you agree to this declaration, you will be bound by all of HMDT’s Terms and Conditions.
HMDT reviews and changes these conditions from time to time in order to assist the proper delivery of services and education. HMDT reserves the right to introduce changes at any time when it is in the interest of clients, handlers, HMDT, speakers and dogs.
BOOKINGS AND PAYMENT - 121S, CLASSES & TRAINING WALKS
1. An invoice will be emailed to you prior to confirmation of the session
2. A 25% non-refundable deposit must be paid when booking in for your session(s)
3. The remaining 75% must be paid by the day before your session or a week before your reactivity course or intensive training. Failure to do so will mean the session will not go ahead and you'll lose your deposit
4. Payments can be made through PayPal or bank transfer (we don’t accept cash)
5. A booking will not be confirmed without the non-refundable deposit being paid
COMPLETION - 121S
All bookings for block sessions must be completed within a set time period to ensure continuity and momentum in training. The time limits are as follows:
Reactivity Course
- Completion for this course is to be fully completed within 2.5 months
Training Sessions
- Block of 3 sessions to be completed within 9 weeks
Intensive Training or Training Walks
- To be completed by the end of day 5, by the end of day 3 or same day (half day train). Training walks are initially to be completed within 4 weeks
It is recommended to get all your sessions booked in as soon as you initially book. If you cannot complete within these time limits then you may lose any remaining sessions.
If you wish to book additional sessions after your block sessions or intensive training, your first additional session must be within 12 weeks of your last session with me.
RESCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS
1. HMDT is a small appointment based business and cannot function with prolonged rescheduling of sessions from clients. However we do appreciate that life events and circumstances outside of the clients control can happen and aims to be flexible where possible within the limits of our business hours and the terms and conditions stated here
2. When booking with HMDT ensure you have sufficient time to commit to the sessions and training between the sessions. If you are unable to do this and anticipate you will be regularly rescheduling sessions, please wait until you have more available time to commit before booking
3. HMDT permits the following number of rescheduled sessions per booking. Upon reaching the limits stated below, the client will lose any further sessions they require to be rescheduled and no refund shall be given
- Block of 3 sessions or ad hoc sessions permits a maximum of one rescheduled session
4. The rescheduling of appointments must be at least 24 hours before the session, otherwise the client will lose the session and not be refunded. No exceptions.
CANCELLATIONS, TERMINATION OF CONTRACT AND REFUNDS - 121S, CLASSES & TRAINING WALKS
1. Cancellation requests will be honoured but you will not receive your 25% deposit back when initially making the booking as this is non-refundable
2. Cancellation requests the day of the session or the day before the session will mean you will not receive your non-refundable deposit back or any other payments made.
3. If the client makes the decision to rehome their dog once training has commenced, a refund will not be given for any sessions taken or the remainder of the sessions not used. The option to complete the sessions via zoom will be given
4. If a client fails to attend a training session or class, no refund shall be given
5. If a client is more than 20 minutes late for a training session and has not corresponded with HMDT to inform them of the delay, the session will be cancelled and no refund shall be given
6. No refunds will be given if the client decides not to use the full number of sessions from a purchased 121, class or training walks
7. HMDT reserve the right to cancel the contract (at any time and with immediate effect) if the client becomes abusive, aggressive or acts in an inappropriate manner towards the trainer or behaviourist. The client would receive no refund for their sessions taken or the remainder of the sessions not used
8. If the client is non-compliant or withholds information that could compromise the safety of the trainer or behaviourist, then the contract would be terminated with immediate effect without refund
9. If the client moves out of our service area once training has commenced, a refund will not be given for any sessions taken or the remainder of sessions not used. The option to complete the sessions via zoom will be given.
10. No refund will be given if a client withdraws from a class within one week of its start date. If the space on the course can be filled, then a refund will be given (minus a 10% admin fee and non-refundable deposit) to the client
11. No refunds will be given for missed classes, nor can clients attend classes beyond the designated timetable that they booked on to
12. HMDT reserves the right to terminate the contract (at any time, with immediate effect) if any dog under the contract does not respond well to the training plan and/or other dogs. This includes, but not limited to, dogs that are not comfortable in a class environment. Partial refunds will apply
13. Refunds, if any, shall be made entirely at HMDT's discretion. Please note a 10% admin fee would be deducted
DOG WALKING
1. The client is solely responsible for any and all harm or damage caused by their dog while it is under the care of HMDTs, or is using any other services provided by HMDT, and agrees to indemnify HMDT in full against any liability arising from such harm or damage to third parties
2. The client agrees that, in admitting their dog, HMDT has relied on the client’s representation that their dog is in good health and has not harmed or shown aggression or threatening behaviour toward any person or any other dog
3. All dogs will be subject to an initial assessment by HMDT prior to using HMDT. HMDT reserves the right to refuse admission to any dog deemed in their absolute discretion to be, or have the potential to be, dangerous or disruptive
4. The client agrees to notify HMDT immediately of any unwelcome, aggressive, procreative, or dangerous behaviour of their dog that has potential to cause harm to any other dog or individual
5. HMDT will only let dogs off the lead once an ‘off the lead consent" box has been ticked, and will remain at the discretion of HMDT
6. The client is responsible for the full cost of treatment of any injuries or illness that their dog receives while under the care of HMDT, together with any associated costs e.g. call-out charges. The client authorises the staff of HMDT to seek such veterinary advice and/or treatment as they deem necessary; where possible this will be carried out by the client’s usual/preferred vet, but this cannot be guaranteed (e.g. in an emergency) and the client accepts that the HMDT may at their discretion use any registered vet. The client agrees to pay all such costs immediately upon pick-up of their dog, or by agreement with the proprietor
7. The client agrees to take any necessary measures or precautions to ensure that their dog is continuously free of contagious, infectious, or otherwise communicable diseases. The client further agrees to notify HMDT immediately of any infectious and/or contagious disease or conditions their dog has been exposed to or is affected by. Such diseases and conditions include, but are not limited to: Distemper, Hepatitis, Kennel Cough (Bordetella), Parvovirus, Corona virus, worms, Lyme disease, Fleas, Pregnancy, Infectious Skin Diseases and Intestinal Parasites. HMDT reserves the right to refuse admission until satisfied that the condition is resolved
8. The client consents to their dog being photographed, videotaped, and/or used in any media or advertising by HMDT without prior approval. All such media remain the property of HMDT
9. The client agrees that HMDT is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged leads, collars, tags, clothing or any other item left with their dog
10. The client agrees to ensure their dog has not eaten in the hour before pick up by HMDT to ensure sufficient time to digest food before any exercise or play. Failure to do so may result in the potentially life-threatening condition bloat (Gastric Torsion)
11. The Client agrees to provide keys/arrange access to the dog for the agreed appointment; failure to do so will result in a cancellation for that day’s service and will be paid in full by the client
12. The client has to settle the invoice from HMDT before their dog is due to be walked the following week. Failure to settle the invoice will mean the dog will not get walked
13. The client agrees that if they have to cancel their dog's walk on the day the walk is due then they will receive no refund for that missed walk
16. The client agrees that, by signing the key holder waiver form this will indemnify HMDT in full against any liability arising from loss or damage to the property or its contents, in present and future circumstances.
GENERAL
1. HMDT uses a balanced approach, in a kind and ethical manner, by qualified experienced trainers. We do not advocate punitive methods or manhandling and you may be asked to leave if you use such methods
2. Aggression or behaviour issues must be declared on the assessment form or advised in writing over email. The trainer may require you to muzzle train your dog first, if needed, before they were to meet you and your dog
3. In the case of behavioural issues you agree to give consent to work with us and are happy for us to contact your vet on your behalf should this be necessary
4. If the client is late to a session then only the allocated time slot for the session shall be given. No extra time shall be added to a training session to account for the client arriving late
5. All dogs must be kept under control and on a lead unless otherwise stated by the trainer or behaviourist
6. If a bitch is in season please inform HMDT as soon as possible to discuss whether it’s appropriate for your dog to train during the time period
7. Harsh handling is not permitted in the consultation and is strongly discouraged at any other time. The use of choke chains, spray collars or manhandling are not allowed in these consultations.
8. Clients are expected to clean up after their dogs if we venture out into a dog safe area for training. Please ensure you come suitably prepared with poo bags to clean up any dog mess
9. Clients are responsible for supplying rewards for their dog during the consultation i.e. soft moist treats such as chicken or hotdogs. The trainer will bring their own rewards along but it is up to the attendee to also provide these
HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. Clients must follow the instructions of the trainer at all times
2. HMDT cannot be held liable for any losses of any kind that arise from this contract or the provision of our services save for death or personal injury due to negligence. This clause does not attempt to avoid any liability which cannot be exclused by law
3. HMDT accepts no responsibility for any damage to, theft of, or from your vehicle. Please do not leave valuables in your car
4. Clients are responsible to ensure their dog is fit and healthy to attend training. It is advised that your dog is fully vaccinated and on a regular flea, tick and worming treatment. Alternatives being titre testing and regular worming checks.
5. Dogs who are ill, injured or post operation are not allowed to attend classes until fully recovered. However, it is advisable that the client attends the session on their own so they can continue the training at home
6. HMDT will apply personal judgement and cut short a training session or class, if necessary, because of extreme weather conditions; including, but not limited to excessive heat, rain, thunderstorms and snow/ice. The decision to do so lays with the judgement of HMDT, for the safety of themselves, the client and the dog. In such circumstances, the booking will be rearranged for a mutually convenient time
7. Should training sessions or classes have to be cancelled due to changes relating to Covid-19 then a refund will not be given. The training session or class would either be rearranged to a mutually convenient time and date, or carried out virtually via Zoom. This is at the discretion of HMDT
8. HMDT will apply personal judgement and cut short a training session, if necessary, if we feel the dog is not coping well
9. Dogs are to be under control during any session with the trainer or behaviourist i.e. on a lead, wearing a muzzle (if applicable) or in a different room if they’re going to get upset or jumping all over them. Failure to do so and any injury caused by your dog being out of control will be your full responsibility. Where appropriate and directed by us, we will meet outside your home first and in some instances, we may work only outside taking a hands-off approach working at a distance (especially in the case of anxious dogs)
10. In some cases we use stooge dogs to aid training. You will be responsible for keeping your dog a sufficient and safe distance from the stooge dog and under control. In cases such as dog-dog aggression the client's dog may be required to wear a muzzle, or under-go muzzle training, before being around a stooge dog
11. It is the responsibility to make sure that dogs are made comfortable whilst in the vehicle during scentwork workshops. This includes sufficient airflow/circulation through the car and the provision of water
12. The participation of any service offered by HMDT is at your own risk, which means the responsibility lies with the client themselves. We therefore make you aware that you should hold insurance to be able to participate in any service
13. HMDT takes all reasonable precautions within the structure of our services to avoid injury resulting from dog bites. However, HMDT accepts no responsbility for damage or injury resulting from dog bites to clients or their dogs whilst attending services
14. The client is fully responsible for any damages/harm done by either themselves, their dogs or any other clients/guardians/handlers that came with them
PHOTO RELEASE
By agreeing to the Terms and Conditions, you give HMDT permission to publish in print, electronic, or video format the likeness or image of you and/or your dog. HMDT will treat your personal information confidentially and will not pass on your details to any third parties
If you really do not wish to be filmed, please let the trainer know in advance
TRAVEL EXPENSES
Travel expenses only apply if the trainer is visiting the home of a young puppy or a home that has signed up for training walks or intensive training