TERMS & CONDITIONS
These terms are here to help everything run smoothly and safely for you, your dog, and everyone in class. By making a booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the following terms and conditions.
1. Bookings & Attendance: It is the client’s responsibility to attend sessions at the correct date, time, and location, as provided by the trainer. Booking confirms your place on a one-to-one session or training course. Please make every effort to attend all sessions. If you are unable to attend, please inform your trainer as soon as possible.
2. Payment: All sessions and courses must be paid for in full in advance using a method agreed with your trainer. Failure to make payment may result in your place being offered to another client. The price advertised at the time of booking will apply.
3. Training Structure: Puppy courses run as weekly sessions and are not designed as a drop-in or roll-on programme. Attending each session will give you and your puppy the best chance of success. Our level-based group classes offer a more flexible structure. These consist of six sessions, which must be completed within two months. Due to small class sizes, single-session bookings may occasionally be offered at the trainer’s discretion. To get the most from training, we recommend short, regular practice at home between sessions.
4. Health & Vaccination: All puppies and dogs must be vaccinated in accordance with veterinary guidance. If you are unsure, please consult your vet directly. This is for the safety of all dogs attending, and no exceptions can be made. Proof of vaccination (e.g. vaccination card or veterinary record) must be shown at your first class. Failure to provide this may result in your dog being unable to participate in the session. (NB: We do not consider homoeopathic nosodes an acceptable alternative to conventional vaccination for young puppies.)
5. Suitability of Classes: Puppy courses are generally suitable for puppies up to 20–21 weeks of age at the start of the course. Please check with your trainer if you are unsure, as exceptions may occasionally be made. If at any point it is felt that a class environment is not suitable for a dog or owner, we will discuss the best way forward and may suggest alternative training options. We reserve the right to refuse or remove any dog from a class if their behaviour presents a risk to others.
6. Behaviour & Reactivity: Some dogs may display behaviours such as barking, lunging, fear, or overexcitement around people, dogs, or the environment. Clients are responsible for informing the trainer of any known behavioural concerns before attending sessions. The trainer will make every effort to support dogs appropriately; however, it is the owner’s responsibility to follow all handling and management instructions given during sessions. For safety reasons, the trainer may: Adjust exercises, increase distance from others, use additional management (e.g. barriers, leads, positioning), recommend alternative training formats (e.g. one-to-one sessions). We reserve the right to remove or pause participation in group classes if a dog’s behaviour presents a risk to themselves, other dogs, or people.
7. Children in Classes: Older children are welcome to attend where appropriate, as this can be beneficial for training. All children must always be supervised by a responsible adult. The trainer reserves the right to ask that disruptive children not attend future sessions. Children under 5 years of age may attend only at the trainer’s discretion.
8. Training Methods & Equipment: Our training methods are reward-based and rely heavily on positive reinforcement, including the use of food rewards. Clients are encouraged to bring suitable treats that their dog is motivated to work for. The following are not permitted in classes under any circumstances: Choke/check chains. Prong or pinch collars. Electronic or citronella collars. Any equipment or technique that causes discomfort, pain, or fear. Flexi leads and headcollars are not permitted in class to reduce risk and distraction.
9. Class Rules: Dogs must remain on lead at all times unless instructed otherwise. Dogs must be kept at a safe distance from others unless guided by the trainer. Any accidents or injuries must be reported immediately. Off-lead play may not be included in all sessions, depending on safety and suitability.
10. Missed Sessions: Missed sessions cannot usually be transferred to another class, as this may disrupt ongoing courses, and availability is limited.
11. Cancellations, Transfers & Refunds: Due to small class sizes, refunds are not usually available unless at least 14 days’ notice is given, or the place can be filled by another client. In some cases, transfers or deferrals may be offered at the trainer’s discretion. There are no partial refunds for missed sessions. If a session is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, we will aim to offer an alternative session where possible. Failure to attend a booked session or course may result in full payment still being required.
12. Late Arrivals: If you arrive late, we may not be able to revisit missed content or extend your session time, as this may impact other clients.
13. Liability: We take every reasonable precaution to ensure the safety of all clients, dogs, and puppies during training. However, by attending sessions, you acknowledge that working with dogs carries an element of risk. Participation is at your own risk, and you are responsible for your dog’s behaviour at all times. Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.
14. Photography & Social Media: From time to time, photos or videos may be taken during training sessions for use in marketing, social media, or educational content. If you do not wish for you or your dog to be included in any photography or recordings, please inform your trainer in advance.
15. Contact Details: Cwtches Puppy Training / LM Dog Training. Email: cwtchespuppytraining@outlook.com Telephone: 07815509544