This Training Agreement and Liability Waiver ("Agreement") is entered into between Westrock Kennels ("Westrock Kennels," "we," "us," or "our") and the undersigned owner or authorized agent ("Owner") of the dog(s) identified below.
By signing this Agreement, the Owner acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to the following terms and conditions.
Scope of Services
Westrock Kennels specializes exclusively in the training and development of sporting and hunting dogs, with a focus on bird dog training.
Our services may include, but are not limited to:
- Bird introduction and bird work
- Field exposure and hunting preparation
- Gunfire introduction and conditioning
- Obedience related to sporting applications
- Retrieving development
- Steadiness training
- Advanced hunting skills and handling
Westrock Kennels does not provide behaviour modification services for:
- Dog aggression
- Human aggression
- Resource guarding
- Severe fear or anxiety cases
- Separation anxiety
- Other behavioural rehabilitation unrelated to sporting objectives
We reserve the right to decline, discontinue, or modify training services if a dog demonstrates behaviours that fall outside our area of expertise or create an unsafe environment for staff, clients, other dogs, or the public.
Owner Disclosure Requirements
The Owner agrees to provide complete and accurate information regarding their dog's:
- Health history;
- Vaccination status;
- Current medications;
- Previous training experience;
- Bite history;
- Behavioural concerns;
- Known medical conditions; and
- Any other information that may affect the dog's safety or training.
Failure to disclose relevant information may result in immediate termination of services without refund.
Assumption of Risk
The Owner understands and acknowledges that all dog training activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:
- Exposure to unfamiliar environments;
- Interaction with birds and wildlife;
- Gunfire exposure;
- Physical activity over varied terrain;
- Transportation related to training activities;
- Minor injuries such as cuts, abrasions, punctures, strains, or sprains;
- Illness or injury arising from participation in training exercises.
While Westrock Kennels exercises reasonable care and professional judgment in all training activities, no training environment can eliminate all risk.
The Owner voluntarily assumes all risks associated with participation in training services.
Use of Birds in Training
The Owner understands and agrees that Westrock Kennels utilizes live homing pigeons as part of normal bird dog training programs.
These birds are used to safely and effectively develop a dog's natural instincts, confidence, scenting ability, steadiness, and bird handling skills.
The use of homing pigeons is included as part of applicable training programs unless otherwise specified.
Training involving harvested game birds or shot birds may be offered when appropriate to the dog's stage of development and training goals. The Owner acknowledges that:
- Shot birds are not included in standard training fees;
- Additional fees may apply when shot birds are requested or required; and
- Such fees will be communicated to the Owner in advance whenever possible.
Parasite Prevention and Deworming
Sporting dogs frequently encounter environments and species that may increase their exposure to internal parasites.
The Owner understands that contact with birds, wildlife, natural water sources, and outdoor training environments may elevate the risk of parasite transmission.
Westrock Kennels strongly recommends that all dogs participating in training programs be maintained on an appropriate parasite prevention program under the guidance of their veterinarian, including routine fecal screening and deworming as recommended for sporting dogs.
The Owner accepts responsibility for their dog's preventative health care and understands that Westrock Kennels cannot guarantee that exposure to parasites will not occur despite reasonable precautions.
Veterinary Care and Medical Emergencies
If the dog becomes ill, injured, or requires veterinary attention during training, Westrock Kennels may seek veterinary care deemed reasonably necessary.
The Owner authorizes Westrock Kennels to obtain emergency veterinary treatment if the Owner cannot be reached in a timely manner.
The Owner agrees to be financially responsible for all veterinary expenses incurred on behalf of their dog, including examination fees, treatment costs, medications, transportation expenses, and emergency services.
Westrock Kennels will make reasonable efforts to contact the Owner prior to authorizing treatment whenever circumstances permit.
No Guarantee of Results
The Owner understands that dog training outcomes vary based on numerous factors, including:
- Genetics;
- Temperament;
- Age and maturity;
- Health;
- Consistency of reinforcement;
- Owner participation;
- Environmental influences; and
- Previous experiences.
Westrock Kennels makes no guarantees, warranties, or representations regarding specific training outcomes, timelines, hunting performance, titles, field success, or behavioural results. Westrock Kennel can't guarantee perfection, but Westrock Kennels can guarantee full commitment or a full refund if no progress has been made.
Fees
The Client agrees to pay all fees associated with the selected training program as outlined at the time of booking.
A non-refundable deposit may be required to reserve a training space. The remaining balance is due in accordance with the payment schedule provided by Westrock Kennels and must be paid in full upon the completion of the training program, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.
Additional fees may apply for services requested outside of the standard training program, including but not limited to extended boarding, veterinary visits, transportation, or supplementary training sessions.
Payments not received by the due date may result in the postponement, suspension, or cancellation of training services until payment has been made in full.
All fees paid for training services are non-refundable once the training program has commenced, except where otherwise required by law or expressly agreed to in writing by Westrock Kennels.
Westrock Kennels reserves the right to adjust its fees and pricing structure at any time; however, any changes will not affect fees for services that have already been booked and paid for.
The Steadiness Transformation Program has a base rate of $4,000 CAD, plus applicable taxes for 6 weeks of service. Shot birds used during training are not included in the base rate and will be charged separately at current market prices.
Owner Participation and Follow-Through
The Owner acknowledges that successful training requires continued reinforcement and consistency following completion of professional training services.
Westrock Kennels agrees to provide instruction and recommendations to support the Owner's transition and continued progress; however, the Owner remains responsible for maintaining and reinforcing learned behaviours after training concludes.
Liability Release and Indemnification
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Owner releases and discharges Westrock Kennels, its owners, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, damages, losses, actions, or expenses arising from or related to participation in training services, except where caused by gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
The Owner further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Westrock Kennels from claims brought by third parties arising from the actions or conduct of the Owner's dog.
Removal or Termination of Services
Westrock Kennels reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or terminate training services at any time if:
- The dog presents an unreasonable safety risk;
- The Owner provides false or incomplete information;
- The Owner fails to comply with program requirements; or
- Continued participation is determined to be inappropriate or outside the scope of services offered.
- Any refund determination shall be made at the sole discretion of Westrock Kennels and in accordance with any applicable program policies.
Photo and Media Release
I authorize Westrock Kennels to photograph or record my dog for educational, promotional, and marketing purposes, including use on websites and social media platforms.
Acknowledgement
I certify that I am the legal owner or authorized agent of the dog identified below. I have carefully read this Agreement, understand its contents, and voluntarily agree to all terms and conditions contained herein.