Sessions: Classes last approximately 45-75 minutes. Lateness on the client’s part does not prolong the class.
Cancellation or Rescheduling: 24 hours notice will be given if it is necessary to cancel or reschedule a class. A voice message, text message, or e-mail message may be sent to do this. A message will be posted on our Facebook page as well.
Equipment: A six foot flat leather or nylon lead is required for training sessions. Flat collars, harnesses, gentle leaders, martingales, or other similar collars are acceptable for training sessions. Leashes that retract or collars that pinch or choke will not be allowed.
Maintenance of Goals: The owner recognizes that training sessions do not train the dog, but instead coaches the owners to train their dog according to skills conveyed and homework provided. In order for the dog to obey the owner, the following must occur:
The owner must not interact with the dog in a way that rewards bad behavior and/or punishes good behavior.
The owner must regularly train the dog at least an hour a day (not in one block, but in short 5-10 minute increments during different points of the day).
The owner must not give cues that they are not ready to reinforce if the dog performs.
The owner must not give any cue that dog does not understand.
Guarantee: Amanda Chamberlain and Pals & Paws Academy L.L.C. does not guarantee training in this arrangement. Much of the training will be done by the client after each class. The trainer cannot control whether the client follows the advice, does the homework, is consistent outside of training time, and many other factors. Owners should communicate between classes of any difficulties or problems that are arising. Proof that homework was accomplished is by the ability of the client to produce results that will be reviewed. However, if those factors are documented for the trainer, but there is not satisfactory improvement in the dog, as agreed by the client and trainer, a refund of some sort will be considered.
Fees: The fee for the training described in this contract is as follows:
Elementary classes are group classes and are $150 per dog for a 5 week training period. Dogs should be at 16 weeks at the time of enrollment. Owners will complete the first week without their dog in order to learn the necessary skills to train in class. The remaining four weeks both dogs and owners will participate.
Fees do not include any training equipment, which is the responsibility of the client to purchase.
Fees are expected to be paid in full no later than the conclusion of the first class.
Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, check, and major credit cards are accepted. A 4% discount is offered to those who pay with cash or check.
Bounced Check Fee: If a check is returned, all fees including insufficient funds fee, bank fees, and the initial training fees, will be required to be given immediately in the form of cash or certified money order to Pals & Paws Academy L.L.C.
Vaccinations: Dogs must have been examined and vaccinated by a veterinarian at least 7 days prior to the enrollment of classes. It is the client’s responsibility that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Bordetella at appropriate intervals. It is highly recommended to discuss Canine Influenza Vaccinations (both H3N8 and H3N2) with your veterinarian prior to enrollment. Proof of vaccination must be submitted prior to the first training session.
Illness and Disease: The dog in training must be in good health, and not been ill with any communicable conditions within the past 30 days. The dog in training or any other dogs in the household must not have been exposed to Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Bordetella (kennel cough) with in a 30- day period prior to enrollment or at any time during training. If this occurs, the owner must notify the trainer immediately. Dogs who have had diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, or sneezing, or have been lethargic within the past 72 hours should abstain from class that week.
Aggressive Dogs: The owner certifies that he/she has disclosed to the trainer, in writing, any behavior that may indicate that the dog may be aggressive to other dogs or people, including but not limited to growling, forceful barking, snapping, rising of hackles, lowering of head and staring, chasing, attempting to bite, and biting. The trainer reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services for an aggressive dog, in which case the trainer will have no further obligation to the owner, and the owner will be refunded their money.
Photographs: Occasionally, photographs or video footage may be taken of pet(s) that are being trained. The owner gives permission for any resulting photographs or video of owner’s pet(s) to be used for advertising or educational material, understanding that the resulting photographs or videos are the sole property of Amanda Chamberlain and Pals & Paws Academy L.L.C..
I have carefully read this contract and understand its contents fully. I am aware that this is a contract between myself and Pals & Paws Academy L.L.C..