TERMS AND CONDITIONS | Victoria Dog Obedience Training

Terms & Conditions – Victoria Dog Obedience Training

1. Agreement & Acceptance

By booking or attending any training service provided by Victoria Dog Obedience Training ("Trainer"), you ("Client") agree to the following Terms & Conditions. These terms may change without notice. It is the Client’s responsibility to regularly review and remain informed of the latest version.

2. Services & Training Methods

Victoria Dog Obedience Training provides force-free, science-based dog training and behaviour services. Harsh handling methods and aversive tools (including prong collars, choke chains, slip leads used as aversive tools, and e-collars) are not permitted.

If such tools or methods are used during or between sessions, training will be terminated immediately without refund.

Training focuses on education, guidance, and owner involvement. Results depend on consistency, follow-through, and realistic expectations. No guarantees are made regarding specific outcomes.

My goal is to foster a safe, positive training environment based on mutual respect and trust.

3. Booking & Payment Terms

Private Training:

Clients will receive booking confirmation via WhatsApp, text, or email.
A waiting list may apply, depending on the season and availability.
Clients will receive an invoice for the first session, which acts as a non-refundable reservation booking fee. This fee protects against last-minute cancellations, no-shows, or ignored enquiries.
No taster, trial, or single sessions are offered.
This is because dog training is not a quick fix. One session is not enough to properly assess a dog, build trust, or create lasting results. Many dogs also need time to warm up to a new person. A single session may not reflect the dog’s true behaviour or potential and can be unfair or overwhelming for them. All training is delivered as a structured programme to ensure consistency, fairness to the dog, and meaningful progress for both the dog and the owner.
After confirming the start date, an invoice for the remaining sessions will be issued. This must be paid in full before the first session.
Payment due dates are typically 1–2 days after the reservation payment. Late or missing payments will result in automatic cancellation without refund.
Full programme payment is required. No weekly or instalment payments are available.
Only bank transfers are accepted. Cash and cheques are not.

Group Classes:

Payment must be made by the invoice due date to secure your spot.
Unpaid requests will be cancelled.
No partial refunds for missed classes.
Cancellations made with over 7 days’ notice receive a 50% refund.
No refunds if cancelled within 7 days.
Minimum enrolment is 3 dogs. If not met, a full refund will be issued.

4. Cancellations & Refunds

Client Cancellations:

A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to reschedule or cancel a session.
Missed or late cancellations will be charged unless due to genuine emergency, illness, or severe weather.
Two consecutive late cancellations may result in a £35 charge.
Three late cancellations may result in programme termination without refund.
No-shows exceeding 3 days without notice may result in cancellation without refund.
If cancelling after one session, no refunds will be given for remaining sessions.
For dissatisfaction-based refunds, notice must be given within 1–2 days of the first session.

Refund Policy:

Requests must be emailed within 7 days of the last session.
Refunds will not be given if:
- Your dog responds to the trainer but not to you.
- Training was not practiced consistently.
- Advice was misunderstood or not followed.
- Results were affected by lack of compliance.

Trainer Cancellations:

You will be notified at least 48 hours in advance, unless in case of emergency, illness, or unsafe weather conditions.
Cancelled sessions by the trainer will be rescheduled at no extra cost.

5. Session Conduct & Safety

Please arrive on time. A maximum wait time of 10 minutes applies.
If you are late without informing me, I may leave and the session will be charged.
Dogs must be on lead at all times unless instructed otherwise.
Dogs must wear a collar or harness with an ID tag and a standard short lead (no retractables).
Long lines may be required for safety during recall training.
Muzzles may be required if a dog poses a safety risk.
Puppies under 12 weeks may attend private home sessions before completing vaccinations.

Training may be adjusted, shortened, or moved if weather conditions, safety concerns, or dog welfare require it.

Mutual respect is expected. Abusive, aggressive, or disrespectful behaviour from any party will result in immediate termination without refund.

6. Client Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for their dog’s behaviour, safety, and welfare at all times.
All training instructions must be followed consistently.
Always clean up after your dog.
Do not let your dog off-lead during training unless instructed.
Any parking penalties caused by incorrect information provided by the client (e.g. falsely stating free parking) must be reimbursed. Failure to do so may result in legal action.

7. Group Class Behaviour Guidelines

Dogs showing aggression or severe anxiety toward people or dogs are not suitable for group obedience classes. Please opt for 1:1 rehabilitation or specialised training.
Dogs in season must not attend group sessions.
Refunds will not be issued if incorrect behavioural information was provided.
Puppies must have at least two completed vaccinations to attend group classes.

8. Data Protection

Your personal data will be used only for training and administrative purposes and will not be shared with third parties.

9. Intellectual Property

All original website content, training materials, guides, and tools are the property of Victoria Dog Obedience Training and may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed without written permission.

10. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

By booking any service with Victoria Dog Obedience Training, you agree to these terms in full.