Terms and Conditions of Services Effective 10.08.2024. AR Dogs, “we”, “our” or “us”, is a one-person entity that provides dog related services of behaviour packages, one to one training and group classes, collectively known as the “service(s)”, “session(s)” or “booking(s)”. The “client(s)”, “owner(s)”, “handler(s)”, “you”, refers to the person filling out the enrolment form and anyone affiliated with or responsible for the dog that attends a session or class, be that in person or via video call.

In the interests of safety to AR Dogs, volunteers, clients, handlers, attendees and spectators please read and agree to the following conditions.

This declaration sets out the terms in which AR Dogs accepts a client onto any session. When the client agrees to this declaration, they will be bound by all of AR Dogs’s Terms and Conditions.

AR Dogs reviews and changes these conditions from time to time in order to assist the proper delivery of services and education. AR Dogs reserves the right to introduce changes at any time when it is in the interest of clients, handlers, AR Dogs, and dogs.

GENERAL

1. The purpose of the training is to adjust the behaviour of the client’s dog and teach them new skills while teaching the client how to train and work with their dog. The services offered are designed to provide science led, force free advice and suggested protocols for the client to follow to aid in training and behavioural modification. The client agrees that the results of the training can be affected by various factors.

2. Our methods are kind, ethical and effective. AR Dogs will take appropriate measures to achieve training and behaviour goals but makes no guarantees as to the results. Instant results are unlikely and training will take long term commitment from the client to work with their dog throughout the duration of the booked sessions and beyond. Clients must understand that there is no quick fix, behaviours at times cannot be altered but rather managed.

3. It is the responsibility of the client to practise the training recommended by AR Dogs to achieve the desired results. The client agrees to take all necessary steps to aid AR Dogs and to follow any instruction or advice provided, especially to work with their dog daily and to constantly reinforce the desired behaviours from their dog. The onus is on the client to do the work needed and to follow the guidance given.

4. Clients must inform AR Dogs of any past or present physical or behavioural issues, including bite history, before training begins. All questions must be answered honestly to ensure a clear understanding of the dog’s needs and the support plan to be issued. We appreciate that it may be difficult to share this information but it helps to support the safety of everyone involved.

5. We uphold a zero-tolerance policy on bullying towards AR Dogs or other clients, this includes rudeness. Should we witness or hear of any negative comments towards another person or their dog we will take action. We believe in creating a relaxed and friendly environment to train dogs and anyone purposely disrupting this will be asked to leave and not be refunded. If an issue arises with another client please inform us so attempts can be made to resolve it.

6. The dog’s behaviour prior, during or after training is solely the client's responsibility. Should any behaviour of their dog result in damage to property or person or some third party, the client agrees to assume full liability for any and all such damage, and absolve AR Dogs from any and all liability for obligations to pay for such damage, loss and or expenses arising out of any injury to any person or to any person’s property by their dog, unless it is the direct result of negligence by AR Dogs. AR Dogs is not liable for illness, injury or death of the client’s dog unless it is the direct result of negligence by AR Dogs.

7. Nothing in these Terms shall limit or exclude our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, any fraudulent misrepresentation or any other liability for which it is unlawful to exclude or limit liability.

BOOKINGS AND PAYMENT

8. Bookings can be made online via the AR Dogs website and associated booking system. Any bookings made outside of the booking system, such as in person or via online communications, will be processed through the booking system to ensure all necessary information is forwarded to the client.

9. All payments are processed in British Sterling (GBP) at the time of payment. AR Dogs is not responsible for any fees, charges, exchange rates or additional charges levied by the individual financial institutions or credit card companies.

10. Payment confirmation, booking confirmation, session reminders and correspondence from AR Dogs will be sent via email to the address you provide. Please ensure this address is correct at the time of booking.

RESCHEDULING, REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS

11. If the client becomes unavailable for the original date and time of their booking they can reschedule the booking with at least 48 hours notice via the online booking system.

12. If less than 48 hours notice, rescheduling of the session will be at AR Dogs’ discretion.

13. Subject to any statutory rights of cancellation, payments for sessions are non-refundable and non-transferable unless otherwise stated in these Terms and Conditions. Refunds, if any, shall be made entirely at AR Dogs’ discretion.

14. If the booking is made within 14 days of the service then the client agrees to waive their right to rely upon the 14 day statutory cooling off and cancellation period.

15. If the client fails to attend a one to one session or class no refund shall be given.  It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they attend on the correct date, time and location for the service they have booked.

16. If the client is more than 20 minutes late for a session and has not corresponded with AR Dogs to inform them of the delay, the session will be cancelled and no refund shall be given.

17. The client is not entitled to a refund if they decide to not use the full number of sessions from a purchased package.

18. Packages must be used within the stated time frame from the day of purchase. Failure to use these within the time frame will result in forfeiting these sessions. No refund shall be given.

19. AR Dogs 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.

20. AR Dogs reserves the right to terminate the contract at any time and with immediate effect if the client or anyone with their dog is abusive towards any AR Dogs staff or volunteers. No refund shall be given.

21. If a client is non compliant or withholding information with regards to the behaviour of their dog(s), including but not limited to aggression, which could compromise the safety of AR Dogs staff or volunteers then the contract will be terminated immediately and no refund given.

22. Refunds, if any, shall be made entirely at AR Dogs’s discretion. Please note, 10% will be deducted to cover admin costs.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

23. Clients must follow the instructions of the trainer at all times.

24. Dogs must be kept on a short static lead at all times, unless otherwise directed by AR Dogs.

25. If your bitch is in season please inform AR Dogs as soon as possible to discuss whether it’s appropriate for your dog to attend training during this time period. If it is decided that it is not appropriate for your dog to attend, the appointment can be rescheduled.

26. AR Dogs accepts no responsibility for any damage to, theft of, or from your vehicle. Please do not leave valuables in your car.

27. 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. Or they are titre tested and regular worming checks are completed.

28. Dogs who are ill, injured or post-operation should be cleared for training by a vet before attending any session.

29. A training session may be cut short, if necessary, because of extreme weather conditions; including, but not limited to excessive heat, rain, thunderstorms and snow/ice. In such circumstances, the booking will be rescheduled for a mutually convenient time.

30. AR Dogs will cut short a training session, if necessary, if we feel the dog is not coping well. The dog’s welfare is always paramount

31. In some cases we use stooge dogs to aid training. The client is responsible for keeping their dog a sufficient and safe distance from the stooge dog and under control.

32. When delivering our services we are keen to ensure that we always put animal welfare at the forefront of everything that we do. As such we do not endorse, nor do we utilise, the use of prong collars, e collars, slip leads, choke/check chains. Any undisclosed use of these items may result in the withdrawal of our services to the client. If you have been using these methods up until now, let us know so we can offer effective alternatives to avoid further problems.

33. Our training and handling methods are kind and humane. Should we see any conduct or treatment which does not align with our approach we reserve the right to terminate the delivery of our services immediately.

34. We make every effort to ensure safety of both clients and dogs during sessions. By making a booking, the client accepts that dog training is not without risk to themselves, members of their family/household, guests or their dog(s).

35. Human safety is just as important to us as that of dogs. Please ensure that during the session any young children have alternative adult supervision so that you and your dog can focus on the session.

36. We will endeavour to offer only sound, safe and responsible training and training instructions. However, we are not responsible for any unintentional errors, omissions or incorrect assertions. We are not responsible for any action or inaction which the client takes as a result of the information provided to them within the session(s). 

37. No content in the session(s) should be construed as veterinary or nutritional therapeutic advice. If you believe that your dog(s) requires veterinary attention you should seek assistance from a veterinary professional immediately.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Occasionally, we like to take photos and videos of sessions to record progress and for promotional use on social media and our website. Before doing so we will ask your permission, in person, at the time. If you do not consent to your photograph/video please let us know when asked in person or in writing. Please note: all use will be anonymous, other than your dog’s name.