Terms & Conditions
By making a booking with TTD, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and fully accept our terms and conditions as detailed below:
Training Methods & Equipment
At Toni Trains Dogs (TTD) our philosophy of training is founded on modern science. All training techniques and advice provided by TTD will be kind, fair and reward based. TTD’s training methods all abide by the ABTC code of practice. See here for more information.
TTD will never promote the use of harsh handling, physical force, or any punitive ‘aversive’ training methods. Wanderdog will never use or promote equipment that causes discomfort, fear, or pain. This includes but is not limited to choke ‘check’ chains, prong collars, spray collars or e-collars (electric or vibration). These items will not be permitted in any class or private session and can never be used safely in any training capacity.
Guardian Commitment
Training and behaviour change takes time, commitment, consistency, and patience. Implementing any training plan is the responsibility of the guardian, as is their dog’s welfare and on-going behaviour.
The guardian recognises the consistent role they play in their own dog's learning process is integral to achieving effective and desired results. To achieve optimal results, many short daily training sessions at home in a lower distraction environment will help consolidate and improve learning.
The guardian acknowledges and agrees that there is no guarantee that their dog will achieve the desired level of training, despite the best efforts of the trainers at TTD.
In group classes, the guardian agrees to always keep their dog under control and on lead throughout every class. Dogs must not approach other puppies within their personal stations. This is to provide each dog with a safe space within the hall.
The guardian confirms that, if their dog has shown aggressive behaviour in the past either towards other dogs or towards people (including growling, snarling, barking, lunging, biting) this will be disclosed in full PRIOR TO attending any group or private class starting.
In a group class, if a dog is deemed to be too anxious or stressed, we will do our best to help the situation, but if the dog can’t cope with the environment, then the guardian may be asked to remove the dog in their best interests and welfare.
If information regarding the dog’s behaviour has been omitted from either the intake form or initial contact which constitutes behavioural work, TTD will not address these behaviours during the group class or private training session. TTD will either cease the session if there is a safety or welfare issue for the trainer or dog, or will address only training concerns, and re-organise an official behavioural consultation or referral for the behaviour work.
In group classes dogs are to wear a harness preferably, but if not a flat collar and lead. “Flexi- / retractable leads” are not allowed in class to prevent injury to others. Slip leads and head collars are also not allowed to prevent injury to the dog. TTD encourages the use of fixed length leads in both private and group training situations (ideally 2 metres for general walking exercises and 10 metres for recall).
All training handouts and any material given is under copyright to TTD and is not to be passed on to other members of the public without our permission.
Payments & Bookings
TTD actively encourages all family members living with the dog to attend classes and train with them (group and private). However, the guardian must be at least 18 years old to book with TTD. If the guardian is under 18 there must be a supervising adult present.
TTD will always provide an invoice and receipt of payment. The price advertised at the time of booking applies.
Group Classes
All invoices must be paid in full by bank transfer before a dog is considered booked on to any group course. If payment is not received before the date provided on the invoice (within 2 days of the invoice date) the group class spot may be given away to another dog.
Booking confirms the guardian’s attendance for the full course. If a guardian is unable to attend a session, they agree to let TTD know as soon as possible.
Classes will endeavour to start on time to cover class content and because another class may start shortly afterwards. If the guardian can’t attend a session for any reason, it will not be possible to join another course.
TTD will provide alternative ways for the guardian and dog to gain the class content. Either through joining online via zoom in real-time (3 hours’ notice must be provided), or by sending a pre-recorded version of the class to be watched in a guardian’s own time (this is available for weeks 1-5).
It is the guardian’s responsibility to ensure they attend group classes on the correct date, time, and place according to the instructions provided.
Private Training & Cooperative Care Packages
If a payment is not received within 48 hours of the service, the service cannot commence, and a new date will need to be arranged.
All private training packages must be completed within their designated period allocated from the date of booking; otherwise, unused sessions will be lost. For the standard package this is within 3 months of the consult date, and for the ultimate package within 6 months of consult date.
Cooperative Care
Training sessions will be 1 hour long and will consist of Toni and the client working together to teach the dog the behaviours they have decided on together. Therefore, the client will be doing the training and Toni will be there as a teacher to them. Between sessions, it is the responsibility of the client to practice these behaviours. The client may send homework videos and questions to Toni to a reasonable degree. The client is not permitted to send videos or questions to Toni 1 month after the end of their final session.
As dogs will have to experience a plethora of care procedures throughout their lives, cooperative care training is an investment into your dog’s mental and physical health for the entirety of their lives. Cooperative care training is a style of training that progresses in very small, often slow increments so will require a lot of practice. So it is important to recognise the time, consistency and patience needed for this training to be as successful so it can be useful for the long term. Therefore it is the client's responsibility to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
We will be using food as reinforcement for your dog. Some dogs are food motivated and some are not. Sometimes it’s a matter of finding which food will motivate your dog but in some cases, the dog has no interest. If the client’s dog has no interest in any food as a reinforcer, we will work together to try and find a successful alternative. It is possible that this will be unsuccessful and in these cases, Toni will consider cancelling and refunding any further training sessions the client has paid for.
Toni is not a behaviourist. It is essential for the client to acknowledge that their dog’s behaviour issues may be out of Toni’s capabilities and will need to seek advice from a behaviourst or vet behaviourist. Therefore it is the responsibility of the guardian to disclose honestly whether their dog has shown aggressive behaivour or bitten people in the past and what the context was. It is also essential for the client to disclose if their dog is aggressive around food as we will be using treats during our sessions. In cases that are out of Toni’s capabilities, they will provide alternative contacts that the guardian can pursue for assistance.
Cancellations & Refunds
Group Classes
TTD operates classes using a very low tutor: puppy ratio, therefore refunds may only be given with 7 DAYS NOTICE before the start of the course (the online orientation class date). Failure to notify us of a cancellation within this time frame will result in no refund.
TTD is unable to offer any refunds, partial refunds, credits, or alternative services for missed classes under any reason including client illness, puppy illness (including kennel cough), puppy death or re-homing.
TTD reserves the right to ask a guardian and dog to leave a group class, if it is deemed that the dog is a danger to the other dogs, or other guardians within the group and no refund will be given in this case.
If a class must be cancelled due to circumstances beyond TTD’s control (such as adverse weather that prohibits the safety of the puppies or trainer illness where a replacement cannot be acquired), every effort by TTD will be made to provide an alternative arrangement. This could involve a replacement class on an alternative day, or a temporary switch to online teaching. TTD is unable to offer refunds, partial refunds, credits, or alternative services if a class is switched to online or an alternative date.
Private Training Packages
Training sessions must be cancelled by the guardian in no less than 48 hours before a session time, otherwise the guardian will be responsible for full payment. All sessions are non-refundable once booked, however with 48 hours’ notice, it is possible to change to a new date and time. Partial refunds cannot be given after a training package has started for any unused sessions.
TTD reserves the right to terminate a session at any time if, in their sole discretion, they determine the guardian’s dog poses a danger to the safety of the trainer or if the guardian has failed to disclose vital safety information before a session (i.e., a dog’s previous bite history or behaviour towards guests entering the home). TTD can terminate a session if a guardian refuses to keep a dog on lead if requested as a safety measure.
TTD reserves the right to cancel training sessions up to the point of commencement of each session due to adverse/ dangerous weather conditions, trainer illness or any other reasonable reason. The trainer will mutually agree with the guardian alternative dates and times.
General Terms
Children
TTD welcomes all the family, including children to attend training classes (group and private) with their puppy. However, TTD accepts no responsibility for children at these sessions. It is always the responsibility of the supervising adult to ensure that child's safely. Children must not wander up to or touch unknown dogs in the class.
TTD reserves the right to request that a disruptive child does not attend any future classes. It is the responsibility of the supervising adult to prevent the child from disturbing the process of learning for others during class. The guardian also agrees to bring suitable (not noisy or distracting) toys or colouring-in books to entertain the child, if they require it.
Health & Vaccination
All puppies must have had their first set of puppy vaccinations to attend indoor group classes to help prevent potential risk or spread of disease. It is, however, important to get puppies in class as soon as possible as puppies aged under roughly 12-14 weeks are within a critical window of their early development and structured socialisation is required for the benefit of their future behaviour.
The guardian agrees to get in touch with TTD prior to any group or private class, if the dog has been unwell or if they have been in contact with another dog infected with a contagious disease (including kennel cough). For group classes TTD can have the puppy and guardian join the class remotely via Zoom to prevent spread to the other dogs. For private sessions, it will be best to rearrange the session to prevent further spread and to avoid training with a dog who feels unwell.
TTD will provide additional treats in both group classes and private sessions. The guardian agrees to make any food intolerances or allergies known to TTD and will provide suitable alternatives.TTD takes no responsibility for a dog’s allergic reaction that occurs when no information was provided about a food intolerance
Disclaimer
TTD makes every effort to ensure the safety of both guardians and dogs in our group and private classes. By making a booking with TTD you are accepting that participating in an activity with dogs, children and adults poses a risk of injury to yourself and your dog, and you agree to indemnify TTD for all personal injury and damage to property while attending training classes. You agree to assume all responsibility for any risks, injuries, and damages, known or unknown, which might occur because of your dog attending such classes. You also agree to make any person who accompanies you to the session(s), or who comes in your place, aware that they are there at their own risk. You understand and accept that your dog (and their behaviour) always remains your sole responsibility.