Terms and conditions.

These terms and conditions apply to all private sessions. Please note that booking and engagement in sessions both imply full agreement to these terms and conditions.

Block bookings

If you have booked in a block of sessions these are date specific and are locked in once booked. We will allow you to rearrange one session out of each block however do require 48 hours to do so. After that, if you cannot attend a session, you will lose the slot and will not be refunded.

In cases of bad weather (either rainy or too hot) we will conduct the session from your house and will review ongoing training and set training for the next week to avoid the delay of your progress. If you live out of the area, we will do this via video conference. We recommend you take plenty of videos while training to allow us to review your training, should the weather conditions decline.

In the cases of extreme weather, such as storms, floods etc. that may increase a dog’s anxiety, we will rearrange the session.

Training Techniques

The training techniques used in all sessions are designed to be kind, fair, force-free and non-aversive. Harsh handling, physical force and equipment designed to be aversive will not be used (including choke chains, check chains, prong collars, spray collars, anti-pull harnesses and e-collars).

We ask that our clients also commit to our ethics and agree to not seek out addition advice online or in person that may contradict our code of ethics. Should we find out that clients are using inappropriate tools or techniques outside of our training sessions, we have the right to refuse service.

Booking, Payment and Cancellations

To book a personalised, private training and/or behavioural session please use the online booking form linked in the main navigation. These forms are emailed directly to Amelia who will be in touch within 48 hours (excluding weekends) to offer appointment day/time suggestions. Once a mutually convenient day(s)/time(s) has been agreed payment options will be emailed. The full session fee is required within 48 hours of booking. You can pay by bank transfer or via online checkout which can be requested over the phone.

If payment has not been received within 48 hours your suggested appointment slot(s) will be offered to another client. Appointments are offered on a first come first served basis.

Appointments cancelled two days or less before the arranged appointment will be subject to the full fee. Appointments cancelled with more than two days notice before the arranged appointment will be rescheduled or refunded. Amelia Steele retains the right to cancel a session(s). If a session has been cancelled by Amelia Steele, a full refund will be arranged.

To avoid any doubt - a cancellation is defined as any appointment which cannot be made at the time, date and location stated when originally booked. Sessions which are cancelled due to an issue with the client or client dog are still considered cancellations on the part of the client, even if agreed with the trainer.

If a client cancels or reschedules a session more than three times without appropriate notice, we reserve the right to refuse further sessions.

Safety

Please ensure dogs are kept away from the front door, garden gate (contained in your home) or kept in your car (if meeting on a dog walk) when we first arrive. Depending on the issue, you may be asked to take additional steps to ensure safety (and controlled observation of your dog's behaviour) during a behavioural 1-2-1 session. In any case, if you have concerns about your dog's behaviour towards meeting people, yourself or anyone present (including other pets), it is entirely your responsibility to take all necessary steps (e.g. muzzling your dog, keep them on a lead, other pets in a different room etc.) It is vital that you take sensible safety precautions and then discuss how and when your dog should be introduced rather than taking risks.

If your dog has ever bitten a person/other animal, you must report this before your behavioural session. If any accidents or injury takes place during our session this must be reported to us at the time they occur.

Children

All family members are welcome to attend sessions. In behavioural sessions, due to the nature of discussions it might not be appropriate for children to attend. It is your responsibility as parent/carer to determine whether or not it would be helpful/appropriate for children to attend. It is important that at least one adult can give their full attention to the discussion throughout. We accept no responsibility for children before, during and after sessions.

An adult must be in control of the dog at all times and no children under the age of 18 should be expected to take responsibility for the dog.

Product & Service Recommendations

I will often recommend products or services I feel benefit you and your dog. I am not affiliated with any products and hold no responsibility or liability for the effectiveness of product recommended. It is your responsibility to follow through with any recommendations, including any veterinary care that is suggested.

Marketing & Social Media

Photos and videos are sometimes taken during a session with the permission of the owner. These photos are the property of Amelia Steele and if you do not wish for them to be used on social media, you must specify ahead of the session.

Out of Hours Support

You are welcome to ask questions and get in touch in between training sessions for additional support, however the level of contact must be reasonable and not exceed an hour per week. Amelia Steele reserves the right to charge for time or refuse additional support, if the requests are deemed unreasonable.

Owner Commitment

By engaging in training sessions you agree to:

fully engage with the process of working with your dog to the best of your ability and understand that any changes will involve commitment and consistency

understand there is no 'quick fix' when working with behavioural issues
avoid introducing alternative training/behaviour modification methods (such as those picked up from TV, books, friends and other trainers) in order to prevent confusion and conflict for your dog
be open and honest in discussions around behaviour
ask for clarification if anything which is explained in unclear
have an open mind with regard to potential solutions, changes and strategies

Disclaimer

Owners are to understand that modifying behaviour poses a risk of injury. You are to ensure that necessary steps are taken at all times to prevent injury, including avoidance of situations that might trigger aggressive behaviour. Owners agree to indemnify and hold unaccountable Amelia Steele against any and all losses, liabilities, judgments and costs (including legal fees and expenses) arising out of, or related to, any claim of injury to persons or property of any kind, whether before, during or after the consultation and when implementing suggested techniques with your dog.