Terms & Conditions
By making a booking with South Wales Dog Training Academy, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions.
Completion of the booking process and payment for a service forms a contract between you and South Wales Dog Training Academy.
These Terms & Conditions apply to all training sessions, consultations, classes and Behaviour Packages unless otherwise agreed in writing.
1. Training & Behaviour Consultations
1.1 Positive, Reward-Based Training
South Wales Dog Training Academy uses kind, positive and reward-based training methods.
Harsh, intimidating or forceful handling of dogs will not be permitted during any session. We reserve the right to stop a session immediately if these methods are used.
1.2 Training Equipment
We do not permit the use of prong collars, choke chains, slip leads, extendable/retractable leads or any other equipment that we consider harmful, aversive or inappropriate for the individual dog.
If you are unsure about suitable equipment for your dog, please ask us before purchasing or using it.
1.3 Professional Standards
South Wales Dog Training Academy follows the ethical principles and guidance of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT).
1.4 Training Outcomes
Every dog is an individual. Training and behaviour work can produce significant improvements, but we cannot guarantee a particular outcome or timescale.
Progress depends on many factors, including the dog’s history, environment, health, behaviour, the consistency of training and the owner’s ability to implement the recommendations provided.
Our role is to provide appropriate guidance, training and support based on the information available to us and the circumstances presented at the time.
1.5 Behaviour Information
It is the owner’s responsibility to provide accurate and complete information about their dog’s behaviour, history and circumstances.
This includes disclosing any known history of aggression, biting, fighting, guarding, fear, anxiety, reactivity or other behaviour that may present a risk to people or animals.
Failure to provide relevant information may affect our ability to provide appropriate advice and may result in a session being stopped or postponed where safety is compromised.
2. Behaviour Packages
Behaviour Packages are structured programmes designed to address individual behaviour concerns. They are not a collection of unrelated individual training sessions.
A Behaviour Package may include:
- An initial Discovery Call
- An initial Behaviour Consultation
- Individual training and behaviour recommendations
- Written information or training plans where appropriate
- Follow-up sessions as agreed at the time of booking
The exact content and number of sessions will depend on the package booked.
2.1 Discovery Call
The Discovery Call allows us to discuss your dog’s behaviour, understand your concerns and determine whether South Wales Dog Training Academy is an appropriate service for your needs.
The Discovery Call is an important part of the Behaviour Package and helps inform the structure and recommendations for subsequent work.
2.2 Initial Behaviour Consultation
The initial Behaviour Consultation is an integral part of the Behaviour Package.
During this consultation, we assess the information provided, discuss the dog’s behaviour and triggers, identify management strategies and begin developing an individual training and behaviour plan.
Recommendations may include changes to management, environment, routine, enrichment, diet or training methods where these are considered appropriate.
2.3 Changing Your Mind After the Package Has Started
Please consider the structure of the Behaviour Package carefully before booking.
Once the Discovery Call and initial Behaviour Consultation have taken place, a substantial part of the Behaviour Package has already been provided.
If, after receiving the Discovery Call and initial Behaviour Consultation, you decide that the training approach, format or structure is not what you expected, or that you no longer wish to continue, this does not automatically entitle you to a refund for the remaining sessions.
Any request for a refund following commencement of the Behaviour Package will be considered on an individual basis, taking into account:
- Services already provided
- Time spent preparing for the case
- Training plans and resources provided
- Sessions already delivered
- Time specifically reserved for the client
- Any costs incurred
- Whether the remaining sessions can reasonably be offered to another client
Where a refund is appropriate, it will be calculated fairly having regard to the circumstances and applicable consumer law.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects any statutory rights you may have.
2.4 Suitability of the Service
During the Discovery Call, we will explain the general structure and approach of the Behaviour Package and answer questions about the service.
If you have particular expectations regarding the format of training, including hands-on training, home visits, observation of specific behaviours or other services, please discuss these with us before booking so that we can establish whether the service is suitable for your needs.
3. Packages and Time Limits
Any three-session package, whether Training or Behaviour, must normally be completed within three months of the first session unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed in advance.
If circumstances require sessions to be extended beyond this period, please discuss this with us as soon as possible.
4. Bookings & Payment
4.1 Confirmation of Booking
Bookings for one-to-one training sessions, classes, consultations and Behaviour Packages are confirmed once payment has been received.
Payment for a service constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
4.2 Payment Deadline
Payment for training sessions and Behaviour Consultations must be made at least 72 hours before the scheduled session unless otherwise agreed.
Where payment has not been received by the agreed deadline, South Wales Dog Training Academy reserves the right to release the appointment.
4.3 Prices
The price of the service will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Once a booking has been confirmed, the agreed price will not be increased for that booking unless additional services are requested or agreed by the client.
5. Cancellations & Rearranging Sessions
5.1 Individual Sessions
A minimum of 72 hours’ notice is required to cancel or rearrange an individual training session or Behaviour follow-up session.
Where less than 72 hours’ notice is given, the session may be charged at the full rate.
Exceptions may be made in cases of genuine emergency and will be considered on an individual basis.
5.2 Missed Appointments
If a client fails to attend a booked session without giving notice, the session may be treated as cancelled with less than 72 hours’ notice and the full session fee may apply.
5.3 Rearranging
Where sufficient notice is provided, an alternative appointment may be arranged subject to availability.
South Wales Dog Training Academy cannot guarantee that the original appointment time or date will be available.
6. Refunds
Refund requests will be considered in accordance with the service booked, the circumstances of the cancellation and applicable consumer law.
There is no automatic entitlement to a refund simply because a client changes their mind after a service has commenced.
For Behaviour Packages in particular, the Discovery Call and initial Behaviour Consultation form part of the service purchased. Where these have already been completed, any refund relating to unused follow-up sessions will be considered individually, taking into account the services already provided and any reasonable costs or losses incurred.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to remove or restrict any statutory consumer rights.
7. Safety & Responsibility
Dog training and behaviour work involves working with animals and therefore carries inherent risks.
Clients remain responsible for their dog at all times, including during training sessions.
Clients must follow reasonable safety instructions given by South Wales Dog Training Academy.
Where we believe that a situation presents an unacceptable risk to a person, dog or other animal, we may modify, postpone or stop the session.
Where appropriate, we may recommend that the client seeks advice from a veterinary surgeon or another suitably qualified professional.
8. Children & Other People Attending Sessions
Children attending a training or behaviour session remain the responsibility of their parent or guardian.
South Wales Dog Training Academy may ask that children or other attendees remain at a safe distance from the dog where this is considered necessary.
Any instructions given regarding the safety of children, adults or animals must be followed.
9. Photography, Video & Use of Images
South Wales Dog Training Academy may occasionally take photographs or video during training sessions for educational or promotional purposes.
We will seek appropriate permission before using identifiable photographs or video of clients or their dogs for promotional purposes.
Clients may decline permission without this affecting their ability to receive training services.
10. Confidentiality & Client Information
Information provided by clients about themselves and their dogs will be treated respectfully and confidentially.
Information may be shared where necessary to provide the service, where required by law, or where there is a legitimate safety concern.
Client information will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
11. Veterinary & Medical Advice
South Wales Dog Training Academy provides dog training and behaviour support and does not provide veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
Where a behaviour concern may have a medical, pain-related or other veterinary component, we may recommend that the owner consults their veterinary surgeon.
Clients should not delay seeking veterinary advice where they have concerns about their dog’s health or welfare.
12. Limitation of Liability
South Wales Dog Training Academy will provide its services with reasonable care and skill.
The owner/guardian remains responsible for their dog and for following reasonable safety and training instructions provided during sessions.
To the extent permitted by law, South Wales Dog Training Academy is not responsible for loss, damage or injury resulting from the owner’s failure to follow reasonable instructions, or from circumstances outside our reasonable control.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits liability where such exclusion or limitation is not permitted by law.
13. Changes to Appointments or Services
South Wales Dog Training Academy reserves the right to rearrange or cancel a session where circumstances outside our reasonable control prevent the session from taking place.
Where we need to cancel a session, we will make reasonable efforts to offer an alternative appointment.
If an alternative appointment cannot reasonably be provided, any refund due will be dealt with in accordance with applicable consumer law.
14. Acceptance of Terms
By making a booking and/or making payment for a service, you confirm that you have had the opportunity to read these Terms & Conditions and understand that they form part of your contract with South Wales Dog Training Academy.
If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions or about the service you are booking, please ask before making payment.
South Wales Dog Training Academy
These Terms & Conditions are intended to provide clear information about our services and the arrangements that apply to bookings, cancellations and Behaviour Packages. They do not remove or restrict any statutory rights that apply to consumers.