Terms and conditions

 

Training methods

Here at Letchworth Dog School we use the most up-to-date, scientifically proven, positive, reward based dog training methods. Therefore we don’t permit the use of any harsh handling, methods or equipment designed to be aversive. Anyone seen to be training their dogs in this way or using such items (like choke/half choke chains, prong/spray/electric collars or anything else deemed to be unacceptable by the trainer) will not be permitted in class or in training sessions. Letchworth Dog School adheres to the Dog Training College code of conduct.

 

​1-2-1 Training sessions: 

The training session will take place at your home or at a suitable, agreed location, depending on the nature of the training. Practical aspects of the programme are included and will be demonstrated to you. 

 

Payment for 1-1 services (puppy, dog, training and behavioural modification walks):

50% deposit is required minimum 7 days prior to the commencement of the service. Full payment needs to be made minimum 3 days prior to your first booked session (for individual sessions). If booking a ‘package’ of sessions, 50% deposit is required upon signing the training agreement (and minimum 7 days prior to commencing the service), and full payment must be made minimum 3 days prior to your first booked session. All sessions in a pre-paid package must be taken within a prior agreed timeframe. Payment is to be made via bank transfer. Amount will be invoiced to you by email along with bank account details. Failure to pay will result in your session being cancelled, a 10% surcharge fee being applied and legal action taken. You will also be responsible to cover any parking and/or field hire expenditure, where applicable. See our cancellation policy below.

 

Cancellation, re-arrangement and refund policy:

Letchworth Dog School reserves the right to cancel a booked training session in extreme weather conditions, ill health or emergencies and we will do our outmost to re-arrange your session at no extra cost to you.

If you need to cancel a session then please be aware that we require a minimum of 7 days notice in order to be able to re-schedule your session at no extra cost. Cancellations occurring with less than 7 days notice (unless there are exceptional circumstances) will result in a cancellation fee of 50% and cost for rescheduling will be at the discretion of LDS.

 

Key holding:

Should you require that training take place in your absence, LDS request that a keycode box is installed at the client’s property and a key to gain access to the house is placed inside. The keycode box will need to be installed prior to the first booked session taking place. LDS will only hold the key for the duration of the session and will return it to the keycode box at the end of the session. LDS holds no responsibility for the key whilst it’s held in the keycode box or any unlawful events that might occur as a result of this. Alternatively, a key copy can be given to us directly, and whilst we will do our best to not misplace the key, you agree to not hold us responsible in the event that this occurs.

 

​Children:

We are child friendly and welcome them to attend our training sessions. However, we ask any children under the age of 16 are accompanied by an adult. We accept no responsibility for children attending and participating in training sessions and it is the responsibility of the supervising adult to ensure the children’s safety at all times.

 

Safety:

If any injuries or accidents happen they must be reported to the trainer at the time they occurred. Letchworth Dog School holds no liability for injuries occurring from using equipment.

All dogs must be kept safe and it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the safety of others (other animals and people) with regard to your dog’s behaviour at all times. Flexi leads (extending leads) are not permitted in training sessions in order to avoid injury. For home visits, please arrange for your dog to be in another safe room (without access to the front door) when your trainer first arrives – we are happy to wait while you do this! We will advise you as to when (and how) it would be most appropriate to bring the dog into the room to be introduced to us. If you feel that
this arrangement is not suitable for your dog for any reason, please just get in touch and we can discuss the best option for you and your dog.

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Health & Vaccination:

All dogs attending any training session with Letchworth Dog School should be suitably protected from the potential diseases and treated for external and internal parasites. Please consult your vet with regards to such issues. Where sessions are held there may have been other dogs using that area and so there is never a guarantee of no risk to disease. Also, equipment like toys may have been in contact with other dogs. It is the owner/handler’s responsibility to ensure that their dog is appropriately protected against risk of disease. If an owner chooses not to fully vaccinate their dog this is entirely their choice and accept all risks. No dogs are to be brought to sessions if they have been in recent contact with another dog infected by a contagious disease or if they appear unwell.  If your dog is unwell and cannot attend a session the owner must inform Letchworth Dog School as soon as possible. Charging and/or rearranging a missed session is at the discretion of Letchworth Dog School. 

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These T&Cs are for the interest of safety, responsibility and welfare for our clients. We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will take immediate effect and it is the responsibility of our clients to read these.

Letchworth Dog School also takes all reasonable precautions when providing behavioural services to minimise the risk of injury from being bitten. However remote, dog training is not without risk therefore participation in training and behaviour services is at the owner’s risk. Letchworth Dog School or any of its individual assistants, or helpers, will not accept responsibility for any loss, injury or damage to any persons, or dogs attending a session, or to their property howsoever caused during the provision of dog training activities.

Use of information or advice given in connection with the services booked, is correct and up to date, to the best of our knowledge.

Owners are advised to have appropriate pet insurance cover that includes third party liability insurance. Letchworth Dog School has public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

 

Website & Intellectual property rights: 

The Letchworth Dog School website and its content, including without limitation the design, text, graphics and all software and source codes connected with the website and its services, are protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights and legislation. In accessing and using the Website you agree that you will access the contents solely for your personal, non-commercial use. None of the content may be downloaded, copied, reproduced, transmitted or distributed without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. For downloadable handouts and factsheets, permission is granted for one copy to be printed per owner for personal use. Handouts and factsheets must not be altered, modified or reworded for further distribution. Photographs, video or any graphics cannot be used without the accompanying text or without obtaining the permission of the copyright holder. Material from this website is for personal use only and is not to be redistributed. We do not intend to endorse any material that advocates the use of punishment or harsh methods.

 

Marketing/ Privacy

Photographs may occasionally be taken during training sessions. Such photos may be used by Letchworth Dog School for the purposes of marketing. If you do not wish for photographs of you and/ or your dog to be used or shared, please let us know. Any verbal or written feedback (eg. by email or on feedback forms) may be used for marketing purposes (for example, posted on the website). Only the first name of the person will be used as identification. If you are not happy for us to use your feedback in this way, please let us know. Photography and videography of sessions or parts
of sessions is NOT permitted, without the express permission of LDS.
 

Disclaimer:

Owner agrees to indemnify Letchworth Dog School harmless from all liability for any loss, damage or injury to persons, animals or property arising from or related to owner’s pet. Owner agrees that Letchworth Dog School shall not be liable for loss or damage to animal for any reason unless said loss or damage was a direct result of Letchworth Dog School’s negligence. You also agree to make any person who accompanies you to a session(s), or takes your place, aware that they are also there at their own risk.

Every dog is unique and whilst we will do our best to work with you and your dog and resolve any issues that might be present, LDS cannot guarantee the results of training, especially in cases of behavioural modification work. Please be aware that no refund will be given in this case.

 

Signing a contract with Letchworth Dog School assumes you have read and agreed to the T&Cs stated herein.