It is important that you read through this document and then we can get on to the fun stuff! Please note that payment for services also implies full agreement with these Terms and Conditions.
Training and Handling Methods
The training techniques used by Talking Tails are based on the principles of positive reinforcement and, as such, are kind, fair and reward based. Harsh handling of dogs, physical force and the use of punitive methods/ punishment/ corrections or equipment designed to be aversive(including choke chains, check chains, prong collars, spray collars, e-collars or any other device deemed unacceptable by the trainer) are not permitted in training sessions and should not be used in training your dog.
Payment, Refunds and Cancellations
Services must be paid for at the time of booking.
If you would like to re-arrange a session, contact must be made at least 48hrs prior to the original session time.
Once purchased, your sessions are non-refundable and non- transferable.
In the event that we have to cancel a session with you due to unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather/illness/emergency, we will make every effort to reschedule your session to another mutually convenient time. If this is not possible, we will refund you for the cost of that session.
Safety
Any instances of accident or injury must be reported to the trainer at the time they occurred. 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.
Health and Vaccination
All dogs and puppies should be suitably protected from the potential risk of disease, as well as being appropriately treated for internal and external parasites. Talking Tails advises that owners should consult their veterinary professional with regard to such issues. There can be no guarantee that there is absolutely no risk of disease at any venue or when in contact with any other dogs or materials, such as toys, which may have been in contact with other dogs. It is the owner/ handler’s responsibility to ensure that their dog is appropriately protected against the risk of disease: Talking Tails accepts no responsibility for the potential or actual exposure of dogs to disease. If an owner chooses not to routinely vaccinate their dog/ puppy this is entirely the choice of the owner and is a decision made at their own risk. By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you are accepting full responsibility for the protection of your dog from the risk of disease. Please advise us in advance of the session if your dog has been in contact with another dog infected by a contagious disease or if they appear to be unwell (e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, runny nose etc). Depending on the issue, it may be advisable for the session to be cancelled or re-arranged (see Refunds and Cancellations). If your dog has any known allergies or intolerances to certain foods or has any other special needs, it is your responsibility to bring this to the attention of the trainer prior to the start of the session, and provide appropriate alternative treats etc.
Marketing/ Privacy
Photographs/video may occasionally be taken during training sessions. Such photos may be used by Talking Tails 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 (e.g. 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 Talking Tails and/or other parties involved.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure the safety of both clients and dogs during all sessions. However, by making a booking with us, 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 Talking Tails for all personal injury and damage to property while attending training sessions. You agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries, or damages, known or unknown, which might occur as a result of your dog attending such sessions. You also agree to make any person who accompanies you to the session(s), or takes your place, aware that they are also there at their own risk. You understand and accept that your dog (and its behaviour) always remains entirely your responsibility, whether or not in the presence of the trainer/behaviourist.