Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions set out the basis on which you acknowledge by using our website or soliciting our services. Please note that by making payment, you are deemed to have understood and accepted these business terms and any amendments to them.

The supplier of goods in question is the Company, ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour (referred to as “we”, “us” and “the Company”). Details of the goods offered can be found under our Services pages on our website, which includes pricing.

ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour are contactable via the email address [email protected] and other contact details are listed on the Contact Us page. We may contact you by email for marketing purposes and relevant offers.

Training and Handling Methods

The training techniques used by ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour 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, slip leads, check chains, prong collars, spray collars, e-collars or any other device deemed unacceptable by the trainer) are not permitted in sessions and should not be used in training your dog.

Payment, Refunds and Cancellation

Payment in full or in the form of a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, and payment is taken via BACS. If paying a partial deposit, the rest of the payment is required before the date and time of the session.

If you have paid and want to rearrange your session, please let us know at your earliest convenience and the session can be rescheduled.

In the event of a cancellation, in instances where this is at least 48 hours before the session, you are entitled to a full refund. If the cancellation is less than 48 hours before the time of the session, the 50% deposit is non-refundable, except in exceptional circumstances.

In the event that we need to cancel your session (such as due to weather, an emergency or injury/illness) we will seek to rearrange the session at a mutually agreeable time. If this is not possible, you will receive a full refund.

Marketing, Privacy and Data Protection

Photographs and videos may occasionally be taken during training sessions. ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour may use such photos for the purposes of marketing. For example, photos are posted on our Facebook page. If you do not wish for photographs or videos of you and/or your dog to be used or shared, please let us know. Any 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.

By agreeing to the Terms and Conditions, you give ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour permission to publish in print, electronic, or video format the likeness or image of you and/or your dog. You release all claims against ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour with respect to privacy rights, publicity rights, copyright ownership and publication, including any claim for compensation related to use of the materials.

ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour do not disclose client information to third parties, other than when order details are processed as part of order fulfilment or with carefully selected partners. In this case, the third party will not disclose any of the details to any other third party. Data collected by us is used to take and fulfil customer orders, administer and enhance the site and service, only disclose information to third-parties for goods delivery purposes and inform you of seminars, workshops and other events we think may be of interest to you, however, you will always be given the option to opt-out of receiving these emails.

Our full Privacy Policy is available to view.

Safety

Any instances of accident or injury must be reported to the trainer at the time they occurred. All dogs must be managed safely, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of other animals and people with regard to your dog’s behaviour at all times. All dogs must remain on lead and be kept away from the other dogs unless specifically instructed by the trainer. ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour has public liability and general insurance suitable for a dog training club.

Any physical activity can have risks, however remote. Participation in ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour activities is entirely at the risk of the participant. Sessions involve practical handling, therefore appropriate, safe shoes and clothing is recommended.

In the case of home visits, please ensure your dog is secure in another room when the trainer arrives so they do not have access to the front door. If you feel this arrangement is not suitable, please get in touch so that we can discuss the best options for keeping you and your dog safe. Flexi (retractable) leads are not permitted to be used in one to one or group training sessions due to the risk of injury.

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. ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour 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: ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour accepts no responsibility for the potential or actual exposure of dogs to disease. If an owner chooses not to routinely vaccinate their dog/ puppy (for example because they are choosing titre testing or using homoeopathic nosodes), this is entirely the choice of the owner and is a decision made at their own risk.

By making your booking with us and 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 (eg. 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 to provide appropriate alternative treats etc).

Parking

If we are visiting your home, please ensure there is a parking space available if possible. If there is on street parking that requires a visitor permit, please ensure this is available. If parking at your home or at a venue where we have agreed to meet requires payment, please ensure you make arrangements for this.

Children

Children are welcome to attend training sessions with appropriate adult supervision. We do not take responsibility for children present at training sessions, it is the responsibility of the supervising adult to ensure the child’s safety at all times. Under 16s must always be accompanied by an adult.

Disclaimer

As laid out in our terms, we make every effort to ensure the safety of both clients and dogs in any of our training sessions. 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 ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour 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 is your responsibility at all times, whether or not in the presence of the trainer/behaviourist.

Complaints

Fortunately, complaints are very rare, but if you do have a complaint please write to [email protected]. ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour aims to deal with complaints speedily and sympathetically. All complaints are logged, investigated and replied to.