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Paws Etiquette Terms & Conditions for Dog Training Services in Essex

Welcome to Paws Etiquette. By booking or participating in any of our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the following Terms and Conditions.

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Paws Etiquette Dog Training

Terms & Conditions

Version: 16 September 2026

These Terms & Conditions apply to services provided by Paws Etiquette Dog Training, including group training courses, workshops, pay-as-you-go classes, private dog training, puppy home schooling and training packages.

By making a booking, completing payment, electronically signing an agreement or attending a service, you confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects your statutory consumer rights.

1. About Paws Etiquette

Paws Etiquette Dog Training is owned and operated by Natalie Childs.

Training is positive, practical and reward-based. Paws Etiquette does not use or require aversive training tools or methods.

Training sessions and group classes may take place at:

Paws Etiquette Dog Training
Southey Green Farm
Gosfield, Essex
CO9 3RN

Email: natalie@pawsetiquette.com
Telephone/WhatsApp: 07702 310693

Some private training sessions may instead take place at the client's home or another location agreed in advance.

2. Booking and Acceptance

A booking is subject to:

  • availability;

  • suitability of the dog for the service booked;

  • receipt of any information or forms requested by Paws Etiquette;

  • payment in accordance with the booking terms; and

  • acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.

Where a course has a minimum attendance requirement, receipt of a booking does not necessarily mean the course itself has yet been confirmed.

Paws Etiquette may contact you before accepting or continuing a booking if further information about your dog's health, behaviour or training needs is required.

3. Payment

Prices will be displayed or confirmed before booking.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is required in full before the service begins.

A place may not be treated as secured until any required payment has been received.

Payment may be accepted by the methods offered at the time of booking, including online card payment, invoice, bank transfer or other agreed methods.

Any special price, bursary, loyalty price, payment arrangement or discount applies only where specifically agreed by Paws Etiquette.

GROUP COURSES

4. Fixed-Date Group Courses

Group courses such as Puppy School and Confident Companions are sold as complete courses rather than as separate individual classes unless expressly stated otherwise.

Your booking covers the dates listed for that particular course.

Before booking, please check that you are reasonably able to attend the published dates.

Missing one or more classes does not convert the booking into individual sessions.

5. Minimum and Maximum Class Numbers

Individual courses may have minimum and maximum participant numbers.

The applicable numbers will be shown in the course information.

For example, Confident Companions currently requires:

  • a minimum of 4 dogs; and

  • a maximum of 6 dogs.

Where a minimum number applies, an initial booking may be described as provisional until that minimum has been reached.

Once the minimum has been reached, Paws Etiquette will confirm that the course is going ahead.

6. If a Course Does Not Reach Minimum Numbers

If Paws Etiquette decides not to run a course because the published minimum number has not been reached, affected clients will be offered an appropriate option such as:

  • transfer to another suitable course; or

  • a refund of the amount paid for the cancelled course.

You will not be required to accept a transfer to another course.

7. Cancelling a Group Course Booking

More than 7 days before the course begins

If you cancel more than 7 clear days before the first class, you may request:

  • a refund; or

  • transfer to another suitable Paws Etiquette course, subject to availability.

7 days or less before the course begins

Late cancellations can make it difficult for Paws Etiquette to refill a reserved class place.

If you cancel 7 days or less before the course begins, Paws Etiquette may deduct reasonable losses directly resulting from the cancellation.

Where the place can reasonably be refilled, this will be taken into account when determining any amount retained.

Where appropriate, Paws Etiquette may offer a transfer as an alternative, but transfers are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.

After the course has begun

Once a course has started:

  • classes already delivered are non-refundable;

  • missed classes are not normally refundable;

  • missed classes cannot normally be carried forward as private lessons or credited against another course; and

  • any cancellation of the remaining part of the course will be considered in light of the service already provided and any direct loss reasonably incurred by Paws Etiquette.

Exceptional circumstances may be considered at Paws Etiquette's discretion.

This does not affect statutory rights.

8. Missing a Group Class

If you cannot attend an individual class within a course, please let Paws Etiquette know as soon as reasonably possible.

Because your place has been reserved for the complete course:

  • there is no automatic refund for a missed class;

  • a missed class cannot normally be transferred to another dog or handler; and

  • Paws Etiquette is not required to provide a replacement individual session.

Where practical, supporting notes, homework or online material may still be made available.

PAY-AS-YOU-GO CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

9. Pay-As-You-Go Places

Where Paws Etiquette offers a genuine pay-as-you-go class place, the booking applies only to the specific class date purchased.

Availability is not guaranteed for future dates.

Cancellation terms shown when the PAYG place is booked will apply.

Where a late cancellation results in a reserved place being left unfilled, Paws Etiquette may retain an amount reasonably reflecting its direct loss.

10. Workshops and Other Fixed-Date Events

Workshops are bookings for a particular date and time.

If you cancel, any refund or cancellation charge will take account of:

  • the amount of notice provided;

  • whether Paws Etiquette can reasonably refill the place;

  • costs already incurred; and

  • the direct loss caused by the cancellation.

Any specific cancellation conditions displayed for the workshop will form part of the booking terms.

If Paws Etiquette cancels the workshop, you will be offered a suitable alternative or refund.

PRIVATE TRAINING

11. Private Training Sessions

Private training appointments are reserved specifically for you and your dog.

If you need to cancel or reschedule:

48 hours or more before the appointment

You may reschedule without losing the session.

Less than 48 hours before the appointment

The session will normally be charged or, where purchased as part of a package, deducted from the package.

Failure to attend

A no-show will normally be treated as a used session.

Paws Etiquette may make exceptions where circumstances reasonably justify doing so.

These provisions do not affect statutory rights and will not be used to impose a charge exceeding Paws Etiquette's reasonable direct loss.

12. Private Training Packages

Where a package contains a stated number of sessions, only those sessions are included unless otherwise agreed.

The current PDT-4 package contains:

4 × 60-minute private training sessions.

Unless a different period is confirmed at the time of purchase, private training packages should be used within 6 months of purchase.

Please book sessions with sufficient time remaining before the expiry date.

Package sessions are for the named client and dog and may not be transferred to another person or dog without prior agreement from Paws Etiquette.

Where a different session structure has specifically been agreed, for example converting remaining 60-minute entitlement into shorter sessions, the agreed arrangement will be recorded separately.

13. Cancelling or Ending a Private Training Package

If you decide not to complete a package, Paws Etiquette will take into account:

  • sessions already delivered;

  • any reasonable direct costs incurred;

  • any discount that depended upon purchasing a package; and

  • any direct loss caused by cancellation.

Any refund due will be calculated fairly on that basis.

Paws Etiquette will not automatically retain payment for services that it does not provide where doing so would be unfair or contrary to your statutory rights.

CANCELLATIONS BY PAWS ETIQUETTE

14. If Paws Etiquette Cancels

Occasionally a session or class may need to be cancelled because of illness, emergency, venue problems, severe weather, safety concerns or circumstances outside reasonable control.

Where Paws Etiquette cancels an individual session, we will normally offer:

  • a replacement date; or

  • where a suitable replacement cannot reasonably be provided, an appropriate refund or credit.

If an entire course is cancelled by Paws Etiquette, clients will be offered a transfer or appropriate refund.

Paws Etiquette will provide as much notice as reasonably possible.

DOG HEALTH, BEHAVIOUR AND SAFETY

15. Health

Dogs attending training should be fit and well enough to participate safely.

Please do not bring a dog who is suffering from a contagious illness, vomiting, diarrhoea or another condition that may create a risk to other dogs or people.

Please tell Paws Etiquette if your dog:

  • becomes unwell;

  • is receiving veterinary treatment relevant to training;

  • has a condition affecting their ability to participate;

  • is in season; or

  • has recently been exposed to a contagious disease.

Where appropriate, Paws Etiquette may ask you to obtain veterinary advice before continuing training.

16. Vaccinations

Clients should provide accurate vaccination information when requested.

Paws Etiquette may require evidence of vaccination where appropriate.

Where a dog cannot follow a standard vaccination schedule for a genuine veterinary reason, please discuss this with Paws Etiquette before attending.

Health and welfare decisions will be considered individually rather than relying solely on a blanket rule.

17. Behaviour Disclosure

You must tell Paws Etiquette before training if your dog has:

  • bitten or attempted to bite a person or animal;

  • shown aggression;

  • significant fear or reactivity;

  • guarding behaviour;

  • a history of escaping;

  • difficulty being handled;

  • difficulty working safely around dogs or people; or

  • any other behaviour that could affect safety or suitability.

Providing this information does not automatically prevent your dog from receiving training.

It enables Paws Etiquette to make appropriate arrangements.

18. Group-Class Suitability

Group training is not suitable for every dog.

If your dog is likely to struggle to work safely or comfortably in a group environment, please contact Paws Etiquette before booking.

Paws Etiquette may recommend:

  • additional space;

  • visual barriers;

  • a change of exercise;

  • use of a muzzle where appropriate;

  • private training; or

  • another suitable training arrangement.

The welfare and safety of the dog, handler, trainer and other participants will take priority.

19. Safety During Training

Dogs must remain under the control of their handler.

Unless the trainer specifically instructs otherwise, dogs should remain on lead.

Clients are responsible for:

  • bringing safe and suitable equipment;

  • checking that leads, harnesses and collars are secure and in good condition;

  • following reasonable safety instructions;

  • maintaining appropriate distance from other dogs;

  • preventing uninvited dog-to-dog interactions; and

  • cleaning up after their dog.

If a dog has a known bite risk, Paws Etiquette may require appropriate muzzle conditioning and muzzle use.

20. Training Equipment and Methods

Paws Etiquette uses positive, reward-based training.

Aversive equipment or techniques are not permitted during Paws Etiquette training unless required for a specific legal or safety reason and expressly agreed by the trainer.

This includes equipment intended to cause pain, fear or intimidation.

Paws Etiquette may ask a client to change equipment where it creates a welfare or safety concern.

21. Right to Stop or Modify Training

Paws Etiquette may pause, modify or stop an exercise or session where continuing would create an unreasonable welfare or safety risk.

In serious circumstances, Paws Etiquette may refuse or end participation where:

  • material behaviour or bite-history information was not disclosed;

  • reasonable safety instructions are repeatedly ignored;

  • the dog, client, trainer or others are being placed at unreasonable risk;

  • abusive, threatening or inappropriate behaviour occurs; or

  • continuing training would compromise animal welfare.

Where paid services are ended, any financial outcome will be considered fairly in light of services already delivered, direct loss and the circumstances leading to termination.

CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

22. Training Results

Dog training involves both the dog and the people responsible for them.

Paws Etiquette will provide professional guidance and support but cannot guarantee a particular behavioural outcome.

Progress can be affected by factors including:

  • practice between sessions;

  • consistency;

  • environment;

  • health;

  • previous learning;

  • genetics;

  • age; and

  • changes in circumstances.

Clients are responsible for implementing training advice safely between sessions.

23. Advice Provided

Training advice is based on the individual dog and circumstances discussed with Paws Etiquette.

Advice provided for one dog should not automatically be applied to another dog.

Where a case requires veterinary, clinical behaviour or another specialist service beyond the appropriate scope of Paws Etiquette's training service, referral may be recommended.

24. Children and Young People

Children may attend where appropriate but must be supervised by a responsible adult.

A child must not:

  • approach another dog without permission;

  • interfere with another team's training;

  • handle another client's dog without agreement; or

  • engage in an activity the trainer considers unsafe.

Participation by children in exercises is at the trainer's discretion.

VENUE RULES

25. Southey Green Farm

Clients attending Paws Etiquette at Southey Green Farm must follow venue rules.

These include:

  • a strict 10 mph speed limit;

  • no smoking anywhere on the farm or within the Paws Etiquette training area;

  • keeping dogs appropriately controlled around the site;

  • respecting other farm users; and

  • parking responsibly.

Vehicles and personal property are left at the owner's risk except where loss or damage results from something for which liability cannot legally be excluded.

COMMUNICATION AND ONLINE ACCESS

26. Client Communication

Paws Etiquette may use email, SMS, telephone or WhatsApp for legitimate communications relating to your booking, including:

  • confirmations;

  • reminders;

  • changes to sessions;

  • training information;

  • course materials; and

  • follow-up support.

Marketing communications will be handled separately where consent is required.

Please ensure that the contact information you provide is accurate.

27. Online Courses and Communities

Some services include access to online learning materials or a Paws Etiquette client community.

Access is provided for the client connected with the relevant booking and should not be shared publicly or redistributed without permission.

Course content, worksheets, videos and training materials remain the intellectual property of Paws Etiquette or their respective rights holders.

PHOTOS AND VIDEO

28. Photography and Video Consent

Permission for Paws Etiquette to use identifiable photographs or video of you or your dog for promotional or social-media purposes is separate and optional.

Refusing promotional photo/video consent will not prevent you from receiving training.

Paws Etiquette may still record material where reasonably necessary for an agreed training purpose, but any separate use of identifiable material will be handled according to the consent provided.

LIABILITY

29. Responsibility and Risk

Dog training involves working with animals whose behaviour cannot always be predicted.

Clients remain responsible for the control and supervision of their dogs.

Paws Etiquette will take reasonable care in providing its services.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits liability where doing so would be unlawful, including liability that cannot legally be excluded for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

30. Damage Caused by a Dog

Clients are responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent their dog causing injury or damage.

Please immediately tell Paws Etiquette about any incident during training.

Responsibility for any particular incident will depend on the circumstances and applicable law.

PRIVACY

31. Personal Information

Personal information will be handled in accordance with Paws Etiquette's Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection requirements.

Information concerning health, behaviour or safety may be recorded where reasonably necessary for providing the training service safely.

LEGAL RIGHTS

32. Consumer Rights

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions limits rights that cannot legally be excluded.

Certain bookings involving leisure activities supplied on a specific date or during a specific period may not carry the standard statutory cooling-off right applicable to some other distance contracts.

Any cancellation terms applied by Paws Etiquette will nevertheless be subject to applicable consumer law and the requirement for consumer contract terms to be fair and transparent.

33. Changes to These Terms

Paws Etiquette may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time.

Changes will not be applied retrospectively in a way that unfairly removes rights already attached to an existing booking.

The version applicable to a booking will normally be the version made available when the booking was entered into, unless a later change is agreed or is required by law.

34. Contact

Questions about these Terms & Conditions can be directed to:

Paws Etiquette Dog Training

Email: natalie@pawsetiquette.com
Telephone/WhatsApp: 07702 310693

Positive, Practical, Personal

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