Use of any of our services assumes that you have read and agree with the terms and conditions listed below.

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Booking

• Bookings can be made on the website, by phone/WhatsApp (07702310693) or via email pawsetiquette@outlook.com

• Group classes, dates will be available on the website or contact Paws Etiquette to register your interest for upcoming classes, once dates are confirmed those on the waiting list will be informed prior to advertising for the requested course and allowing you to confirm if you wish to enrol.

• One-to-One training register your interest on the website, by phone/WhatsApp or via email, you will the receive a free introductory call to discuss your requirements and to set up your first in-person one-to-one consultation meeting at a date and time that is mutually agreeable for us both.

• Booking confirmations outlining  date and time for one-to-one training sessions or start time and dates including any breaks in the course for group classes will be sent via email, SMS or WhatsApp according to your preferred form of communication. 

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Communication

• WhatsApp, telephone call or email will be the main platforms for communication between myself and clients. Whichever is preferable or most suitable.

• Pictures and videos may be taken in class or sessions and used for social media campaigns or to share success stories about your dog. Please complete the consent form below.

• Paws Etiquette uses WhatsApp as one of the main contact methods and from time to time may add you to WhatsApp groups for your benefit, for tips and advice, social and training support. Please complete the consent form.

• You agree to report/check in regularly about your dog’s progress, through either email, text, or by sharing on our Facebook page or respond to any communication from Paws Etiquette. Continued failure to do so may result in a termination of your support.

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Payments Cancellation and Refund policy​

• Paws Etiquette charges are payable in advance by Bank Transfer, direct payment on the website, card, or cash. 

• Payment is charged per dog for both one-to-one and group classes, 

Group Classes

• Full payment is to be made ideally 1 – 2 weeks prior to the course to secure your place unless otherwise agreed with Paws Etiquette.

• If full payment has not been received within 48hrs of the course start date then I reserve the right to cancel the class for you and your dog.

• If an option to pay a deposit to secure your place in a class has been offered the remaining sum will need to be paid no later than the start of the first class.

One-to-One Sessions

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• To secure your booking full payment is to be made 48hrs before the first in-person one-to-one consultation session.

• All subsequent one-to-one consultation sessions will then require full payment before each arranged session (unless prior agreement is in place to pay in cash on the day).

• I reserve the right to terminate my services if payment has not been received within 48hrs of the initial one-to-one consultation and all subsequent one-to-one training sessions .

Bulk Bookings:

• If booking and paying for a block of 4 sessions up front the 4th session will be half price.

• If booking and paying for a block of 6 sessions up front the 6th session will be free.

• Sessions cannot be later extended to obtain these discounts.

• If no bulk bookings are made the full cost of the session will be due each time.

Travel costs may be incurred if I must travel over 5 miles to get to you.   These will be communicated to you during our initial phone call.​​

One to one training sessions. 

• Any time up to the initial consultation (initial visit) you may cancel the service and receive a full refund of your initial consultation fee.

• Once the initial consultation (initial visit) has taken place a notice period of 48hours to reschedule a one to one appointment is needed unless due to illness or injury to you or your dog. I will endeavour to reschedule at a mutually convenient time.

• Cancelling services completely greater than 48hrs prior to the next scheduled training session will get a full refund of booked sessions.

• Cancelling services completely 48hrs or less than the next scheduled training session will result in a 50% refund of the next scheduled training session along with a full refund of any subsequent sessions that have been booked.

• In the event that I have to cancel the session with you due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness/emergency or adverse weather conditions (if an outside class).  I will make every effort to reschedule your session to another mutually convenient time. If a mutually convenient time cannot be made, then a full refund of the session will be given, or an additional session will be added to the course.

• Group Training Classes

• Payment is for the full 6 week period of the course.

• Any time up to 48 hours before the start of the course you may cancel the course and receive a full refund of the course fee.

• Cancelling the course 48 hours or less before the start of the course will result in a 50% refund.

• The group training classes are run as an 6 week block, no refund will be given for any weeks of the course that you are unable to attend.

• In the event that I have to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness/emergency or adverse weather conditions (if an outside course), I will make every effort to reschedule the session or refund the weekly cost if this is not possible. If you are unable to attend a session that I have had to reschedule I will refund the weekly cost.

• Invoice – an invoice will be emailed prior to payment.

Termination – Paws Etiquette may, by written notice terminate any agreement at its discretion:

1. If the client fails to pay for an agreed session or it has become overdue.

2. If the client breaches any of the terms of the agreement

3. If the client tries to discredit the businesses reputation by social media or otherwise.

4. an agreement may be deemed cancelled if there is more than 30 days from the first training or consultation.

Delay of Session

• Paws Etiquette reserves the right to cancel training sessions (group or 1:1) at their discretion. It is infrequent but should Paws Etiquette need to reschedule a session, See Payment, Refunds and Cancellations section above.

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Advice

• I am not a behaviourist and so will not give you any inappropriate advice.

• I will recommend an appropriate specialist behaviourist if I feel that the dog requires more specialist care and training.

• I will not take responsibly for any misinterpretation of advice. Many external factors can influence behaviours and therefore I cannot guarantee that the advice will be successful if these factors are not controlled.

• Please inform me before any session if there are behavioural issues such as reactivity.

• Training plans for the most part will not be successful overnight. This requires a good deal of patience time and effort put in by the owner.

• If any problems arise because of advice given the owner should promptly contact me to ensure that this is addressed quickly.

• Any advice given should not be tried on any other pet only the animal whose name appears on the paperwork.

• I thoroughly recommend contacting your Veterinary Surgeon prior to taking on any training so that I am aware that the dog is in good health before we begin.

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Training Sessions (both one-to-one and group):

Puppies/Dogs

• Your dog must be fully secure on a suitable lead and harness/collar/headcollar when arriving or leaving any training ground or hall. Your dog is your responsibility when in or around the training area.

• Ensure the the dog/puppy has a safe well-fitting collar suitable for the size and weight of the dog, ID tag and is microchipped as required by Law in the United Kingdom.

• Comfortably fitted harnesses may be used in conjunction with fixed collars – preferably used with a dual clip lead secured to a safe collar.

• Owners are not permitted to use any equipment in the class until instructed to do so under guidance so that the equipment is used safely.

• Dogs must not be left alone in cars for long periods without adequate ventilation and water. On a hot day they should not be left inside a car at all. If dogs need to come out of cars please ensure you stay clear of all other dogs and give each other space.

• Strictly one dog per handler. If there is a 2nd dog that requires training, then 2 handlers must be present and fees paid for each dog.

• All dogs that are known to have a bite history (either with other dogs or humans), or that have otherwise previously caused injury, need to wear a muzzle. Paws Etiquette accepts no responsibility for dogs who are not muzzled, or otherwise kept under control, during the session or when working outside of the session. Failure to wear a muzzle when requested may result in the immediate termination of your support and a refund may not be offered.

• All dogs will be on lead during training unless prior agreement has been reached with Paws Etiquette.

• Ensure leads are safe and free from any damage, knots, or snags and suitable for the weight and size of the dog, NO extendable or slip leads.

• Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog(s).

• The use of aversives or methods that cause pain or distress and induce fear in the dog is strictly prohibited and you may be asked to leave class/session this includes:

  • The use of electric, choke (full or half check, spray, prong or pinch collars.

  • Pet Correctors

  • Slip leads, tightening harnesses

  • Yanking, striking or shouting at the dog.

    • ​This list is not exhaustive.

• On occasion Paws Etiquette may suggest alternate types of equipment or toys that may be beneficial to your dog such as dogmatic/halti head collars, y-shape harnesses, training/long lines, and enrichment toys etc…

• Engagement with toys/enrichment needs to be supervised at all times within a session to prevent injury or ingestion!

• In some cases, a ‘stooge dog’ may be brought in to aid in training. You will be responsible for keeping your dog a sufficient and safe distance from the stooge dog and, if requested, will need your dog to wear a muzzle during these sessions.

• All dogs must be kept safe, and it is the responsibility of the owner to always ensure the safety of others with regards to your dog’s behaviour, this includes other people and animals.

One-to-one sessions

• Dogs must be always kept under control when the trainer enters your premises. Failure to do so (and any injury or damage caused by your dog/s being out of control) will be your full responsibility. In all cases, the trainer will meet you outside your premises first and, in some instances, we may work only outside… taking a hands-off approach and working at a distance (especially in cases of anxious dogs).

• Please make sure your dog is secure and in a safe place without access to the front door when I arrive. I will wait while you do this, if preferred I can send you a message when I arrive so that the dog doesn’t get overly excited or stressed. I will advise when it is most appropriate to allow the dog in to greet me and for introductions to take place. If this isn’t suitable for you for any reason, then please let me know as soon as possible. It may be that we may have to meet initially outside before I enter your home.

• Whilst every care will be taken to ensure the safety of both you and your dog whilst attending the workshop, one to one or group session please note that no responsibility can be accepted by Paws Etiquette for any injury to yourself or your dog. This also includes any sickness or disease contracted whilst in training sessions that are made outside.

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Health, Well Being and Vaccinations of the puppy/dog

• Paws Etiquette may refuse an individual entry to class if their dog is considered unfit or unwell.

• Paws Etiquette reserves the right to cancel the contract (at any time & with immediate effect) if any dog/s under the contract do not respond well to the therapy plan (where the continuing of said contract is deemed, by Paws Etiquette, to constitute a risk to safety).

• The trainer will apply personal judgement and cut short a training session, if necessary, if the trainer feels that the dog is not coping well. In the case of anxious dogs, the trainer may do the initial session with the owner only or split the initial consultation into two shorter sessions.

• Illness & Injury – if your dog is sick or injured, please inform me immediately so that if needed sessions can be changed or procedures and allowances can be made.

• Allergies or Intolerances – please inform me of any allergies or intolerances that your dog may have at the time of booking. I will provide my own treats in case you forget or need something different.

• Vaccinated – it is advisable that your puppy/dog is fully vaccinated against parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, hepatitis and ideally Kennel cough. Puppies, Older dogs and dogs with poor immune systems are at high risk of becoming seriously ill. (Paws Etiquette may request proof of vaccination, along with contact details of its/their vet)

• Flea and worming – for the safety of other dogs and children it is advisable that your dog is wormed and de-flea’d regularly according to your Vets protocol and medications used.

• Season – if your bitch is in season bitch is in season please contact us prior to any arranged sessions we will endeavour to accommodate them where possible.

  • Group Classes - Be aware that this maybe distracting for other dogs and worrying for your dog. and for that reason you may be asked to not attend group classes.

  • One-to-One - We will do our best to rearrange sessions where possible if she is feeling unwell or off kilter.

• By agreeing to these terms and conditions you are accepting full responsibility for the protection of your dog from the risk of disease.

• Please let me know if your dog comes into contact with another dog who has a contagious disease.

• Any instances of accident or injury must be reported to me or my assistant at the time it occurred.

• If you are unsure of your dog’s health, please consult a Veterinary professional before undertaking training.

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Children

Children are more than welcome to group classes or in one to ones providing they are well behaved accompanied by and adult if under 18 and supervised at all times

• Please ensure any children don’t disrupt or interrupt the session, do not pick up the puppies, do not touch other dogs without permission or during class and remain quiet whilst I am demonstrating commands, and do not disrupt the class or other clients.

• Provided we have the consent of the accompanying adult Paws Etiquette will happily include them in the process if they show interest and an ability to learn and be effective.

• NO photos or videos will be taken without the consent of the guardian and prior permission will be request if their image is to be used in social media or training materials.

 

General Terms and Conditions

1. Natalie Childs will be the sole qualified trainer; assistants may be on hand to help during sessions. Assistants do not have any instructor skills and are there to help support the trainer.

2. You the customer will inform Paws Etiquette fully of any characteristics of the dog(s) which need to be known for handling and care of the dog(s).

3. Paws Etiquette is fully insured.

4. Clients must place mobile phones on silent whilst in the training environment (before, during, and after class or session, or until the training area is cleared to prevent any disruption to any other client/class)

5. Paws Etiquette may refuse an individual entry to class if it is considered that they may be under the influence of substances such as alcohol and/or drugs.

6. Inappropriate behaviour during class for example foul language and/or poor dog/puppy management (for example hitting) will be asked to leave. Individuals will be allowed to continue in class only following a debrief with Natalie Childs during the preceding week..

7. Banned Breeds – If you own a banned breed Pitbull type, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, or Fila Brasileiro you need to abide by the legal requirements which are that the dog is neutered, microchipped, kept on lead and muzzle, third party insurance and provide a copy of their Certificate of Exemption.

8. Although Paws Etiquette cannot fully guarantee a 100% success rate with any training plan, the methods used have a high success rate with clients who follow and practice them in the long term.

9. All methods used are kind, ethical, and effective; however, they are not instant and take commitment from the client to work with their dog in the long term.

10. It is advisable for you to have 3rd party insurance for your dog in case of injury. Paws Etiquette takes no liability for injury which may occur.

11. Please ensure your dog doesn’t cause damage to property, fencing or equipment.

12. Dogs must be always supervised.

13. If your dog is reactive and requires a muzzle, please make sure a suitably fitted one is used. If you require advice on this matter, please ask.

14. By booking with Paws Etiquette you are deemed to read the Terms and Conditions and fully understand and accept them.

15. Cars are parked at owners’ risk, please ensure that you leave them secure with no valuables on show.

16. Please wear suitable footwear for outside work and sensible nonslip shoes such as trainers for inside venues.

17. Paws Etiquette have the right to amend Terms and Conditions and pricing without prior notice.