Private Training Terms & Conditions

1. The lessons will take place at the client’s home or a location that is agreed upon by both parties.  You MUST be present for the appointment for your dog and must be committed to completing all assigned homework in order to be prepared for the next session. 
2. Lessons last approximately one hour, with the exception of the initial consultation which may be up to 2 hours. If more help is needed, that will be provided at no additional charge for as long as the trainer feels is necessary. However, lateness on the client’s part does not prolong the lesson time.
3. Cancellation or Rescheduling: Your time is valuable, so is mine. I will be at our scheduled lesson location on time, unless I have a true emergency. Please do not call or email the day of your appointment and tell me the weather is too hot/cold/windy, or that you have another conflicting appointment you just now remembered. Twenty-four (24) hours notice is required to cancel or reschedule a lesson.   If the client does not cancel 24 or more hours prior to the appointment time, and is not present at the lesson location, they will forfeit that lesson.  However, if the trainer feels that the client is acting irresponsibly (i.e., repeated no-shows, repeated non-emergency cancellations, and not doing homework as required), the trainer retains the right to cancel the package without any refund due to the client.
4. Rescheduled Appointments and Peak Times: When you schedule a lesson package, I am committing my time to you for a block of time slots. Rescheduling a lesson for the following week results in an extension of that block, and results in a loss of potential fees from other clients for me. For that reason, if you choose a lesson package to be scheduled during peak times (evening or weekend), you will be allowed to reschedule once for the following week. Additional appointments must be rescheduled for non-peak times (weekdays 9am-4pm).
5. Maintenance of Goals: The owner recognizes that these training sessions do not train the dog, but instead coach the owner(s) to train their dog according to skills conveyed and homework provided by the trainer. In order for the dog to progress in training, the following must occur:
6. The owner must understand the basic principles of training (this will be explained and provided by the trainer).
7. The owner must apply the basic principles of training.
8. The owner must not interact with the dog in a way that rewards bad behavior and/or punishes good behavior.
9. The owner must regularly train the dog at least 30 minutes a day (in one block or broken up into several sessions), at least five days a week.
10. The owner must not give commands that they are not ready to reinforce if the dog does not perform.
11. Guarantee: K9 Fun Works does not guarantee training in this agreement. Client assumes all responsibility for the success or failure of the training program, as the client will be doing the work the majority of the time. The trainer cannot control whether the client follows the advice, does the homework, or is consistent outside of training time. However, if the following criteria are present but there is not satisfactory improvement in the dog as agreed by the client and trainer, additional lessons at no additional cost to the client will be considered by the trainer, and will be given only at the discretion of K9 Fun Works:
12. Client MUST communicate by phone or email any problems which arise in between sessions. If client does not understand or is uncomfortable with a training technique, it is the client’s responsibility to discuss their concerns with the trainer at the earliest possible convenience so that new strategies can be developed.
13. Client MUST complete all homework and demonstrate proof of this by showing the dog has progressed between lessons. Client acknowledges the importance of following the obedience and leadership program as described by the trainer, and agrees to follow the program even if it seems inconvenient. Client acknowledges that to change a dog’s behavior problems, some significant changes in the client’s lifestyle and habits may be necessary.
14. Private training fees are based on the number of lessons and the location where the lessons will take place. Fee includes lessons, travel cost (when choosing in-home training), and individualized homework plans. The fee does not include any training equipment, which is the responsibility of the client to purchase. There are no refunds for private training fees. In the event of an illness or family emergency, the client may be permitted to reschedule the lesson package to a later date, at the discretion of K9 Fun Works.
15. Bounced Check Fee: If a check bounces, the full training fee plus a $35.00 bounced check fee is to be reimbursed to K9 Fun Works immediately in the form of cash.
16. Vaccinations and Medications: The owner is responsible for insuring that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and other illnesses commonly vaccinated for in this region. Bordatella (kennel cough) is not required, but is highly recommended. Proof of vaccination must be submitted on or before the date of your first session.
17. Aggressive Dogs: The owner warrants that he/she has disclosed to the trainer in writing (client interview form and other) any behavior that may indicate that the dog may be aggressive to other dogs or people, included but not limited to growling, forceful barking, snapping, raising of hackles, lowering of head and staring, chasing, attempting to bite, and biting. The trainer reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services for an aggressive dog, in which case the trainer will have no further obligation to the owner and the owner will receive a full or partial refund, at the discretion of K9 Fun Works.
18. Liability: All behavioral advice and training suggestions are provided at the client’s own risk. Use of this information is voluntary and K9 Fun Works is not responsible for injury to another human or animal. The client is at all times responsible their actions and for the actions of their dog. K9 Fun Works and/or Dina Whitehouse (the Trainer) is not responsible for any injuries or expenses resulting from socialization or training. Dogs participating in physical exercises may be injured by running, jumping, chasing a ball etc. Client hereby indemnifies and holds harmless K9 Fun Works and Dina Whitehouse (the Trainer).