1. Booking and Payment

• 1-to-1 training sessions must be paid for in advance by bank transfer or in cash on arrival.
• Payment by bank transfer must be received before the scheduled session.
• A booking is considered confirmed once payment has been received, unless otherwise agreed.
• Block bookings must be paid for in advance unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed.
• Prices are subject to change, although any sessions already booked will remain at the agreed price.

2. Cancellation and Rearranging Appointments

• I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or rearrange a session.
• Where less than 24 hours' notice is given, payment may be retained and a refund will be at the discretion of Happy Tails Dog Training.
• Where appropriate, I will always try to be as flexible as possible and rearrange a session rather than simply cancel it.
• If you do not attend a booked session without prior notice, the session may be treated as a missed appointment and payment may be retained.

3. Weather and Outdoor Sessions

The welfare and safety of dogs and their owners always comes first.

• If weather conditions are considered unsuitable or potentially unsafe, including excessive heat, extreme cold, ice, storms or other severe weather, a session may be postponed.
• Where this happens, the session will be rescheduled to a mutually convenient date.
• For outdoor sessions, please ensure you and your dog are appropriately prepared for the weather.
• If you have any concerns about your dog's ability to cope with the weather or environment, please discuss this with me before the session.

4. Training Methods and Equipment

Happy Tails Dog Training uses kind, ethical, reward-based and force-free training methods, with the dog's welfare at the heart of every session.

The use of aversive training methods or equipment is not permitted during sessions, including but not limited to:

• Prong/pinch collars
• Electronic/shock collars
• Choke/check chains
• Physical corrections or punishment
• Equipment or methods intended to cause fear, pain or discomfort

Clients are asked not to use aversive training methods or equipment as part of the training plan provided by Happy Tails Dog Training.

Where equipment is unsuitable or potentially harmful, I may recommend an alternative that better supports the dog's welfare and training needs.

5. Dog and Owner Responsibility

Owners remain responsible for their dog at all times, including during training sessions.

You must inform Happy Tails Dog Training before a session of any relevant information that could affect safety, including:

• Previous or current aggression or reactivity
• Bite history or incidents
• Fear or anxiety
• Known triggers
• Health conditions, injuries or mobility issues
• Any other behaviour that may present a risk to people or animals

Dogs should be appropriately secured using suitable equipment during sessions.

If I believe a situation is unsafe for the dog, owner, myself or another person or animal, I reserve the right to stop or modify the session.

6. Children

Children are welcome to be involved in training where appropriate. However, an adult must remain responsible for supervising children around dogs at all times.

Parents or guardians remain responsible for ensuring that children follow any safety guidance given during a session.

7. Health and Veterinary Care

Happy Tails Dog Training provides training and behavioural support but does not provide veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

If a behaviour may have an underlying medical cause, or if I believe veterinary input would be beneficial, I may recommend that you speak with your veterinary surgeon or another appropriately qualified professional.

Dogs should be fit enough to participate in the planned session. Please let me know about any illness, injury or change in your dog's health before attending.

8. Training Plans and Results

Training plans are tailored to each individual dog and owner.

While I will provide guidance, demonstrations and practical exercises, training outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Progress can depend on many factors, including the dog's history, environment, consistency, health, individual temperament and the amount of practice carried out between sessions.

The aim is to provide you with the knowledge, understanding and practical tools to continue supporting your dog beyond our sessions.

9. Confidentiality and Photographs

Information shared during consultations and training sessions will be treated respectfully and confidentially, except where disclosure is required by law or where there is a genuine safeguarding or safety concern.

Photographs or videos taken during sessions will only be used for Happy Tails Dog Training's marketing or social media with the owner's permission.

10. Right to Refuse or End a Booking

Happy Tails Dog Training reserves the right to decline or end a training relationship where:

• A situation presents an unacceptable safety risk.
• A client's expectations cannot reasonably be met.
• A client repeatedly disregards safety or welfare advice.
• A client uses or insists upon the use of aversive methods or equipment.
• The service required falls outside the scope of Happy Tails Dog Training.

Where possible, appropriate alternative professional support or referral information may be suggested.

11. Acceptance of These Terms

By booking a training session with Happy Tails Dog Training, you confirm that you have read and accepted these terms and conditions.

Happy Tails Dog Training reserves the right to update these terms when necessary. The current version will be available on this website.

Last updated: September 2026