Terms and Conditions
Training
Liability
Canine Choices does not accept liability or responsibility for any loss, injury, accident, damage, or illness to any person, property, or animal during classes or training sessions.
Owner Responsibility and Equipment
Owners are responsible for their dog’s behaviour at all times. To ensure the safety of all dogs and people, dogs must remain on lead at all times unless instructed otherwise by the trainer.
Aversive equipment—including slip leads, slip collars, prong collars, choke chains, and shock collars—is not permitted. Likewise, punitive handling or training methods will not be tolerated in any group class or one-to-one session.
Children under the age of 16 are welcome to attend; however, a parent or guardian is fully responsible for their safety and behaviour throughout the session. Children must remain under close supervision at all times to ensure the safety and comfort of all dogs and participants.
Safety and Behaviour
Canine Choices reserves the right to remove any dog from a class or end a one-to-one session if the dog’s behaviour is deemed unsafe, excessively disruptive, or poses a risk to other dogs, people, or the trainer.
In such cases, alternative training options such as one-to-one sessions may be recommended where appropriate.
Canine Choices also reserves the right to refuse training services if it is felt that the environment, equipment, or handling of the dog may compromise the safety or welfare of the dog, trainer, or others present.
Dogs in Season (Group Classes)
Dogs who come into season must not attend group classes for a minimum of 3 weeks from the start of the season, as the scent can be highly distracting for other dogs and may disrupt the learning environment.
Where availability allows, a one-to-one session to the equivalent value of the missed group sessions may be offered.
Cancellations and Refunds
Group Classes
All group class courses must be paid for in full at the time of booking, and places cannot be reserved without payment.
Cancellations made 14 days or more before the course start date are eligible for a full refund minus a £10 administration fee.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the start date may receive a refund minus the £10 administration fee only if the space can be filled before the course begins.
Refunds cannot be given once the course has started.
If your dog is struggling in a group class environment, one-to-one sessions may be offered instead, to the equivalent value of the remaining booked classes.
One-to-One Sessions
All one-to-one sessions and training packages must be paid for in full at the time of booking.
Due to the limited availability of one-to-one sessions, refunds are not given unless under exceptional circumstances at the discretion of Canine Choices.
Training packages expire 3 months from the date of the first booked session to ensure consistency of training.
Package sessions should be booked no more than 2 weeks apart to support consistent training progress, unless suitable appointment times are unavailable.
A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to reschedule a session. With less than 24 hours’ notice, the session fee will be charged in full.
Canine Choices may reschedule sessions due to weather or unforeseen circumstances and will provide as much notice as possible.
Vaccinations and Health
All dogs must be fully vaccinated to attend group classes. A vaccination certificate must be provided prior to the course start date.
It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure vaccinations are up to date. Failure to provide valid proof of vaccination will mean your dog cannot attend classes, and refunds will only be given in line with the 14-day cancellation policy.
Dogs receiving the kennel cough vaccine must wait 14 days after vaccination before attending any class.
All dogs must regularly receive flea and worming treatment.
Please do not bring dogs who are unwell, or who have been in contact with dogs showing signs of contagious illness or coughing within the last 10 days.
If your dog becomes unwell, or you are unsure whether it is safe to attend, please notify us as soon as possible so we can advise you.
Training Results
Canine Choices uses modern, reward-based training methods and will provide guidance and support to help you and your dog progress.
However, training results cannot be guaranteed, as success depends on factors including owner consistency, practice between sessions, the dog’s individual temperament, and the home environment.
Owners are responsible for following training advice and practicing exercises outside of sessions to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Photography and Video
From time to time, photos or videos may be taken during training sessions for training, educational, or promotional purposes, such as use on the Canine Choices website or social media.
Every effort will be made to ensure that owners and dogs are represented respectfully and appropriately.
If you do not wish for you or your dog to appear in photographs or videos, please inform Canine Choices before the start of the course or session, and we will ensure you are not included.
Dog Walking
Lead Use:
All dogs will be walked on a suitable lead (flat lead, flexi lead, or long line). Dogs will only be allowed off lead with the owner’s permission and when we are confident that the dog has a reliable recall with us.
Dogs known to be reactive towards other dogs must remain on lead at all times.
Dogs in Season:
Dogs in season must remain on lead before bleeding begins, throughout the season, and for four weeks after bleeding has stopped. They will be walked only with other females or as a solo walk. Off-lead exercise may be arranged in a secure, private hire field at the owner’s expense.
Training Methods & Equipment:
We use only positive, welfare-focused handling and equipment. No aversive tools or methods—such as prong, shock, spray, choke, slip collars, slip leads, or tightening harnesses—will be used. Head collars/Haltis may be used only if the dog is comfortable and not distressed by them.
A flat collar and/or a well-fitting harness is preferred.
Muzzles:
If a muzzle is required, the dog must be properly conditioned to wearing it beforehand. Muzzles must allow the dog to pant, eat, and drink safely.
New Dogs:
All new dogs will begin with solo walks to ensure they feel comfortable and to allow us to assess their needs and behaviour.
Group Walks:
We carefully match dogs based on personality, play style, and social comfort. An initial assessment walk with one of our own dogs may be used to help determine the best group fit.
Group walks consist of a maximum of three dogs to ensure safety and quality of care. If a dog displays behaviour that is inappropriate or unsafe for the group, they will be removed and offered an alternative group, day, or solo walks where possible.
Health Requirements:
Dogs must be fully up to date with vaccinations and receive regular flea and worm treatment. Dogs who receive the kennel cough vaccine must not attend walks for 14 days following vaccination.
Timings:
Walk times are approximate, allowing for travel between appointments. Occasionally we may arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled. Muddy or wet dogs will be rinsed or towel-dried as best as possible before being returned home, which may also affect timing. Regardless, your dog will receive their full walk duration.
Cancellations
A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel a booked walk. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged in full.
In cases of extreme weather or conditions that may affect safe travel or walking, we will contact you as soon as possible to cancel, reschedule, or offer a pop-in visit where appropriate.