Southwest Dog Training Terms and Conditions

1. Private Training

1.1 General Policies and Disclaimers

1.1.1 Sign-Up And Cancellation

Payment must be made within 2 days following your training session. There is no fee for cancellation, however, we ask that you respect your appointments. Last minute cancellation of initial training assessments may result in being added to our wait list for private training.

1.1.2 Trainer/Client Safety and Behavioural Issues

The client acknowledges that they have disclosed to Southwest Dog Training any behavioral issues or concerns that may compromise the safety of the trainer, the client, or other people and animals that may be present during the training session.

1.1.3 Damages and Injuries

The client will indemnify Southwest Dog Training and its trainers against all costs, claims, and damages arising (directly or indirectly) from any act of the client’s pet whilst using Southwest Dog Training Services.

1.1.4 Acceptance of Risk

The client acknowledges that there are certain inherent risks of canine-related activities, and Southwest Dog Training or any of its assistants, trainers, affiliates, and venue providers will not be held liable for any injury, damage, or illness to human or dog that may arise as a result of training.

1.1.5 Guarantee of Services

Southwest Dog Training guarantees to use their professional expertise to help the client achieve their desired result, and to provide the services agreed upon. However, due to the unpredictable nature of canine training, as well as the dependency of the client to execute their given training plan, Southwest Dog Training cannot guarantee any specific results of our training programs.

2. Group Classes

2.1 General Policies and Class Rules

2.1.1 Sign-Up and Cancellation Policy

Payment in full will be required to reserve a spot for a course. Cancellations within 48 hours before course commencement are non-refundable if we are unable to fulfill your spot in the time allotted.

2.1.2 Dog Reactivity and Other Behavioral Issues

Southwest Dog Training is permitted to remove a dog from class if they are exhibiting overly disruptive or aggressive behaviors, such as growling, biting, or even excessive barking. Owners will not be entitled to a refund once classes start if their dog needs to be removed for these reasons, unless Southwest Dog Training was previously made aware of these behaviors before the class had begun.

2.1.3 Class Rules

  • Dogs must be kept on lead at all times when arriving and leaving the premises as well as during class unless otherwise directed by the instructor. You are responsible for the conduct of your dog at all times. Dogs in class must not lunge or bark at other dogs present.
  • Do not allow your dog to approach another dog unless directed by an instructor. Not all dogs are comfortable being approached by a strange dog whilst restrained.

2.1.4 Vaccination Policy

All dogs must have had at least their first vaccination and have their first booster scheduled before the end of the course. Proof of vaccination must be provided at the beginning of the course for each dog in attendance.

2.1.5 Children in Class

If you bring children to training, you are responsible for their care and appropriate supervision. Care should be taken that children do not unnecessarily disrupt training. Do not allow children to approach dogs without first checking with the handler. Some dogs are not accustomed to children and may be uncertain of your child’s affection.

2.1.6 Class Cancellations and Rescheduling

Classes may be canceled under certain unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to inclement weather, venue issues, or trainer unavailability. Whenever possible, Southwest Dog Training will provide participants with advance notice of any cancellations. In the event of a class cancellation, participants will be notified via email and/or text message as soon as the decision to cancel is made. It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that they have provided up-to-date contact information. Upon cancellation, Southwest Dog Training will do everything possible to reschedule to a date that works for the majority of participants. If these dates don’t work for a specific owner, a partial refund or credit will be offered.

2.1.7 Photography and Videography

Photographs and Videos are permitted to be taken in class if and only if consent has been given by Southwest Dog Training and/or its trainers, assistants, affiliates, or venue providers. All social media posts must be approved by Southwest Dog Training beforehand. Southwest Dog Training will use photo and video content for their marketing and social media. If you wish to not be included, please advise your instructor.

2.1.8 Training Disclaimer

Due to the nature of group classes, the information and training being taught is subjective and generalized to the average dog. It is also highly dependent on the execution of the owner or handler. While in our opinion our classes will be extremely helpful, we cannot guarantee nor be held liable if your dog does not get the results you were hoping for or is exhibiting behavioral issues during or after you have completed the group class. Behavioral issues or failures in training can be caused by many things, and it is the owner or handler’s responsibility to ensure training is done correctly.

2.2 Canine Health and Safety

2.2.1 Sick, Injured, or Female Dogs in Season

If your dog is sick, injured, or a female in season, do not come to class and let your trainer know. If you are unsure, we advise you to speak to your vet. Please contact us as early as possible to reschedule your session and discuss your options for make-up classes. The safety of your dog and other dogs in class are paramount to us.

2.2.2 Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Risk

Southwest Dog Training takes every precaution necessary to ensure a safe and clean environment for our dogs, and to limit any risk of illness or injury to the dogs as well as people attending class. However, Southwest Dog Training or any of its assistants, trainers, affiliates, and venue providers will not be held liable for any injury, damage, or illness that may arise during or as a result of the classes. The participant assumes full responsibility for any harm, injury, or damage caused by or to their dog while participating in the class, whether caused negligently, intentionally, or otherwise. The participant understands the inherent risks associated with group dog training and voluntarily assumes those risks.