Terms & Conditions

1-2-1 Training & Behaviour Consultations

• The appointment will take place at your home or at a suitable, agreed location, depending on the nature of the training.
• All appointments are confirmed once your payment has been received, whether this be by booking online or opening an invoice e-mailed to you.
• Cancelled appointments with less than the notice period will incur a cancellation charge of £30.00.

A behavioural consultation helps to identify the underlying motivation for any unwanted behaviour. Training suggestions will be devised for your needs based on my behavioural diagnosis and specific to your requirements. Behavioural issues are often complex, therefore before proceeding it is necessary that any potential underlying medical condition or cause of pain is ruled out. For complex behaviour issues you will be automatically referred to a local, qualified behaviourist.

You may be asked to provide video footage of your pet’s behaviour on a day-to-day basis as this can aid the consultation process. Any follow-up visits, should they be required, will be charged accordingly and you will be advised of the cost in advance.

Disclaimer

Animal aggression can cause injury, including fatal injury, to other animals and people. Treatment for aggression is not a guarantee of success and modifying behaviour does not assure that the aggression will be successfully controlled. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their pet does not harm in the future.

Owners remain responsible for their dogs at all times and are advised to have adequate pet or household insurance cover for liability in the unlikely event of damage or injury caused by their dog. Ruff – Dog Training does not deal with aggressive dogs and these will be referred to a local, qualified clinical animal behaviourist.

Training Classes at Village Hall Venues

• Please arrive 5 minutes prior to class start time – late starters are disruptive for classes.
• Please ensure your dog has been to the toilet before entering the hall.
• Please ensure your dog is on a normal flat collar & lead (no flexi/motor or chain leads).
• You will be required to bring small treats for your dog, ideally something they really love.
• Please respect the venue you are in – you will be liable for any damage you or your dog create.
• If your dog is very reactive or aggressive towards other dogs, a class environment may not be suitable – a behaviour consultation first is best to check class suitability.

Bookings, Payments & Cancellations

• Payment is online only – no cash.
• Under the Consumer Rights Act you may cancel your purchase within 7 working days of placing your order. There is no right of cancellation where the 1-2-1 or behaviour consultation begins within this 7 day period, and no right to cancel or receive a refund after 7 days from the order.
• Cancellations must be made by email.
• We are unable to refund outdoor training session fees once the session has commenced. Any refund will incur a £20.00 administration fee. No refunds are given for non-attendance.
• Refunds for home visits cannot be given unless the animal has been re-homed or is no longer in the owner’s possession.
• 1-2-1 & behaviour consultation home visits outside of Holley’s commute area are subject to an additional mileage charge of £0.45 per mile; you will be notified if this applies.

1-2-1 Training & Behavioural Consultations at the Training Field, Somerton Hall

Our training field within Somerton Hall is in the grounds of our family home, therefore we ask the following:

• Keep your dog/s on lead at all times unless otherwise directed or safely shut in the training field.
• You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog – used poo bags can be left by the gate as you leave (waste carrier licence obtained).
• Where possible, please don’t allow dogs to pee on the equipment.
• You must follow all safety instructions and not use equipment when your trainer is not present.
• Equipment is designed for dog use only; Ruff – Dog Training takes no responsibility for loss or personal damage occurring when equipment is in use.
• Your dog must be fit and healthy to attend, and not suffering from any infectious disease. Please inform your trainer if your female dog is in season.
• We practise kind, fair, reward-based training. Harsh handling, check chains, slip leads, pinch collars, spray collars, or any aversive device or method is not permitted.
• Cars are parked at their owner’s risk. Family members are welcome; all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• We may occasionally record or photograph sessions for promotional purposes – please let us know if you’d rather not appear.

What to Wear & Welfare and Safety

Our training involves practical handling, so appropriate footwear and clothing is recommended – comfortable flat shoes, and attire suitable for getting down on the ground or wet weather.

Please keep to areas designated for training. All dogs must be kept under the owner’s control and on a lead except where specifically instructed. Participation in training and behaviour services is at the owner’s risk. Ruff – Dog Training carries public liability and relevant business insurance, and owners are advised to have their own pet insurance with third-party liability cover.

Course Content & Material

Ruff – Dog Training & Welfare reserves the right to change the content, timing, dates or venue of a course, particularly due to weather. If a booking is cancelled due to weather we will let you know as soon as possible, at least an hour before your session, and reschedule to an alternative date. We will not be liable for losses or expenses arising from amendments or cancellations.

Data Protection & Confidentiality

The information on your booking form is only used as a record of you and your dog, and to contact you in relation to dog training activities – it will not be passed on to third parties. All client details are kept in confidence and disclosed to assistants and helpers only on a need-to-know basis. You can request not to receive emails from us at any time.

Photo Release

By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you give Ruff – Dog Training & Welfare permission to publish in print, electronic or video format the likeness or image of you and/or your dog, and release all claims with respect to privacy and publicity rights related to use of the materials.

Website & External Links

Any external link via this website is provided for convenience. Use of links or their content is at your own risk.