Terms and conditions.

These terms and conditions apply to all 121 coaching programs. Please note that booking and engagement in sessions both imply full agreement to these terms and conditions.

Training Techniques

The training techniques used in all sessions are designed to be kind, fair, force-free and non-aversive. Harsh handling, physical force and equipment designed to be aversive will not be used (including choke chains, check chains, prong collars, spray collars, anti-pull harnesses and e-collars).

We ask that our clients also commit to our ethics and agree to not seek out addition advice online or in person that may contradict our code of ethics. Should we find out that clients are using inappropriate tools or techniques outside of our training sessions, we have the right to refuse service.

Booking, Payment and Cancellations

Upon booking your initial consultation, your slot will be held for 48 hours. Once payment is received, your space on the coaching program will be confirmed. You can cancel anytime up to 5 working days before your session. After that time cancellation will be subjected to the first full month’s cost of coaching. After your onboarding call, you cannot cancel are subjected to the full 3 months payment regardless of your attendance or participation.

If you can no longer participate due to an unexpected health issue or injury, we may pause the coaching or offer an extension but cannot offer a refund unless we are able to refill your slot.

The coaching program has a 3 month minimum term regardless of whether you are on a pay as you go scheme or pre-paid package.

Safety

By participating in coaching you acknowledge that you are fully responsible for your dog’s safety, your own safety and the safety of those around you at all times while carrying out training. You agree to weigh up the risks of training and assess risk when carrying out training. Should you have any concerns regarding the training suggested, you agree to raise those concerns prior to carrying out training suggested.

Amelia Steele and Amelia Steele Dog Training cannot be held liable or responsible for any injury to you, your dog, the people around you or the public while you carry out training. We will often recommend safety measures however it is your responsibility to implement those safety measures effectively.

By agreeing to these terms, you agree that your dog is your sole responsibility and you hold full liability for them.

If your dog is at any risk of biting, muzzle training is essential and should you deny the use of a muzzle, you accept the legal consequences should a bite occur.

Owners are to understand that modifying behaviour poses a risk of injury. You are to ensure that necessary steps are taken at all times to prevent injury, including avoidance of situations that might trigger aggressive behaviour. Owners agree to indemnify and hold unaccountable Amelia Steele against any and all losses, liabilities, judgments and costs (including legal fees and expenses) arising out of, or related to, any claim of injury to persons or property of any kind, whether before, during or after the consultation and when implementing suggested techniques with your dog.

Children

Children under 18 should not be involved in the training process and cannot be held responsible for the care or training of a dog. Should your dog display any concerning behaviour towards a child, you must tell your trainer and must prevent access between the dog and child.

Dogs with a bite history or who are at risk of biting should not be permitted to interact with, be around or be left alone with children.

In the case of small children and children under the age of 10, we cannot expect to teach a dog to tolerate interactions and instead must focus on teaching the child or creating a level of separation. By participating in the coaching program, you acknowledge that you are fully responsible for any interactions between your dog and children and acknowledge the inherent risk of child/dog interactions, regardless of behavioural history.

Product & Service Recommendations​​ ​ 

I will often recommend products or services I feel benefit you and your dog. I am not affiliated with any products and hold no responsibility or liability for the effectiveness of product recommended. It is your responsibility to follow through with any recommendations, including any veterinary care that is suggested.

Office Hours

My office hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. All questions, feedback and check ins will be responded to within these hours. Please allow 24 hours for a reply and 48 hours for video feedback. You are welcome to send messages outside of these times but please do not expect a response outside of office hours.

Out of Hours Support

Out of hours support is not available on the coaching program. Should you have an emergency, please follow the guidance set out in the following section.

In Case of Emergency

In case of an emergency situation involving your dog, you must deal with it accordingly and should not rely on the coaching program for help addressing emergency situations. Should your dog bite you or someone else, you must call an ambulance if needed and apply first aid if you can. If your dog sustains an injury, or becomes suddenly unwell you must take them to your vet immediately.

You should report any incidents to your trainer but please note that we cannot be on call to deal with emergencies.

Owner Commitment

By engaging in 121 coaching you agree to:

  • fully engage with the process of working with your dog to the best of your ability and understand that any changes will involve commitment and consistency

  • understand there is no 'quick fix' when working with behavioural issues

  • avoid introducing alternative training/behaviour modification methods (such as those picked up from TV, books, friends and other trainers) in order to prevent confusion and conflict for your dog

  • be open and honest in discussions around behaviour

  • ask for clarification if anything which is explained in unclear

  • have an open mind with regard to potential solutions, changes and strategies​

  • attend monthly sessions

  • notify the trainer should you have any concerns

Mental Health Disclaimer

We understand that our dogs can take a toll on our mental health and that reactivity training especially can affect your wellbeing. While we are here to support you, we are not qualified mental health professionals, so cannot offer mental health advice. If you need additional support, please feel free to ask and we can refer you to a trained, mental health professional.

Guarantees

Owners are to understand that dogs are sentient being and thus, behaviour modification is never a guarantee of change. While we will offer advice to the best of our knowledge, there are many things that influence behaviour out of our control. We will always be open and honest about your progress and should we deem it necessary, we may refer you to a veterinary professional or specialist.

Termination

We reserve the right to terminate your service without refund in the following scenarios:

  • Inappropriate or unprofessional behaviour

  • Failure to attend live sessions without prior communication

  • Unwillingness to try or neglecting to implement the training agreed upon

  • Failure to implement safety or management techniques

  • Implementing conflicting training methods suggested by other trainers either 121, in classes or as seen online/TV

  • We discover the use of aversive tools or training methods (e-collars, choke chains, prong collars, alpha-roll training etc)

  • Failure to pay or disputing the bank charges