Pooch Partners Service Agreement

Before proceeding to payment processing and entering into a service agreement with us, it is important that you understand the nature of the agreement which is subject to following policies, waiver and consents. This agreement covers all Pooch Partners services.

Please review our policies before proceeding with payment as they provide clarity of our relationship with you to support specific goals and avoid misunderstandings. We are committed to helping you and your dog achieve the best possible results. As space in our programs is limited, our policies will help you to be sure that you are ready to engage and commit the time necessary for the duration of our work together.

EXPECTATIONS & ROLES

Our Role

We will provide fear-free, positive reinforcement training and expert behavioural guidance tailored to your dog's needs. While we dedicate ourselves to helping you reach your goals, please understand that dog behaviour is dynamic, and specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Your Role

Your role is essential in reinforcing and maintaining the behaviors learned during our sessions. Successful training requires consistent practice, dedication, and all key household members actively participating in your dog’s training to the best results. Mixed signals from family members can confuse your dog, slow progress, and undermine results, but when everyone is on the same page, we can get amazing things done together.

Your responsibilities include:

• Attending all scheduled sessions

• Consistently practicing techniques as directed

• Teaching others in the household the techniques

• Following our training and management recommendations

• Completing assigned homework

• Maintaining open and honest communication with your trainer

Remember that while we provide the tools and guidance for behaviour modification, you are ultimately responsible for your dog's behaviour and interactions with humans and other animals.

PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY

Full payment is required at the time of registration unless otherwise stated. Our preferred payment mode is eTransfer; however, we also accept payment by credit card or PayPal. If you wish to eTransfer, please use coupon code "eTransfer" to complete your purchase and then immediately send an eTransfer to [email protected] for the total amount due. Services will not be offered without full payment being received prior to the first scheduled session.

We do not issue refunds for any reason, including missed appointments or unforeseen scheduling issues, a change of heart about training, or disagreement about positive training methods.

Why?

Space in our programs are limited and we choose our clients carefully. We ask you to enter into this relationship with the same level of care. Training success requires commitment from both sides—we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible results and require the same dedication from you. Please be sure you're ready to engage in training and have the time necessary for our work together. Because we are committed to helping you achieve your best possible results, we require your commitment to seeing your full training package through according to our preset schedule.

SCHEDULING & CANCELLATION POLICY

All sessions must be scheduled in advance and completed within your package's designated period. Where permitted, cancellations require 24-hour advance notice. We allow only one cancellation per package. Rescheduled sessions must be completed within one week after your package's expiration date. Any sessions that are missed, canceled with less than 24 hours notice, or not rescheduled within this timeframe will be forfeited without refund.

Why?

Regular, consistent training is key to successful outcomes for your dog. Our training packages are carefully structured to deliver optimal results within a specific timeframe. Because training consistency is key to your training success, and because we take only a limited number of clients at a time in order to provide our focused attention, we ask that you carefully consider your availability when scheduling your sessions and treat these appointments as a priority commitment to your dog's training success.

Our goal is to provide you with the best chance of reaching your training goals and achieving true relief. To protect your investment and ensure steady progress, please schedule carefully and prioritize our appointments to avoid the loss of fees and training progress. We want to see you succeed!

SERVICE TRANSFER POLICY

Pooch Partners services are non-transferable. If you wish to purchase a service for someone else, gift certificates are available.

TRAINING METHODOLOGY POLICY

Pooch Partners uses only positive, fear and force-free training based on modern, scientifically supported, reward-based methods. Using aversive methods or equipment when completing training with us can lead to lack of success due to conflicting messages being given to your dog. You agree that you will not utilize any aversive tools, techniques, or trainers during the period of receiving Pooch Partners services. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in termination of our services with no refund.

MODE OF TRAINING POLICY

Pooch Partners reserves the right to move scheduled in-person training session(s) to an online format when circumstances require. This includes situations involving inclement weather, mild illness, public health concerns, or other unpredictable events that may make in-person training unsafe or impossible. Such changes in service are not grounds for cancellation, rescheduling, or refund. If you choose not to attend the online session, no refund will be made.

Why?

Consistency is a key ingredient to achieving training success. Moving sessions online when necessary protects your training consistency and progress, our schedule, and our ability to serve you and others effectively. Online training has proven to be an effective and powerful modality that delivers results comparable to in-person sessions.

MANAGEMENT PLAN COMPLIANCE POLICY

Management plans, which include things such as muzzling your dog, using a crate, or not walking your dog in public areas, are a part of training.Following your management plan at all times is critical to both your training success and everyone's safety. If you experience any difficulty following your management plan, it is your responsibility to immediately notify us so that we can work together to find a solution. Failure to follow your management plan risks cancellation of your training package without a refund.

Why?

Management plans are used to ensure safety and training success by preventing rehearsal of unwanted, and sometimes dangerous, behaviour. Your compliance with and prioritization of the plan is essential. Our ability to help you reach your goals and experience true relief is severely compromised without this important teamwork.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Regular practice between sessions is critical for achieving your training goals. Your commitment is expected to complete all assigned homework, which includes recording and sharing short video clips of your practice sessions. These videos allow us to fine-tune your technique and ensure continuous progress with your dog.

If homework is not completed consistently, we may terminate our training agreement, as this significantly impacts the effectiveness of our programs.

UNSPAYED FEMALES POLICY

A dog in heat could put your dog, other dogs and people, including but not limited to those participating in Pooch Partners' activities, at considerable risk. For these safety reasons, this situation must be avoided. Pooch Partners does not permit any dogs that are in heat to attend any Pooch Partners' activities, other than in-home private sessions.

SELF STUDY COURSE POLICY

All self-study courses are non-refundable, non-transferable, and valid only for the timeframe indicated at the time of purchase. You are encouraged to carefully review the course description and any available testimonials or previews before making your purchase.

Why?

Self-study courses provide immediate access to digital training materials that you can begin using right away. The information provided before purchase allows you to make an informed decision about whether the self-study course is the right fit for you and your training goals.

To maintain reasonable costs, you accept the responsibility of selecting courses that meet your needs.

PRIVACY POLICY

We collect, use and share your personal information to provide our services to you, contact you about any purchases you make, and respond to your inquiries. We may also collect photos and audio-visual recordings of you and your dog(s) with your consent during your participation in Pooch Partners activities. These records may be used for public dissemination, advertisement, or educational purposes as still photographs, transparencies, motion pictures, television, video, or other similar media.

We do not collect any financial information as all such transactions are conducted by third-party payment processors.

WAIVER & CONSENT

I understand that there are Inherent risks to myself, my dog, others, and property during events/activities including but not limited to:

·• Potential hazards from other dogs and people (including those not participating in the event/activity), vehicles

(i.e., bikes, scooters, cars, trucks) and other animals (i.e., horses, wildlife)

• The contraction of illness: proper, regular vaccinations cannot guard dogs against all illness and disease, nor can Pooch Partners in any way prevent, nor be held responsible in any way for any illness that my dog may contract

• Weather conditions including heat, cold, and/or humidity, lightning, and precipitation

• Environmental hazards including but not limited to trail conditions and water hazards which may result in falls, cuts or other injuries

• Defective equipment used on myself (i.e., inappropriate footwear) and/or on my dog (i.e., poorly fitted harness)

By participating in Pooch Partners' activities, I attest that:

• My dog and I are physically and mentally capable of participation.

• My health professional and my dog’s veterinarian have not advised against participating.

• I will immediately disclose any physical limitations affecting my or my dog's ability to participate.

• I will follow all Pooch Partners' instructions and rules.

• I will inspect any equipment used by me and/or my dog to ensure its safety for use and notify Pooch Partners of any concerns prior to using the equipment.

·• I will assume full financial responsibility for any injuries or damages caused by myself or my dog for any reason during any Pooch Partners event/activity.

·• While participating in events/activities I authorize Pooch Partners to administer first aid to my dog and if deemed necessary to take my dog to a local veterinarian. I agree to pay for all veterinarian care required and any costs associated with such care, whatever they may be.

By proceeding with my purchase, I:

·• Understand that professional associations prohibit the unethical practice of guaranteeing specific training results. The success of the training is highly dependent on my commitment, participation, and daily practice. Pooch Partners does guarantee to do their best to provide top-notch support to set me and my dog up to achieve training success.

·• Acknowledge that I am solely responsible for my and my dog’s conduct and safety and assume all associated risks, including risks that may be the result of the negligence of Pooch Partners, their directors, officers, employees, trainers, contractors, agents, representatives, sponsors, advertisers, volunteers, and any others participating in any capacity.

·• Assume all risks associated with participating in any Pooch Partners' event/activity, including those arising from negligence by Pooch Partners, its staff, volunteers, and participants.

·• Fully release and waive all current and future liability claims against Pooch Partners for any losses, damages, injuries, or expenses incurred during activities.

·• Agree to indemnify and protect Pooch Partners from any claims resulting from my or my dog's actions, including potential harm to people, animals, or property during participation at their events/activities.

Furthermore, I consent to:

SMS and/or email communications understanding any related carrier rates for text messages are my responsibility and I have the following opt out options:

·• Option to opt out of SMS by replying STOP, or re-enable by replying START

·• Option to opt out of email by clicking the unsubscribe link available in each email.

Media Usage:

·• The use of my personal information including, but not limited to, my name, photos, videos, and recordings for public dissemination, advertisement, service improvement, and educational purposes and I waive all rights to future compensation for such use.

·• I may withdraw my consent in by completing the form here : https://go.poochpartners.ca/withdraw-form and I understand that withdrawal may limit the services I receive and won't apply retroactively.

By proceeding with payment for a Pooch Partners service I attest that I have read, understood and agree with the terms of this agreement. I understand the policies may change and it is my responsibility to regularly review them at https://poochpartners.ca/policies