Down Right Dog Training - Policies and Hold Harmless Agreement
Welcome to Down Right Dog Training's policy page. Before enrolling in any of our programs, please read the following terms and guidelines carefully:
Evaluation Fee: There is a $100 fee for evaluations at our facility and $150 fee for evaluations outside of our facility. The Evaluation fees is transferable to any program or package of lessons purchased. Maximum of two dogs per Evaluation.
Service Transfers: Within the initial two sessions of our Hybrid Program or any package of lessons purchased, either in-home or on-site, clients may opt to transfer to any extended program offered by Down Right Dog Training should they require more support in the training process. The fee to transfer programs is only the difference between the cost of the new program and the amount paid for the Hybrid program or lesson package. We do not offer service transfer for any other programs. We do transfer services to other owners or dogs.
Refund Policy: Given the variable nature of dog training outcomes, we are unable to offer refunds for used services. Deposits are non-refundable. No refunds for cancellations unless 24 hours notice is given in writing. Refunds for unused services are available for 72 hours after initial purchase and requests must be made in writing. We do not offer refunds for any other reason.
Expiration Dates: All post training lessons for hybrid or extended programs expire within six months after program commences. Virtual lessons do not expire.
No Show, Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Lateness: All appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours by sending an email or text to drdtllc@gmail.com or (561) 777-3916. Missed sessions will not be made up. If you are late, you may have a shorter appointment time.
Cancellations by Down Right Dog Training: Lessons, appointments, or group classes may be cancelled by Down Right Dog Training due to weather, illness, or any other reason. Reasonable notice as it relates to the circumstances will be given to you via text or email. We offer make up lessons or classes for any appointment or class cancelled by us.
Emergency Care Authorization: In the event of an emergency, we will transport dogs to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic. By utilizing our services, you consent to any necessary treatments being administered at your expense, unless otherwise arranged in writing.
Inherent Risks: Engaging in training activities involves inherent risks. Although we take extensive precautions, it is essential that clients understand and accept these risks. We commit to providing the highest standard of care for your dog.
Health Risks for Your Dog(s): There are potential health risks associated with dog training. Heightened physical activity can lead to minor injuries or cause subtle weight changes, especially weight loss. As dogs adapt to a new training environment and regimen, they might undergo dietary changes, which can sometimes lead to digestive irregularities, including a fluctuating appetite, diarrhea, or occasional vomiting. Stress, a natural reaction to new experiences, can manifest in various ways, from behavioral shifts and increased vocalizations to separation anxiety. Moreover, while we make every effort to maintain a pristine environment, the communal nature of some training sessions could increase the likelihood of exposure to common canine ailments. Additionally, sensitivity to new environmental elements or foods introduced during training can sometimes result in allergic reactions. Any health issues will be communicated to owners immediately.
Continued Training and Reinforcement: Success in dog training requires ongoing effort by the owner. While our programs provide a strong foundation, consistent home reinforcement is crucial for maintaining learned behaviors. We offer additional support services for a fee for continued training for you and your dog.
Health Disclosure & Vaccination Requirement: All health issues must be disclosed prior to training. Dogs must also be up-to-date on vaccines and de-worming. You authorize release of all records for your dog or any other dogs in your home by your veterinarian to Down Right Dog Training upon request in writing.
General Liability Release for Training: By enrolling your dog in training with Down Right Dog Training, you agree to the following terms and conditions related to liability:
General Liability Release: Down Right Dog Training, its employees, contractors, and the property owner(s) upon which the training sessions are conducted, shall not be held liable for any injuries, damages, or losses sustained by dogs, handlers, or any third parties during or as a result of the training sessions or any related events.
Post-Training Behavior: The dog owner acknowledges and understands that Down Right Dog Training provides training services aimed at improving the behavior of dogs. However, the behavior of any dog outside of our training environment is influenced by numerous external factors. Therefore, Down Right Dog Training and its representatives cannot guarantee a dog's behavior post-training. Owners are solely responsible for their dog's actions, including but not limited to biting, aggression, or any other undesirable behaviors.
Accidents and Injuries: Dog owners accept and acknowledge the inherent risks associated with dog training, including but not limited to dog fights, bites, and unintentional injuries to people or animals. Down Right Dog Training takes all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of all participants. Still, in the event of an accident or injury, the dog owner agrees to hold Down Right Dog Training, its employees, and property owner(s) harmless.
Owner's Responsibility: It is the dog owner's responsibility to inform Down Right Dog Training of any behavioral issues, medical conditions, or any other concerns about their dog prior to starting training. Owners must also control their dogs adequately when not at Down Right Dog Training to prevent any incidents.
Indemnification: Dog owners shall indemnify and hold harmless Down Right Dog Training, its employees, contractors, and property owner(s) from any and all claims, actions, suits, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses, including legal fees, arising out of or in connection with any act or omission of their dog or themselves during or after training sessions.
Facility Usage and Hold Harmless Agreement:
Respect for Property: Handlers are expected to respect the facility. Damages due to negligence or intentional acts might result in financial responsibility.
Assumption of Risk at Facility: Training activities carry risks, including potential damage to property or injury.
Liability Release for Property Owner: The property owner of the facility shall not be held liable for incidents or accidents during training. Handlers and owners hold the property owner, Down Right Dog Training, and its staff harmless from claims arising from facility usage.
Customer Contact Policy: We are committed to ensuring efficient and clear communication with our valued customers. To streamline our interactions and to ensure your queries are addressed promptly, please review our contact policy below:
Preferred Mode of Communication: We kindly request that all communications be conducted via text message. This method allows us to promptly address your concerns, keep records of our interactions, and serve you better.
Response Time: We understand the importance of timely communication. Rest assured, all text messages will be responded to within a 24-hour timeframe. If you send a text during weekends or public holidays, please allow us to return to you on the next business day.
Weekly Updates: Your pet's progress is essential to us, and we believe in keeping you in the loop. To this end, we will provide updates on your dog's training once a week. This ensures you remain informed about their journey and achievements with us.
Urgent Matters: If you have an emergency or an urgent matter to discuss, kindly mention 'URGENT' at the beginning of your text, and we will prioritize your message. However, we still highly encourage the use of text messaging even for urgent matters.
Feedback: Your feedback is invaluable to us. If you have any suggestions, concerns, or questions about our communication methods or any other aspect of our service, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Abandonment Clause: In the event a dog is left in our care without communication or agreement from the owner for a period exceeding eight (8) weeks from the end of the program the owner signed up for, the owner shall forfeit ownership of the dog. We will then assume full ownership and responsibility and will proceed to place the dog with a rescue organization for rehoming. This policy is implemented to ensure the dogs' welfare and our ability to manage their care effectively in such situations.
Additional Liability Release and Hold Harmless Agreement for Protection and Sport Dog Training
Inherent Risks Acknowledgement: Protection and sport dog training involves complex behaviors and potential challenges, and it inherently carries risks not present in basic obedience or other types of training. This includes, but is not limited to, the risk of dog bites, unpredictable reactions, and unforeseen behaviors.
No Absolute Guarantee: While Down Right Dog Training endeavors to provide the best training and guidance for your dog, we cannot offer an absolute guarantee regarding the dog's behavior or performance. This means that there might be occasions when a dog may not respond as expected, be it failing to bite when required or biting when not anticipated.
Assumption of Responsibility: By undergoing protection or sport dog training with Down Right Dog Training, you, the dog owner, fully assume all risks associated with such training. This includes any potential harm, injury, or damage caused by your dog to third parties, yourself, or the dog itself.
Indemnification: Dog owners shall indemnify and hold harmless Down Right Dog Training, its employees, and contractors from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses, including legal fees, arising out of or in connection with any act or omission of their dog or themselves as a result of, or following, protection or sport dog training.
Owner's Responsibility: It remains the dog owner's responsibility to manage, control, and supervise their dog outside of the training environment, ensuring the safety of others. Owners are encouraged to continuously practice the techniques and exercises taught during training sessions to maintain consistency in their dog's behavior.
Third-Party Interactions: Down Right Dog Training is not responsible for any incidents involving third parties, including but not limited to bites or failures to act as anticipated. Owners are advised to inform third parties interacting with their dog about its training and potential behaviors.
Discounts, sales, promotions, and offers: Sale discounts cannot be used with other discounts or offers. Two discounts cannot be used together. No exceptions. We offer discounts for military service members and veterans, multiple dogs, bulk purchases, and services paid in full.
Guarantees: We cannot give any promises, timelines, or guarantees for training results. Successful dog training involves professional guidance, learning our vocabulary and techniques, 10-15 minutes of consistent daily practice, multiple owners understanding the training program, frequent socialization, and follow-up training when needed. Other factors that influence your results are other dogs in your home, your dogs age, breed, genetics, your schedule, your ability to manage your dog, etc.
Other Rules:
Petting Policy: While at our facility, participating in any class or event at our facility or outside of our facility, there is absolutely no petting, touching, calling, talking to, feeding, playing with, or attempting to interact with other dogs for any reason.
Other Dogs: Do not bring other dogs to lessons or appointments.
Participants: We allow two humans per dog per session or appointment at our facility. If you would like to involve other members of your immediate family, we ask that you schedule an in-home session with us. We do not allow other dog trainers, dog walkers, pet sitters, or breeders to accompany you to the training unless specifically agreed to prior to the appointment.
Children: We understand children must come to appointments. We insist that all children abide by the rules and policies herein and are always supervised by a parent or responsible care taker that has acknowledged these policies.
Cell Phone: Please silence all cell phones.
Recording: There will be no recording of any lessons. If you post any content from the lesson on any social media platform or anywhere online and we ask that you take it down, you agree to remove the video completely from the internet within one hour of our request in writing either via email or text to you.
Dress Code: Please wear closed toed shoes and comfortable clothes that you do not mind damaging or getting dirty.
Equipment: You must bring with you to lessons or appointments the following: food or treats, treat pouch, regular leash at least 6 feet long, flat collar, pulling harness, and other training tools that you use for your dog. Not having the proper equipment may result in a lesson that cannot be properly conducted.
You agree to all terms, conditions and policies during the checkout process and/or upon utilization of services. Any guests that participate in training with Down Right Dog Training also agree to all terms, conditions and policies.
Updated: 4/24/2024