Terms of Training
Our methods
Our methods of training are ethical, kind and fair and do not use harsh handling of dogs, physical correction or aversive methods.
We do not permit coercive methods or equipment: choke chains, half checks, prong collars, vibration or e-collars, pinch collars, pet correctors/ compressed air canisters, rattle cans, spray bottles/ collars, lead jerks, shouting, smacking or any other method or device that has the potential to cause injury, pain or fear.
Anyone found to be doing this can be asked to leave training and no refund will be given.
Dog wellness and fitness to participate
All dogs should be adequately protected via vaccination as advised by your vet and HPDT may request verification of this. This is to ensure the health and safety of all who use our services.
Dogs must not come to class if they are in an unfit state of health due to illness, injury or disease and you should inform your trainer that you are going to be missing class due to this.
Do not come to class if your dog has been in contact with infectious diseases such as kennel cough of conjunctivitis. Please check with your vet if you are unsure if you dog is well enough to attend classes
Owners are still encouraged to attend the class even without their dog so that they don’t miss out on what is being taught.
Bitches in season must not attend; notify us of your bitches season or if your bitch may come into season during a course and though refunds are not given we may be able to credit you for another class when your bitch is no longer in season.
If you fail to notify us and you arrive with a bitch in season you will be asked to leave the class for the benefit of others in attendance
Bookings, payment and cancellations
All classes, 1-2-1’s and other services must be booked in advance, we do not accept “walk-ins”
Payment is required in full before the term begins
Course fees are non refundable once the term has begun nor are any missed classes part refundable
There are times when the trainer may need to cancel classes due to ill health or other reasons, this will be as a last resort and any classes cancelled by the trainer will be made up at the end of the term
Making up of missed sessions may not be possible due to the limited number of spaces in classes but please contact your trainer about what you missed in classes and we will endeavour to assist
It is your responsibility to ensure that the courses you are booking onto are suitable dates
Classes
Spaces in class are limited to ensure you get the most out of your training session and to ensure a good trainer to dog/handler ratio
All dogs must be on leads at all times unless otherwise stated by a trainer
Before class
Give your dog a toilet break before entered class, this gives them chance to be comfortable in class and more able to concentrate
For more lively/excitable dogs it is advisable to give them a short walk or play some games to burn off some energy. Please do not over exercise your dog before class as they may be too tired
Arriving in Class
Please avoid meeting other dogs on lead or allow your dog to play on lead. This is for the safety of all concerned as not all dogs are happy to be greeted and can react in these situations.
When you arrive to classes, please be punctual. If you are late the trainer has the right to refuse admission to the class as the disruption of your arrival is not far to the other clients who arrived on time.
Please only enter the training space when instructed to do so by your trainer
Find a seat and please do not move chairs as these will be placed at a specific distance from other to ensure minimal distraction and potential conflicts between dogs
Aggressive and nervous dogs
Do not knowingly book a nervous or aggressive dog onto a training class
In the case of 1-2-1 sessions you must inform the trainer before the session if the dog has had any history of aggression or is showing signs of aggression. This is to ensure the safety of all involved including the dog
It is the responsibility of the owner to determine if the temperament of their dog is suitable for a class environment, if you do not inform us or ask for advice before booking a class you will not be entitled to a refund
A dog that is found to show aggressive tendencies or is too disruptive in a class environment may be moved onto a more suitable course or 1-2-1 – you will not receive a refund in this instance and any monies paid for courses will be transferred towards the other training offered
By booking onto a class you are accepting to the terms and conditions stated here
Our trainers reserve the right to refuse to work with you and your dog should you not declare any relevant information that could pose a safety risk to our staff
No refunds will be given once the start of the term has commenced nor are partial refunds given for any missed training sessions
Making up of missed sessions may not be possible due to the limited number of spaces in classes but please contact your trainer about what you missed in classes and we will endeavour to assist
It is your responsibility to ensure that the classes you are booking onto are suitable dates
Safety Considerations
The trainer will take register of attendance for classes, including anyone you bring will you. This is for safety reasons such as in the case of a fire, where a head count will be required to ensure everyone is safe
You are responsible for your dog at all times. Dogs must not lunge and bark at other dogs in the class or prove to be disruptive
Participation in any training is at the owners own risk, Howls & Prowls will not accept liability or responsibility for any injury, damage or loss to persons, dogs or property
Howls & Prowls holds a relevant business insurance policy, but owners are advised to have appropriate pet insurance, including third party liability of their own
Please keep doorways clear and do not pass other dogs in corridors or other confined spaces
It is the owners/handlers responsibility to be in control of their dog at all times
Housekeeping
As Howls & Prowls is currently hiring the use of a village hall for classes, poo bins are not available on site and therefore it is the responsibility of the owner to take their dog’s waste away from the venue and dispose of it correctly.
Owners are responsible for their own equipment such as leads/collars/harnesses and ensuring that these are all in good condition and safe to use
Bringing Family/Children
Family members are encouraged to attend the classes and participate where appropriate though any persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all time.
Please advise the trainer before the start of class how many likely attendants you will have so that the correct number of chairs can be made available with correct spacing
Only one person is to be working with the dog at any one time in order to avoid confusion for the dog
Children must not run around the class or to greet unfamiliar dogs
Young children may require another adult to supervise them if they become bored in class, trying to train a dog and keep an eye on your children during a class environment can be difficult so please take this into consideration beforehand
Progress
Progression of training is not guaranteed and is dependant on owner participation. Howls & Prowls are not training your dog for you but giving you the skills to be able to train your own dog and the progress you make will depend on you
Home Visits and 1-2-1’s
You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire before the session date, please answer this honestly and in full as this will give your trainer a good idea of what you would like help with
In some instances, Howls & Prowls may not be able to help if a case is too advanced but we will refer you on to someone with more experience as we know a network of friendly trainers and behaviours in the area
Veterinary check ups can be required as part of the guidelines produced by accrediting professional bodies that we are members of and as part of this we may request that your dog have a full and thorough health check. This is to rule out or diagnose any medical conditions
Some 1-2-1’s may incur extra fees and travel costs depending on the distance the trainer needs to travel. This will be discussed with you before the session to ensure that everything is agreeable