Terms and Conditions

DOG SAFETY

1. Sessions with Owner Present
   During any training sessions where the owner is present, they accept full responsibility for the safety and well-being of their dog, and are accountable for any damages or injuries caused by their dog. Owners agree to supervise their dog diligently to ensure it behaves in a safe and considerate manner towards other attendees, animals, and property.

2. Sessions without Owner Present
   For sessions where the owner is not present, Alpha B Dog Training assumes responsibility for the dog's safety and well-being, but only in cases where negligence can be demonstrated on our part. Owners must inform us of any special requirements, injuries, or health conditions affecting their dog, including dietary requirements or behavioural tendencies. Failure to provide such information may limit our ability to appropriately care for the dog, absolving us of related liabilities.

3. Health and Medical Conditions
   Dogs must be up-to-date with vaccinations and in good health before participating in any sessions. We reserve the right to refuse participation if a dog appears unwell or unfit for training.

4. Liability Limitation
   Alpha B Dog Training is not accountable for any injuries or health issues unrelated to our negligence that a dog may incur during training sessions. We advise owners to have appropriate pet insurance to cover unforeseen incidents.

5. Force Majeure
   We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in fulfilling our obligations due to events beyond our reasonable control, including adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, or other acts of nature.

SESSION CONTINUATION IN VARIOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS

• Rain or Damp Weather: Sessions will continue regardless of rain or damp weather. No refunds will be issued for sessions where the weather is less than ideal but not dangerous.

• Amber Weather Warnings: In the event of Met Office amber warnings, the decision to proceed will be at the discretion of the appointed member of staff. If deemed safe to continue, no refunds will be provided for cancellations.

• Temperature Limitations: Sessions will not proceed in temperatures exceeding 23 degrees Celsius unless they can be suitably adapted.

• Red Weather Warnings: No sessions will proceed during red weather warnings unless they can be adapted to ensure safety and comfort.

Cancellation and Refund Policies (Weather)

• Adverse Weather Adaptations: Delays, shortened sessions, or adapted sessions due to adverse weather conditions are non-refundable.

• Full Refund or Rescheduling: If sessions are cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions, customers will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule at their convenience.

BOOKING AND PAYMENT

Booking Procedures

• Authorised Booking Channels: All bookings must be made through the official website or directly with management. Customers are strictly prohibited from booking directly with staff members, as this may invalidate insurance cover.

Payment Policy

• Payment Requirements: Payment for all sessions is required either prior to the session start or upon arrival. Failure to make payment at the time of arrival will result in refusal of the service.

• Implications of Late Payment: Persistent late payments may lead to refusal of services in future engagements.

GROUP SESSIONS

Behaviour and Conduct

• Inclusive Environment: All attendees are expected to contribute to a non-judgemental atmosphere. Any conduct that causes unnecessary discomfort to others may result in being asked to leave immediately, without a refund.

• Respect for Privacy: Attendees must be respectful of fellow participants and ensure that any video footage does not include audio from private conversations. Always ask for permission before posting any footage or photos that feature other handlers or dogs.

Interaction with Trainers

• Time Management: Respect trainers' time during sessions. For specific guidance, consider booking a phone consultation, video call, or private one-to-one session. Avoid monopolising trainers' time during group sessions.

Control and Safety

• Dog Control: Dogs must be kept under control at all times, maintaining safe distances from other dogs and handlers as needed.

• Activity Suitability: If asked to engage in an activity deemed unsuitable for the dog due to safety, welfare, or personal reasons, inform the trainer respectfully.

Session Protocol

• Punctuality: Arrive on time to avoid disrupting the session. If running late, inform us in advance and join discreetly if appropriate.

• Independent Training: Independent training exercises are permitted within the group setting, provided they do not interfere with others.

• Appropriate Timing for Questions: Avoid interrupting trainers or staff when they are addressing the group. Wait for a suitable moment to ask questions discreetly.

• Arrival: For group sessions in our allocated private field, keep your dog in your vehicle until a member of staff invites you inside. If you do not have a vehicle, keep your dog on lead and away from the gate, refraining from walking them around the car park. For sessions at a public location, wherever possible keep your dog in your vehicle until the trainer arrives; if not possible, keep them away from other dogs and members of the public until the trainer arrives.

Respect and Inclusion

• Inclusive Environment: We prioritise an environment that welcomes all individuals and dogs, regardless of background or characteristics, upholding values of fairness and equal treatment.

• Prohibition of Abuse: Any form of abuse directed towards staff, the public, or other customers is strictly prohibited and will result in being asked to leave immediately with no refund. In extreme circumstances, future services may be refused and any deposits or payments towards pre-booked services forfeited.

SERVICE SELECTION RESPONSIBILITY

• Customer Responsibility: It is the customer's responsibility to ensure they are booking the correct service for themselves and their dog, including having any required approval or invite to sessions.

• Unsure? Contact Us: If there is any uncertainty regarding the most appropriate service, contact Alpha B Dog Training prior to booking.

• Non-transferability and Refund Policy: Once a session has been booked, it is non-transferable. Refunds will not be provided if the customer decides the service is not suited to their needs after booking.

• Confirmation: Customers must be completely certain of their service choice before proceeding, including understanding the terms, conditions, and specific nature of the service selected.

PAYMENT PLANS AND BULK DEALS

• Awareness of Expiration: It is the customer's responsibility to be fully aware of the expiration date of their plan or pass before purchase, including any restrictions to specific staff members.

• Non-Extendable Plans: Plans and passes cannot be extended beyond the expiration date provided at the time of booking.

• Session Booking Responsibility: Customers are solely responsible for booking sessions after purchasing a pass, online within the specified timeframe.

• Refunds and Extensions: No refunds will be issued for unused sessions, nor will extensions be authorised.

• Non-Transferable Use: Passes are non-transferable and must be used solely by the account holder.

• Multiple Dogs from Same Household: The account holder may use the pass for multiple dogs within the same household. However, for group sessions (group classes, exposure walks, neutral walks, pack walks), only one dog per pass is permitted. Additional dogs will incur full price charges.

• Non-Refundable and Specific Use: Passes and payment plans are fully non-refundable and cannot be used for services other than those stated at the time of purchase.

TRAVEL FEE

• Payment Method: Travel fees must be paid in cash upon arrival. The customer must ensure correct change is available for the staff member.

• Non-payment Consequences: Failure to provide the travel fee upon arrival may result in cancellation of the session and forfeiture of any payments already made.

• Bank Transfer Option: At the discretion of the designated staff member, and with prior approval, the travel fee may be paid via bank transfer before the session begins.

• Staff Agreements: Any agreement regarding the travel fee (reductions or alternate payment methods) is only valid with the specific staff member it was agreed with.

• Fee Calculation: The travel fee is calculated at £1.50 per mile, using the shortest route shown on Google Maps, measured from postcode CH3 7HW to the provided postcode of the meeting location, rounded down to the nearest half mile. The first 5 miles are free of charge.

• Fee Awareness: Customers are responsible for ensuring they are aware of the travel fee cost prior to their session.

• Applicable Services: Travel fees apply to all relevant services, regardless of any gift voucher, bulk pass, or special offer. Travel fees are not included in these instances.

LEGAL OBLIGATIONS

• Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL): Compliance with BSL is mandatory, including providing and using muzzles or leads where necessary. Proper equipment must be provided to enable Alpha B Dog Training to comply with these legal requirements.

• Microchipping and Identification: Dogs must be microchipped with up-to-date details, and must wear a collar with an identity tag containing current information.

• Insurance Requirements: Dogs must have any necessary insurance to fulfil legal obligations.

• Property Access: If allowing a staff member into a property, the customer must have the legal authority to grant such access.

TRANSPARENCY

Customers are responsible for full disclosure of:

• Behavioural History: Any past incidents of aggression, fear-based reactions, or other notable behavioural traits.

• Training Abilities: The dog's current ability to perform required behaviours, such as recall or obedience tasks.

• Health and Behavioural Considerations: Any health conditions, behavioural restrictions, limitations, or special considerations that may affect training.

Failure to provide this information may result in the suspension or termination of training services.

MOBILE BOOKINGS

1. For mobile bookings (attending the customer's address or a chosen location), we request leniency of 30 minutes either side of the scheduled time.

2. Customers should ensure they choose a location where they can suitably wait in case of delay.

3. We will endeavour to inform customers at the earliest possible time of any delay.

4. Should a session be delayed due to late arrival on our part, the customer will still receive the entirety of their scheduled time.

LATE ARRIVAL

1. Customers must endeavour to arrive on time for all booked sessions.

2. Late arrival may result in a shorter session to accommodate other bookings.

3. Customers must contact us as soon as possible if running late. We will advise if it is suitable to arrive late and continue with any remaining time.

4. Unless explicitly advised otherwise, do not arrive after the scheduled session time has ended.

RESCHEDULING

1. Should a customer need to reschedule, they must contact their designated member of staff at the earliest possible convenience.

2. For rescheduling requests made outside of a 24-hour period prior to the session, approval is at the discretion of the appointed staff member.

3. For rescheduling within a 24-hour period, 50% of the service fee (regardless of any deposit paid) is payable immediately. The deposit can then be transferred to the rescheduled session. This includes situations where the deposit is the entirety of the service fee.

   • Example: If the session costs £30 and £30 has already been paid, an additional £15 payment is required before rescheduling.

   • Example: If the session costs £14 and no payment has been made, £7 is required in advance; the full £14 will still be owed for the session.

4. Sessions are non-transferable and can only be rescheduled for the same session originally booked. Transferring to a different type of service or different staff member is strictly prohibited.

5. If paid in full, the full payment remains non-refundable.

6. These terms apply to all services including boarding, board and train, non-training walks, etc.

7. CANCELLATIONS

8. All monies paid at the time of booking are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation by the customer, no refund will be offered.

9. For services where only a deposit is taken or no money is taken upfront, cancelling within a 24-hour period prior to the service will incur a fee of 50% of the service cost, payable immediately. Failure to pay will result in refusal of future sessions and forfeiture of any deposits or payments made for upcoming sessions.

10. For services where only a deposit or no deposit has been taken, if the customer does not arrive or cancels after the scheduled start time, the full payment is payable immediately. Failure to pay will result in cancellation of future sessions and forfeiture of any deposits or payments made for future sessions.

11. MEDICAL SUITABILITY

12. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure that both they and their dog are fit and suitable to participate in any service provided by Alpha B Dog Training.

13. If uncertain about the suitability of a service for their dog, customers must make an enquiry prior to booking.

14. If an adequate risk assessment has not been performed by the customer, responses or fitness confirmations may not be provided.

15. EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

16. Customers are responsible for ensuring that any equipment owned by them or loaned by Alpha B Dog Training is safe and suitable for their dog.

17. When loaning equipment (including but not limited to toys and leads), customers are responsible for maintaining condition and integrity.

18. Charges may be incurred for any damage to loaned equipment while in the customer's possession.

19. PHOTOGRAPHY AND FOOTAGE

20. Rights Reserved by Alpha B Dog Training

21. Alpha B Dog Training retains the right to take video footage and photographs during any sessions.

22. These may be used on social media platforms, marketing materials, and our website for business purposes.

23. We hold the rights to these images and videos indefinitely.

24. Customer Permissions and Guidelines

25. Customers must obtain prior permission before capturing video footage or photographs in which a member of staff or another customer can be identified.

26. Customers are not permitted to capture any footage that includes audio from conversations without explicit permission.

27. BOARD AND TRAIN

28. Customer Responsibilities

29. Supply full, accurate details on the dog's health (current conditions, allergies, medication), behaviours (including resource guarding, separation anxiety, bite history), training history, and daily routines.

30. Ensure the duration chosen, including any extensions recommended, is suitable for both the customer and their dog.

31. Provide the dog's food, high-value treats, any medication (with clear instructions), and complete vet and insurance details where applicable.

32. Ensure at least two nominated emergency contacts, ideally local to the area, are available to assist swiftly if needed.

33. Supply an itinerary of the dog's belongings and notify us of any items with special importance.

34. Be fully transparent about any behavioural or medical concerns — undisclosed issues may jeopardise care.

35. Acknowledge that the dog may sometimes be left unattended for short periods (never exceeding four hours).

36. Follow all techniques, methods, and guidance given by the trainer in the training plan upon the dog's return home. Keeping regular contact with trainers and utilising all follow-up sessions is vital to solidify results.

37. Watch all video footage and read written summaries sent during the stay to prepare for the dog's return home.

38. Notify the trainer as early as possible if any methods need to be adapted or changed during the stay.

39. Board and Train Terms

40. Deposits cannot be refunded or transferred under any circumstances.

41. If the customer is late for pick-up, drop-off, or the handover session, additional fees may apply or service may be refused.

42. Owners are responsible for any damage caused by their dog during the programme unless due to our negligence, and must provide all necessary supplies promptly.

43. Changes to diet or supplements may be recommended in the dog's best interests; the customer may be asked to provide or fund these. Refusal may result in the dog's care being transferred to the emergency contact.

44. Any outstanding balance must be paid in full before or at the beginning of the service and remains fully non-refundable once the service has begun, including if the service needs to be terminated early.

45. Alpha B Dog Training cannot provide any guarantees regarding training outcomes. Success is influenced by various factors including the customer's commitment to implementing recommended methods and techniques once the dog returns home.

46. Full general terms and conditions also apply.

47. BOARD AND TRAIN / OVERNIGHT STAY / DAY TRAIN — BOOKING PROCESS

48. Customers must complete the relevant request form before any booking can be processed. Availability cannot be confirmed without a completed form.

49. Process:

50. Customer completes the relevant request form.

51. AlphaB confirms whether availability exists.

52. Once availability is confirmed, the dates are held for 12 hours only to allow time for the deposit to be paid.

53. If the deposit is not paid within 12 hours, the held dates are released and are no longer reserved.

54. Customers must not pay the deposit before completing the form and receiving confirmation of availability. If dates are no longer available, the customer must complete the form again and wait for fresh confirmation before paying.

55. Request Forms:

56. Board and Train: https://www.alphabdogtraining.co.uk/board-and-train-residentail-training

57. Overnight Stay: https://www.alphabdogtraining.co.uk/general-8

58. Day Train: https://www.alphabdogtraining.co.uk/general-7

59. FIELD HIRE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

60. The following rules apply to all field hire bookings (existing customers only):

61. Dogs must be kept under control at all times.

62. Only one dog at a time is permitted on any piece of equipment.

63. Do not allow your dog to chew any equipment, including the tyres.

64. Report any damages immediately.

65. Take dog waste and all rubbish home with you — do not use any bins on site.

66. Only take the dogs into the field that you have booked. We do not charge per dog, but for our records we need a record of who is attending.

67. If you are not an existing and recognised customer, your session may be cancelled without a refund.

68. If you have not received the gate code before your session, please get in touch directly to obtain the code and permit access.

69. FORMAL COMPLAINTS PROCESS

70. Initial Complaint Resolution: If dissatisfied, first address concerns with the member of staff who provided the service.

71. Escalation to Management: If unresolved, escalate to management — Samantha Jones, Head Trainer and Founder of Alpha B Dog Training.