Separation Anxiety 1:1 Programme

There are several forms of separation related behaviour issues. 

The most common one is separation anxiety, however, if your dog is barking, howling and getting very stressed, this is more likely to be panic-related, not anxiety. Leaving your dog alone with this will usually just make it more difficult to treat. They are panicking that you won't return, so barking to bring you back, it then doesn't work which just reinforces that emotion and makes it real. 

There is also frustration related, which then moves to rage. Basically, they are frustrated because they want to come with you or don't want you to leave without them, and they get that frustrated it turns into rage. Imagine this like road rage: You get frustrated when you get a car in your way that is driving far too slow, that then turns into a rage which is when you may start swearing and waving your fist. The exact same can be said for your dogs in this situation. 

The cause to always be wary of is an external impact on their behaviour. Do they bark out the window until someone tells them to be quiet? What about when no one is there and there is no one to tell them off - will they just continue barking? Maybe they are barking because the post man has been and again, no one is there to stop them like you usually would. 

These are the most common separation related behaviour issues, and the vast majority of these CAN be resolved with a simple plan.  

By checking the box on the payment screen to agree to these terms and conditions and completing your purchase, it is understood that you have read and agreed to the following. 

This agreement is made and entered on when booking a dog training/behaviour session between The South Shields Dog Trainer (hereinafter ‘Trainer’) and yourself (hereinafter ‘Client’), both referred to separately as Party and together as Parties. On the basis of mutual understanding and due consideration, the Parties agree to the following:

General Provisions

The purpose of this agreement is the provision of the services described herein pertaining to your dog (hereinafter ‘Dog’). The Trainer/s will undertake to provide the services in a diligent and professional manner, while you, the client, agree to act in accordance with the instructions provided by the Trainer/s and to pay the fee for services rendered by the Trainer.

Services

Our Trainer/s undertake to provide private lessons or courses for Dog and Client (hereinafter ‘Program’). The details of each program can be found on our website and should be read in full before continuing with your purchase. The lessons will take place at your home or another appropriate place pursuant to the prior agreement between the Parties, or in one of our hired venues where our courses are held. The purpose of the training is to adjust the behaviour of your Dog and teach them new skills while teaching you how to train and work with your Dog. You, therefore agree that no training is perfect and that the effects of the training can be affected by various factors. The Trainer/s will take all appropriate measures to achieve training and behaviour goals but makes no guarantees as to the results. You further agree to take all necessary steps to aid the Trainer/s and to follow any instruction or advice provided by the Trainer/s, especially to work with Dog daily and to constantly reinforce the desired behaviours from your Dog. You further acknowledge that your Dog may be exposed to a variety of environmental conditions which include, but are not limited to, vehicular travel, interaction with people and other animals, exposure to adverse weather, and exposure to areas with crowds and all types of traffic.

The Trainer/s will provide training equipment or advise you on the equipment that is necessary for them to acquire. You agree to use the equipment strictly in accordance with the instructions provided by the Trainer/s.

The Trainer/s may take photos and videos of the Dog for use in any media and advertising of the business and our affiliates. We may use such photos and videos on any platform including our website, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and other social media.

Online and In-Person Course Fees and Cancellation Policy

If you change your mind about the classes, you are able to cancel and receive a refund up to 7 days BEFORE the first class starts. If you wish to cancel within 7 days of the first class, we will attempt to resell your space and if successful, be able to refund you. 

We are unable to make refunds once the course starts as we are unable to resell a place for part of a course. 

The above does not affect your consumer rights which allows you to cancel any products purchased online within 14 days of purchase and receive a refund.

1 to 1 Packages Course Fees and Cancellation Policy

You may cancel the Program within 14 days after booking your package, provided your first appointment isn’t within 7 days of the cancellation, in which case the package fee will be refunded. 

If you cancel the program after 14 days of booking or within 7 days of your first consultation, you will forfeit the cost of the first consultation in full as advertised on our website at the time without the package discount. 

You may request a change in appointment dates or times prior to 7 days of the appointment, if the appointment is canceled within 7 days, no replacement appointment will be offered. 

After the first session, any refund requests received will be calculated based on the full cost of the sessions already used without package discount (inc package specific discount codes) and a refund of any sessions, not within 7 days will be refunded. 

For example, if you sign up for the reactivity package at a cost of £595 and request a refund after 2 sessions (given that you cancel future sessions with at least 7 days' notice), you will be charged the full standalone price for those 2 sessions. If the first session costs £220 as a standalone session and the follow-up session at £110 as a standalone session, then you will receive a refund of £265. Full price lists can be found at https://www.southshieldsdogtrainer.co.uk/shop.

Clients who purchase any training package are solely responsible for scheduling their sessions through the provided online calendar system, as outlined in the client's responsibility for booking. It is the client's duty to ensure that sessions are booked according to their preference and availability within the stipulated time frame. Clients are expected to adhere to a minimum attendance requirement of one (1) training session per month to ensure consistent progress and effective training outcomes for their dogs. Please be advised that no refunds will be provided for any sessions that are not scheduled or attended due to non-compliance with the booking and minimum session attendance requirements, except as otherwise provided in our refund policy.

Liability

Our Trainer/s are not liable for any damage or injury caused by your Dog, during or after the term of this agreement. You agree to pay for all resulting losses or damages, and to hold harmless and indemnify the Trainer/s, Trainer’s agents, employees and affiliates, from any resulting claims, lawsuits, costs and expenses, including legal fees. If during or after the term this agreement your Dog is injured or harmed, you assume the risk and agree that Trainer/s should not be held responsible for any resulting injuries, losses, damages, costs or expenses.

Our Trainer/s are not liable for any damage or injury caused by the equipment during or after the training. You are responsible for destroying or damaging of the equipment provided by the Trainer/s in all cases.

Term of the Agreement

These terms and conditions are valid until your dealings with us are concluded or terminated. This agreement is automatically terminated when the lessons are completed. This agreement may be terminated in the sole discretion of the Trainer/s if the Dog is aggressive, dangerous, or otherwise deemed unsuitable for training, or if you breach any part of this agreement.

Final Provisions

In case of any dispute, the Parties agree to mediate and settle through negotiations and mutual understanding. This Contract for Training Services supersedes all other agreements, written or oral, previously made between you and The Dog Trainers.