Effective as of 25 March 2025
This Training Policy outlines the guidelines and expectations for participating in training programmes offered by Pawfect Training Academy (“the Academy”). By enrolling in the Academy’s training programmes, the Client agrees to comply with this policy to ensure a safe, effective, and ethical training experience for both dogs and their owners.
1. Training Philosophy
Pawfect Training Academy is committed to evidence-based, force-free dog training. All services provided are humane, ethical, and grounded in the science of behaviour. We do not use, endorse, or tolerate the use of aversive training methods, tools, or punishment-based techniques.
Clients must agree to uphold these values both during training sessions and in everyday interactions with their dog(s). Failure to do so may result in the immediate termination of services.
2. Client Responsibilities
Clients are expected to:
- Engage fully in all sessions
- Practise techniques consistently between appointments
- Communicate openly about any difficulties
- Follow all ethical and force-free methods as advised
The Client accepts that non-compliance with the training plan or force-free principles may limit results and removes all liability from the Trainer regarding the dog’s behaviour or progress.
3. Training Environment
Online sessions require:
- A stable internet connection
- A device suitable for video conferencing
- A quiet, distraction-free area for training
The Client is responsible for creating and managing a safe and appropriate environment. The Academy cannot be held liable for any incidents occurring as a result of unsuitable training spaces or third-party interference.
4. Behavioural Management and Full Disclosure
Clients must disclose all relevant behavioural concerns prior to or during the assessment. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Aggression
- Resource guarding
- Reactivity
- Fear or trauma-related behaviours
The Trainer reserves the right to alter or withdraw services if it becomes clear that the dog’s needs exceed the Trainer’s remit or safety can no longer be maintained. If false, incomplete, or misleading information is provided, the Academy bears no responsibility for any resulting incidents.
5. Training Equipment
Only ethical equipment may be used during sessions, including:
- Y-shaped harnesses
- Flat collars
- Standard leads (non-retractable)
The following are strictly prohibited in all training sessions, both during and outside of Academy guidance and their use may lead to immediate termination of training:
- Prong collars
- Shock/e-collars
- Slip leads
- Citronella or spray-based deterrents
- Physical corrections, startle techniques, or intimidation
Failure to adhere to force-free training principles will result in the immediate termination of services without refund.
6. Progress and Results Disclaimer
Every dog learns differently. Behavioural progress is influenced by multiple factors including:
- Genetics
- Medical health
- Environment
- Owner consistency
- History and trauma
Pawfect Training Academy does not guarantee specific behavioural outcomes or fixed timelines. Clients are advised that some behaviours may only be managed, not eliminated.
7. Code of Conduct
All Clients must treat their dog(s), Trainer, and others involved in sessions with respect and kindness. Aggressive, abusive, or disruptive behaviour—towards people or dogs—will result in immediate termination of services without refund.
8. Health and Safety
- All dogs must be free from contagious illness and up to date with preventative care.
- Dogs displaying signs of illness, parasites, or distress may not attend training.
- The Client is responsible for ensuring their dog is fit and healthy to train.
Pawfect Training Academy accepts no liability for incidents involving unwell, injured, or distressed dogs that the Client brings into sessions without disclosing full details in advance.
9. Termination of Services
The Academy reserves the right to terminate services immediately if:
- The Client fails to adhere to the force-free policy
- Training is deemed unsuitable or unsafe
- The Client repeatedly cancels, no-shows, or breaches terms
Termination does not waive the Academy’s protection from liability or indemnity claims, nor does it entitle the Client to a refund unless specified in writing.
10. Liability, Indemnity and Risk Waiver
By engaging in training services with Pawfect Training Academy, the Client acknowledges and agrees to the following:
10.1 Release of Liability
The Client releases, defends, indemnifies, and holds harmless Pawfect Training Academy and its owner, employees, and agents (“Released Parties”) from all liability and damages for any claim, injury, illness, death, loss, or damage arising directly or indirectly from training, consultations, or behavioural advice.
10.2 Assumption of Risk
The Client acknowledges and accepts all known and unforeseen risks related to dog training. This includes injury, death, bites, scratches, equipment failure, regression, illness, and incidents involving third parties or other dogs.
10.3 Responsibility for Dog’s Actions
The Client accepts full responsibility for their dog’s behaviour both during and after training. If their dog causes injury, death, or damage to any person, animal, or property, the Client agrees to assume all resulting liability and legal costs.
10.4 No Guarantee of Outcome
The Academy does not warrant or guarantee behavioural outcomes. Results are dependent on the Client’s implementation and the dog’s individual learning capacity and history.
10.5 Legal Costs and Claims
The Client agrees to cover all legal expenses, medical bills, compensation, or damages arising from their dog’s behaviour or their failure to follow training guidance.
10.6 Third Parties and Post-Termination Incidents
This liability waiver applies to any incidents occurring during or after the training relationship. It also covers claims made by heirs, guardians, successors, children, assignees, or third parties.
11. Acknowledgement and Agreement
By engaging in any services provided by Pawfect Training Academy, the Client confirms that:
- They have read, understood, and accepted this Training Policy in full
- They agree to uphold all ethical expectations and behaviour requirements
- They understand and accept the risks, indemnity clauses, and waiver outlined in Section 10
- They enter this agreement freely, voluntarily, and unconditionally, recognising it as legally binding
For any questions or clarifications regarding this policy, please contact Pawfect Training Academy directly at training@pta.dog
