Terms and Conditions
1. Doherty Dog Training (further known as DDT) is a reward-based, fear-free training methods. I do not use any aversive methods and will not accept my clients use of these methods. If you wish to use these methods and would prefer to find another trainer, I will not be suggesting these trainers to you.
2. DDT does not provide “quick fix” training. These normally involve aversive methods and suppress behaviour which can cause severe fall outs. I provide training advice detailed training plans which are the responsibility of the owner to continue to follow.
3. DDT is not responsible for behaviour that is a result of owners following incorrect advice or methods not included in the behaviour plans. I ensure safety when drawing up plans and owners are responsible for following this, including other members of the family following that plan.
4. Owners are responsible for the behaviour of their children. DDT will advise if the behaviour of children is impacting the behaviour of the dog and how children should act around the dog but it is the parents responsibility to follow this advice. DDT is not liable for any injury or damage to children.
5. DDT ask owners to fill out a pre-consult form. Please be honest in these forms, no judgement will be made. The information on this form allows me to provide detailed and tailored training plans for you and your dog. This information will not be shared with third parties.
6. All consultations must be made 48 hours in advance of session, this is the responsibility of the client. You will get a reminder 72hrs prior to your session. Failure to do so will mean automatic cancellation of the session. Emergencies do crop up, if you are having difficulty in paying please get in contact as soon as is possible.
7. If you wish to cancel your appointment, DDT will require 48hrs notice in writing (email/text/whatsapp) and will provide a full refund (if prepaid) or reschedule your appointment if preferred. Bundles are non-refundable on commencing training. If I require to cancel or reschedule your appointment I will give you as much notice as possible and offer a full refund.
8. Safety precautions:
a. When working with animals of any kind there is a certain amount of risk as we can only interpret their current behaviour and cannot communicate fully with them. With severe aggression cases please understand that behaviour modification techniques are not guaranteed to be successful and that the aggressive behaviour will not reoccur.
b. Precautions should always be made in the case of behaviour modification to include, but not limited to: leads, long-lines, muzzles, well fitting harnesses, warning leads and coats, walking in quiet areas, off-lead time in a private rented field, giving your dog a separate private area of the house.
c. DDT is fully insured for public, client and personal liability. I encourage all pet owners to have appropriate pet insurance that cover these and medical bills. Accidents happen despite the best efforts.
d. DDT is experienced in working with aggression however, they reserve the right to refuse to work with a dog if they feel doing so puts myself at risk or if owners refuse to follow advice and put others at risk. There will also be cases that are beyond their capabilities, in these cases DDT can refer you to others more experienced in these issues or guide you to more experienced resources
e. Extreme weather conditions can appear all of a sudden and be unsafe for training. This can include but is not limited to thunder storms, severe rain, temperatures exceeding 25 degrees etc. If they feel the weather will be unsafe for either dog, client or trainer, they reserve the right to cancel or adjust training last minute. Safety of our clients is paramount to anything else. In these instances, training can be rearranged or refunded, on the trainer’s discretion.
9. If DDT believes that there is an underlying medical condition that is aggravating behavioural issues or is a welfare concern to your dog, advice to seek medical attention will be sought. DDT are not trained in veterinary medicine and can only give basic advice in this area. DDT will provide management advice in the interim. If an owner refuses to have their dog seen by a vet, DDT has the right to refuse further training.
10. DDT is based in Belfast within a 30 min travel radius. Outside of this DDT reserves the right to include travel time (of £10 per extra 20 min travel, not including delays as this is unavoidable) added to your invoice. Or if you prefer, DDT can refer you to another trainer in your area.
11. Though we work for various rescues, our methods and opinions are our own. Any similarities are completely coincidental any grievances are not those of the rescues.
12. COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS: Due to current government restrictions, DDT’s commitment to safety is paramount. We can now offer 121 training. This is 1 trainer with 1 household. Social distancing must be adhered to at all times. If you are experiencing any covid-19 symptoms, let us know as early as possible and we can rearrange your appointment at no charge. Failure to do so may lead to a termination of the training without a refund.
13. OPTIONAL: DDT will film from time to time for training purposes and to monitor the progress of your dog. On occasion I would like to use these videos for promotional videos. If you are happy for your dog to be involved in promotional videos please check this box. Your consent will be asked directly again before using your dog in any videos.
2. DDT does not provide “quick fix” training. These normally involve aversive methods and suppress behaviour which can cause severe fall outs. I provide training advice detailed training plans which are the responsibility of the owner to continue to follow.
3. DDT is not responsible for behaviour that is a result of owners following incorrect advice or methods not included in the behaviour plans. I ensure safety when drawing up plans and owners are responsible for following this, including other members of the family following that plan.
4. Owners are responsible for the behaviour of their children. DDT will advise if the behaviour of children is impacting the behaviour of the dog and how children should act around the dog but it is the parents responsibility to follow this advice. DDT is not liable for any injury or damage to children.
5. DDT ask owners to fill out a pre-consult form. Please be honest in these forms, no judgement will be made. The information on this form allows me to provide detailed and tailored training plans for you and your dog. This information will not be shared with third parties.
6. All consultations must be made 48 hours in advance of session, this is the responsibility of the client. You will get a reminder 72hrs prior to your session. Failure to do so will mean automatic cancellation of the session. Emergencies do crop up, if you are having difficulty in paying please get in contact as soon as is possible.
7. If you wish to cancel your appointment, DDT will require 48hrs notice in writing (email/text/whatsapp) and will provide a full refund (if prepaid) or reschedule your appointment if preferred. Bundles are non-refundable on commencing training. If I require to cancel or reschedule your appointment I will give you as much notice as possible and offer a full refund.
8. Safety precautions:
a. When working with animals of any kind there is a certain amount of risk as we can only interpret their current behaviour and cannot communicate fully with them. With severe aggression cases please understand that behaviour modification techniques are not guaranteed to be successful and that the aggressive behaviour will not reoccur.
b. Precautions should always be made in the case of behaviour modification to include, but not limited to: leads, long-lines, muzzles, well fitting harnesses, warning leads and coats, walking in quiet areas, off-lead time in a private rented field, giving your dog a separate private area of the house.
c. DDT is fully insured for public, client and personal liability. I encourage all pet owners to have appropriate pet insurance that cover these and medical bills. Accidents happen despite the best efforts.
d. DDT is experienced in working with aggression however, they reserve the right to refuse to work with a dog if they feel doing so puts myself at risk or if owners refuse to follow advice and put others at risk. There will also be cases that are beyond their capabilities, in these cases DDT can refer you to others more experienced in these issues or guide you to more experienced resources
e. Extreme weather conditions can appear all of a sudden and be unsafe for training. This can include but is not limited to thunder storms, severe rain, temperatures exceeding 25 degrees etc. If they feel the weather will be unsafe for either dog, client or trainer, they reserve the right to cancel or adjust training last minute. Safety of our clients is paramount to anything else. In these instances, training can be rearranged or refunded, on the trainer’s discretion.
9. If DDT believes that there is an underlying medical condition that is aggravating behavioural issues or is a welfare concern to your dog, advice to seek medical attention will be sought. DDT are not trained in veterinary medicine and can only give basic advice in this area. DDT will provide management advice in the interim. If an owner refuses to have their dog seen by a vet, DDT has the right to refuse further training.
10. DDT is based in Belfast within a 30 min travel radius. Outside of this DDT reserves the right to include travel time (of £10 per extra 20 min travel, not including delays as this is unavoidable) added to your invoice. Or if you prefer, DDT can refer you to another trainer in your area.
11. Though we work for various rescues, our methods and opinions are our own. Any similarities are completely coincidental any grievances are not those of the rescues.
12. COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS: Due to current government restrictions, DDT’s commitment to safety is paramount. We can now offer 121 training. This is 1 trainer with 1 household. Social distancing must be adhered to at all times. If you are experiencing any covid-19 symptoms, let us know as early as possible and we can rearrange your appointment at no charge. Failure to do so may lead to a termination of the training without a refund.
13. OPTIONAL: DDT will film from time to time for training purposes and to monitor the progress of your dog. On occasion I would like to use these videos for promotional videos. If you are happy for your dog to be involved in promotional videos please check this box. Your consent will be asked directly again before using your dog in any videos.