Terms and Conditions – Dog Training Classes and 121 Sessions

By booking with Sophie’s Canine Academy, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to the following Terms and Conditions.

All courses and 121 sessions are subject to availability.
All courses and 121 sessions are non-refundable. If Sophie is unable to carry out a session due to illness, low enrollment, venue issues or any other unforeseen circumstances, sessions will be rescheduled at no additional cost. If a suitable alternative cannot be reached, the customer will receive a refund for the session that was missed.
A booking is confirmed once the application form has been completed and returned to Sophie’s Canine Academy and payment has been received in full. The Session will not go ahead without the completion and supply of the application form.
Confirmation of your booking will be sent via email upon receipt of payment. Please ensure you provide a valid email address.
It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure they can attend all the sessions they have signed up for. No refunds will be given for partially used classes/packages or changes in personal circumstances.

Children are very welcome to attend training sessions, with appropriate adult supervision. We accept no responsibility for children at training sessions and it is the responsibility of the supervising adult to ensure the children’s safety and to be sure they are behaving in an appropriate manner around the other dogs in class.
Young people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times and are not permitted to handle dogs throughout the session due to safety and insurance reasons.

Dogs must be fit and healthy to attend sessions. If your dog is unwell, please do not attend.
All dogs must be fully vaccinated before attending class (including Kennel Cough vaccine) and must be up to date with all preventative care including flea/worming treatment.

Classes may be shortened or rescheduled due to weather or safety concerns. This is at the trainers’ discretion.

The training techniques used by Sophie’s Canine Academy are kind, fair and reward-based. Harsh handling of dogs, physical force and the use of punitive methods/punishment/corrections or equipment designed to be aversive (including choke chains, check chains, slip leads, prong collars, spray collars, e-collars or any other device deemed unacceptable by the trainer) are not permitted in training sessions. You will be asked to remove any aversive equipment for the duration of the class. A removal from class will be carried out if these rules are not adhered to.

Dogs must remain on a lead at all times unless the instructor explicitly directs otherwise for a specific exercise.
Handlers are responsible for keeping a safe distance from other dogs and cleaning up any waste.
Aggressive or reactive behavior must be disclosed prior to attending classes. Sophie’s Canine Academy reserves the right to refuse entry or remove any dog or handler from a session where safety, welfare or disruption is a concern. No refunds will be issued in such cases but a 121 session may be offered as an alternative if deemed suitable.

Photos, videos or recordings may be taken during sessions for training, educational or promotional purposes.
By attending, you consent to their use across Sophie’s Canine Academy platforms, including website and social media.
If you would prefer not to be included, please inform us in writing prior to your session.

Owners are responsible for any damage, injury or loss caused by their dog.
Sophie’s Canine Academy accepts no liability for any injury, loss or damage to persons, animals or property, except where caused by proven negligence.
Owners are responsible for any veterinary costs incurred by your dog.
Attendance is at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety and that of anyone accompanying you.
We are not responsible for any loss, damage or theft from vehicles or personal property.
While we hold Public Liability Insurance, it is strongly recommended that your dog is insured. We reserve the right to refuse services to uninsured dogs.
121 sessions may take place in the public field behind the hall if agreed it would be beneficial to both owner and dog. Agreeing to train in this public area means you are aware of the possibility of other dogs/people approaching throughout the session. Although every effort will be made by Sophie to keep the session undisturbed, this is not always possible.

Female dogs in season are not able to attend class. This is to safeguard their own welfare as well as other dogs in the session. If a female dog comes into season before the course has started or during, please inform Sophie’s Canine Academy as soon as possible and alternative arrangements will be made.