• On-Time Start- We strive to start and end our classes on time. Safety and a good experience is our goal. Please be on time for your scheduled class, late arrivals cause unnecessary distraction for the class that is in session as well as safety concerns if doors are opened mid-class.  gates are closed after class begins to ensure the safety of all dogs in class.  If you arrive early for your scheduled class, please wait patiently, without entering the Arena, for your class to begin.
• Registration/Payment-
  • Full payment is required to confirm your registration. Registrations that are not paid for in full do not hold a spot in the class.
  • Registrations are not transferable to another class or another dog.
  • Registrations are not refundable, no exceptions.
• Group Class Requirements-
  • No Dogs the 1st class of Ruff Starters. This class is a briefing of the facility, tools needed, and great information to set you up for success.
  • Unless otherwise indicated, class will meet for 50 minutes.
  • Dogs must be current on all vaccinations appropriate for the dog’s age. Dogs must also be on some form of flea prevention.
  • Appropriate gear on the human must be worn. Please wear closed-toe shoes, no sandals or backless shoes, no slippers, dress shoes, pumps, heels, etc. Sneakers or Hiking shoes are an excellent choice. Your safety is our concern.
  • The dog should be wearing a flat, buckle collar, head halti or front hook harness as appropriate. No retractable leads – 6 ft standard flat leads only. If you have any questions, we are happy to help you select the right training gear.
  • Female dogs in heat may be allowed in certain classes at the discretion of the trainer. The dog may be required to wear sanitary pants during class.
  • Have plenty of your dog’s favorite soft treat cut into small pea-sized pieces. The dog should value the treats as the tastiest and most rewarding EVER! Please do NOT bring shredded meats to the training center. It is very messy and difficult to handle. Whole meats are fine, cut into small pea-sized pieces.
  • Please toilet your dog before entering the training facility. Please allow time to toilet your dog before class so that you and your dog are ready to enter the training facility for an on-time start. Please be prepared to clean up after your dog outdoors and indoors.
  • Please arrive for class and be prepared for an on-time start. Late arrivals cause unnecessary disruption and distraction to class participants.
  • Children 7 years old and up are welcome to attend training classes, however, all handlers must be 18 years or older and physically able to restrain the dog. Persons under the age of 18 are only permitted to hold the leash with an adult present and handling a secondary safety line.
• Missed Classes-
  • Group classes are progressive.  There are no make-up lessons provided for classes that the registrant did not participate in.  If there is room in another group class, a registrant may participate in that class at the discretion of the trainer.  A $35 charge will apply.
  • If your dog misses 2 consecutive classes, you will be required to re-register and start again. Ruff Start Dog Training classes are progressive, a review of the prior week’s material AND new material being introduced every week. Missing 2 consecutive classes causes you and your dog to be behind in the curriculum. For the trainer to make time during class for a necessary catch-up is unfair to those who attend every week and can put the curriculum itself behind for the group. Scheduling a private lesson, with your trainer, at the current private lesson rate, before re-attending your class would give you and your dog the opportunity to catch up and is the only option for continuing a class where 2 consecutive classes were missed.

Private Lessons

• On-Time Start- 
  
  • Your trainer will do their very best to arrive on time. Please have any training gear ready for when your trainer arrives. Most lessons run approximately one hour, but may run longer or shorter depending on the lesson purpose. If the client scheduled before you needs extra attention or we run into unexpected traffic on our way to your location, please understand that we may run slightly behind in our schedule, however, this delay will not impact the length of your lesson. Please keep this in mind when scheduling your day.
• Scheduling/Payment-
  • Full payment within 24 hours after dates are scheduled is required to confirm your appointments.
  • Private Lessons are non-refundable and non-transferrable. We do not offer refunds on unscheduled lessons. All sales and payments are final.
• Cancellations/Rescheduling
  • We require a minimum of 4 days notice if you wish to reschedule your lesson. Lessons cancelled with less than 4 days notice will not be rescheduled or refunded and you will be required to purchase an additional lesson if you wish to reschedule. Lessons are scheduled for maximum learning; cancelled lessons and delays in training can hinder the learning process and the opportunity for progress in behavior.

Refund Policy

Ruff Start Dog Training holds a no refund policy as a standard operating policy for all clients. No exceptions.

• This no-refund policy is effective for both group and private class registrations.
• Ruff Start Dog Training reserves the right to change the pricing structure on any and all curriculum without obligation to refund existing registrants of those classes.

Video and Photo Release

Video or photos of class may be published on the Ruff Start Dog Training website and social media. I hereby acknowledge that I, my dog, and my family may be included in class video posted on the Ruff Start website and social media or future training videos. All video and photos are the property of Ruff Start Dog Training.

Termination

• Ruff Start Dog Training reserves the right to terminate the training contract at any time before or during its term if Trainer determines that a danger exists to the health and safety of the public, Trainer, owner or dog. Should the Trainer or Owner terminate the training contract at any time prior to completion, all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The use of or being under the influence of illegal drugs and/or alcohol before or during any class or private lessons will result in a cancelled contract with no refunds.
• Contracts for on-going training are automatically terminated if we do not hear from the client for a period of 90 days.  After 90 days, on-going training contract will cease.  No refund will be issued for any lessons or classes remaining on contract.

Release of Liability

I do hereby waive and release, Amy Dunlap and Ruff Start Dog Training, from any and all liabilities of any nature. I agree to take complete responsibility for the action of my dog, and myself, and family members, before, after, and during class. At no time will the instructor be liable or responsible for the actions of myself, my dog or any other person who accompanies me to class.

I understand that attendance and participation in any training program is not without risk to myself and/or guests who may attend. I further understand that my personal dog is also at risk, during training, on the property during training, or that I may bring home an illness due to working around other dogs.

I agree to allow Ruff Start Dog Training to discuss history, protocols, family dynamics, and any pertinent information with their veterinarian, appropriate animal professionals, family members, etc. as applicable.

I agree to take full and total responsibility for my dog at all times. I hereby waive and release Amy Dunlap, Ruff Start Dog Training, the shelter, property or business the training is located at, all owners and other animals in attendance, and any of the above-mentioned employees, owners, and agents from any and all liability of any nature for injury or damage which I or my dog may suffer, including specifically, but not without limitation, any injury or damage resulting from the action of any dog, and I expressly assume the risk of any such damage or injury while attending the training session, class or seminar, while supervising or interacting with a dog while on the grounds or surrounding area thereto. In consideration of my attendance and participation in training classes, I waive the right from any and all claims or claims by any member of my family or any other person accompanying me during the course as a result of any action by any dog, including my own.