Terms and Conditions
THE FOLLOWING TERMS GOVERN DERBY HOUSE DOGS’ (“THE COMPANY”) AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO YOU (“THE CUSTOMER”). IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THESE CAREFULLY AND IN FULL BEFORE ORDERING ANY SERVICES FROM THE COMPANY.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ORDER ANY SERVICES FROM THE COMPANY.
BY NATURE OF PAYING FOR SERVICES FROM THE COMPANY YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
General Terms and Conditions
These General Terms & Conditions together with any Service Agreement for your Services form the Agreement between The Customer and The Company. If any of these General Terms & Conditions are inconsistent with any Service Agreement terms for your Services, then the Service Agreement shall prevail.
By completing payment the Services you warrant that you are capable of entering into a binding contract; or are acting with the express permission of a person or organisation and using the payment details of that person and that they also agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. You also agree to comply and adhere to any and all applicable laws and regulations in relation to this Agreement.
The Company reserves the right to amend, modify or alter any of these Terms and Conditions without the prior consent of You.
General Policies
Registration & Dog Information
It is the Customer’s responsibility to provide clear and accurate information to The Company on the Registration Form and any other documents that are provided to the Customer for completion. Changes or updates to the Registration Form must be put in writing to The Company. Email updates are acceptable. The Company shall be held harmless from claims where outdated written information is responsible for the incident, unless The Company can be shown to be negligent.
It shall be the sole responsibility of the Customer to inform The Company of their dog’s ongoing medical conditions or significant illnesses and conditions that they have suffered in the past. The Company shall not be held liable for decisions that are made, or their subsequent outcomes based on an omission of information of their dog’s registration form.
The Customer shall make clear on the Registration Form (or during consultation) any disputes related to the ownership of the dog, and legal matters relating to the dog for example a court order.
The Customer confirms that the dog is not subject to a Control Order under the Dangerous Dog Act 1991.
Vaccinations, Parasite, & Disease Control
It is preferred that dogs participating in Group Classes are vaccinated in accordance with veterinary recommendation, including the vaccination for Leptospirosis. Kennel Cough vaccination is also preferred but is not mandatory.
There can be no guarantee that there is absolutely no risk of disease at any venue or when in contact with any other dogs or equipment which may have been in contact with other dogs. It is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure that their dog is appropriately protected against the risk of disease.
It is preferred that dogs participating in Group Classes are treated for worms and fleas. If fleas or worms are found to be present during the Services, The Company shall remove the dog from the session to prevent contact with other customers and their dogs.
The Customer must contact The Company prior to arriving for Services if the dog is suspected of having a contagious illness.
Allergies & Food Intolerances
If a dog has any known allergies or intolerances to certain foods or has any other special needs, it is the Owner's responsibility to bring this to the attention of the Trainer prior to the start of the session, and to provide appropriate alternative treats or rewards for the session.
Under 18's Training Classes & Sessions
Under 18's are welcome to attend training sessions, with appropriate adult supervision. The Company accepts no responsibility for children at training sessions and it is the responsibility of the supervising adult to always ensure the children’s safety.
Training & Handling Methods
The training techniques used by The Company are based on the principles of positive reinforcement and, as such, are reward-based, kind, and fair to the dog.
The harsh handling of dogs, including the use of physical force, is not permitted during training sessions. Punishment or corrections by way of equipment designed to be aversive (such as, but not limited to, choke chains, prong collars, check chains, e-collars, spray collars) are not permitted in training sessions.
The Company agrees to bide by the IMDT Code of Ethics & the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter.
Veterinary & Legal Advice
Trainers working for The Company are not qualified to provide veterinary or legal advice, and the information they provide is not intended to constitute such.
Standards & Insurance
The Company agree to provide a professional and reliable service to their customers. All animals under the care of The Company will be given the full care and attention needed to make their experience both fun and safe.
Customers must accept that accidents or illness may occur in such a manner that can neither be foreseen nor prevented by The Company. The Customer shall indemnify The Company, who shall be held harmless in the following circumstances, unless the company can be shown to be negligent:
If a Customer's dog causes harm to a person, animal, or damages property.
If a Customer's dog is injured or causes an accident.
If a Customer's dog causes a third party to claim for damages by way of injury to a person or an animal, or damage to property. In such cases, the Customer will indemnify The Company against such claims and will liaise directly with the claiming third party.
Where negligence is proven by the Customer, claims shall be settled within the boundaries of the company’s business insurance policy.
The Company is covered by business insurance, but it is highly recommended that Customers have their own dog insurance to cover liability claims from a third party.
Aggressive or Unsocial Animals
Should any dog become aggressive or dangerous during the Services, The Company shall, in their sole discretion, take whatever action they consider necessary in the best interest of the animal, other animals or people which may be encountered.
Force Majeure
The Company shall not be liable or responsible for any failure to perform, or delay in performance of, any of its obligations that is caused by events outside its reasonable control (“Force Majeure Event”).
Force Majeure Events include (but are not limited to): extreme weather, flood, fire, epidemic, pandemic, government restrictions, strikes, transport failures, venue closure, or any other event beyond The Company’s control.
Where a Force Majeure Event occurs, The Company will make all reasonable efforts to reschedule services. Refunds will not be issued unless specifically agreed at The Company’s discretion.
Inclement Weather
Training sessions, classes, and field hire may proceed in rain, wind, or cold weather.
In the event of severe or unsafe weather (e.g. heavy storms, lightning, high winds, ice, or flooding), The Company reserves the right to cancel or postpone sessions at short notice.
Where The Company cancels due to weather, Customers will be offered an alternative date or refund.
Customers choosing not to attend due to weather when the session is going ahead will not be entitled to a refund or reschedule outside the normal cancellation policy.
Amendments to Services
The Company reserves the right to make reasonable changes to class content, timing, or trainers where necessary.
If a material change is required (e.g. venue change outside a reasonable radius), Customers will be informed as soon as possible and may request a refund if they cannot attend.
Limitation of Liability
Nothing in these Terms shall limit The Company’s liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or fraudulent misrepresentation.
Subject to the above, The Company shall not be liable for:
Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities.
Any indirect or consequential losses.
Any claim arising from circumstances where The Company is not at fault or negligent.
Goodwill Rescheduling
The Company may, at its discretion, offer a session reschedule outside the normal cancellation or booking windows as a goodwill gesture.
Any session moved under goodwill remains subject to The Company’s discretion and does not create a right for further changes or refunds.
If the Customer declines the goodwill offer or later requests an alternative arrangement, normal cancellation policies will apply.
Goodwill gestures are final and intended as a one-off accommodation.
Equipment & Behaviour
Customers must ensure that dogs arrive wearing a well-fitted and secure flat collar with an ID tag.
Extending, retractable leads, or any equipment designed to tighten, cause pain, or be aversive (e.g., choke chains, prong collars, check chains, e-collars, spray collars) are not permitted for any training session, class, or consultation.
Dogs must be kept on a lead during training and away from other dogs unless agreed with the Trainer.
Customers must tell The Company in advance if their dog requires a muzzle. Dogs that require a muzzle must wear a well-fitting muzzle for all training sessions or assessments.
Customers are responsible for bringing any recommended equipment advised by The Company for the session.
Customers are expected to clean up after their dogs in and around the training venue and must bring suitable waste bags.
Customers must keep their dog under control during the Services and during wait periods before sessions. The Company shall not be liable for accidents, incidents, or injuries outside the period of the session unless negligence can be proven.
Any dog that is unable to settle during a session and causes disruption may be removed. The Company may suggest an alternative class or private session depending on the circumstances and the Trainer’s observations.
Group Training Classes & Packages
Class & Session Attendance
It is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure they attend on the correct date, time, and place for the classes according to the company’s instructions.
Customers must tell The Company in advance of attending group classes if their dog requires a muzzle. If The Company agrees that the dog may attend a group class, the dog must wear a well-fitting muzzle for the session(s).
Unneutered Dogs
The Customer understands and agrees that females in season are not suitable to attend group sessions or classes. The Customer must contact The Company and arrange to reschedule any booking for after the season is finished. This scenario falls outside of the cancellation policy.
Female dogs that attend group classes whilst in season will be removed from the class.
Cancellation
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the start of a course or block will receive a refund or reschedule.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the start date are non-refundable.
Once a course or block has started, no refunds will be given for missed sessions.
PAYG classes may be cancelled or rescheduled with 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable.
If The Company cancels a class, Customers will be offered an alternative date or refund.
Subscriptions
Overview
The Company offers subscription plans to provide customers with flexible access to training sessions and other benefits. By subscribing, you agree to the terms outlined below, in addition to the General Terms & Conditions.
Tiers & Benefits
Subscriptions are available in multiple tiers with each tier granting access to a defined number of group training sessions per month.
Specific details about the number of sessions, pricing, and additional benefits for each tier are available on the The Company website or by contacting us directly.
Payments
Subscription fees are charged monthly in advance. By signing up, you authorize The Company to process recurring payments on your chosen payment method.
All fees are non-refundable once the subscription period begins.
Usage & Rollovers
Unused sessions do not roll over to the next subscription month.
Sessions must be booked and attended within the current subscription month.
Upgrading or Downgrading
You may request to upgrade or downgrade your subscription tier at any time. Changes will take effect at the start of the next billing cycle.
Downgrades may result in a reduction in available sessions or benefits.
Cancellation
Subscriptions may be cancelled at any time by contacting The Company
Cancellation will be effective at the end of the current billing cycle, and no refunds will be issued for unused sessions or benefits.
Suspension or Termination
The Company reserves the right to suspend or terminate subscriptions if a customer breaches the Terms and Conditions or displays behaviour detrimental to the safety or enjoyment of others.
In such cases, no refunds will be issued for the remaining subscription period.
Changes
The Company reserves the right to amend or discontinue subscription tiers and benefits. In such cases, customers will be given 30 days' notice, and any changes will take effect at the next billing cycle.
Consultation Appointments
Feedback & Next Steps
Any training plan provided shall be specific to the dog attending the Assessment Appointment. This plan is specifically designed for the intended recipient and should not be used for other dogs without prior consultation with The Company. Its relevance or appropriateness for another dog cannot be guaranteed.
Customers agree to take all necessary steps to aid the Assessor and to follow on with any instruction or advice provided by the Assessor. The Customer understand and accepts that if advice and training plans given by The Company are not correctly followed, that their dog will not improve or transform as per any verbal or written assurances.
If the training plan and next session require the presence of another dog to complete the lesson, providing the additional dog shall be added to the One-to-One session invoice.
Cancellation
Appointments cancelled with more than 48 hours’ notice may be rescheduled.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable.
If The Company cancels the appointment, a refund or reschedule will be offered.
Private Training Sessions
After Private Sessions
Customers agree to take all necessary steps to follow on with any instruction or advice provided by the Trainer. The Customer understand and accepts that if advice and training plans given by The Company are not correctly followed, that their dog will not improve as per any verbal or written assurances. Customers need to commit to reinforcing and practicing the training between sessions to see any improvement or transformation.
If the training plan and next session require the presence of another dog to complete the lesson, providing the additional dog shall be added to the One-to-One session invoice.
Cancellation
Sessions cancelled with more than 48 hours’ notice may be rescheduled.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable.
If The Company cancels a session, Customers will be offered an alternative date or refund.
Field Hire
General Use
Field hire sessions start and end at the times booked. Customers must vacate the field promptly at the end of their session.
The gate must remain closed and secure at all times.
Customers must pick up all dog waste and litter and use the bins provided.
Dogs must not be allowed to dig or damage the ground, fencing, or equipment. The Customer will be liable for any damage caused.
Children must be supervised at all times. The Company accepts no responsibility for children on site.
Smoking, barbecues, and fires are not permitted.
Dog Welfare & Behaviour
Customers are responsible for their own safety and that of any dogs, children, or guests they bring.
All dogs must be appropriately vaccinated or titre tested. Dogs showing signs of illness (including kennel cough, diarrhoea, or vomiting) must not use the field.
Aggressive, out-of-control, or unsocial dogs are not permitted.
Dogs must remain under supervision at all times.
A maximum of 6 dogs are permitted per booking.
Commercial Use
Field hire is strictly for private use by individual dog owners.
Commercial dog walkers, trainers, or anyone using the field for business purposes are not permitted to book or use the field.
Any Customer found to be using the field for commercial purposes will have bookings cancelled without refund, be banned from future use, and may be liable for additional charges or costs.
Liability
Customers accept that accidents, incidents, or illness may occur in a manner that cannot be foreseen or prevented. The Company shall not be held liable unless negligence can be shown.
Customers are responsible for their own dogs at all times and shall indemnify The Company against any claims arising from their use of the field.
Cancellation
Bookings cancelled by the Customer with more than 48 hours’ notice may be rescheduled.
No refunds or reschedules are given for cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice.
Where The Company cancels a booking (e.g. due to weather, maintenance, or emergency), a refund or reschedule will be offered.