Nikki Birkett Yorkshire Canine Coach Terms and Conditions

General

• Cancellations - 72 hours’ notice is required for both private and group sessions.  Charges may be applied (for up to the entire period that has been cancelled) if the required notice period is not given.

• Nikki BIrkett Yorkshire Canine Coach reserves the right to cancel the contract (at any time & with immediate effect) if any dog/s under the contract do not respond well to the therapy plan (where the continuing of said contract is deemed, by Nikki BIrkett Dog Training+, to constitute a risk).
  
  Please inform the trainer immediately if you are working with another trainer/behaviourist alongside NBDT. Failure to do so or a misalignment in ethos may result in termination of the contract with no refunds.

• All dogs will be on lead during training unless prior agreement has been reached.

• The trainer will apply personal judgement and cut short a training session, if necessary, because of extreme weather conditions; including, but not limited to: excessive heat, torrential rain, thunder storms and snow/ice. The decision to do so lays with the judgment of the trainer, for the safety of themselves, members of the public, other animals and that of the recipient. In such circumstances, and where possible, alternative sessions, including online via Zoom, will be offered in substitute.

• The trainer will apply personal judgement and cut short a training session, if necessary, if we feel the dog is not coping well. In the case of anxious dogs, we may do the initial session with the owner only or split the initial consultation into two smaller sessions. 

• All dogs that are known to bite other dogs or cause injury need to wear a muzzle, we take no responsibility for dogs who are not muzzled or kept under control, during our session or when working outside of our session. Failure to wear a muzzle when asked may result in termination of your support

• Nikki BIrkett Yorkshire Canine Coach is insured with Protectivity however any accident or injury during our training session will not be covered if you have failed to use the appropriate equipment or failed to follow my advice. 

Payment

• Full payment of the consult fee must be paid within 24 hours of booking to secure the appointment otherwise the slot may be lost.  

• Any class bookings are only secured on booking via the website.

• All payments to be made by Paypal, Stripe or Bank transfer.
  
  Any refunds offered are subject to a deduction of a £20 administration fee.

• All information and personal details collected and held by me are for my own use and will not be shared with third parties.

Courses/Classes

• Refunds for missed courses or partial refunds for missed classes are not given.  Please speak with us directly in this event.
  If you wish to cancel a booked class no refund will be given until your space can be filled.  In addition a £20 admin fee will be retained

• If your dog comes into season please do not attend the class until the season has finished.  If you are enrolled on a rolling class it may be possible to roll your booking over, depending on availability. For fixed courses and classes no refunds will be given for missed sessions. Please speak with us directly in this regard.

• There is no aversive equipment permitted in class, this includes choke collars and slip leads

• Please ensure your dogs attend class in a harness.

• All dogs must be fully vaccinated and/titre tested and evidence must be produced if asked.

• If classes have to be rearranged by NBYCC an alternative similar class or credit note will be offered

Private Consults

• The deposit paid is non-refundable and will not be returned in the case of cancellation.

• Any cancellation within 72 hours of the appointment will require full payment of the cost of the consult except in the case of admission of the dog to a veterinary practice, in which case the deposit only will be retained.
  
  In addition all packages must be used within a 3 month period unless agreed otherwise at the outset of the package.  Any sessions outside of this time period are deemed to be forfeited.

• All payments are subject to a monthly payment plan, with a 3 month minimum; however initial consultation fees will be invoiced and must be paid to confirm your initial appointment.
  
  All bulk packages are priced at a discounted rate. If any packages are discountinued any refunds offered will take into account the standard rate of £65 per hour for any sessions already taken.

• Dogs must be always kept under control when I am entering your premises. Failure to do so and any injury caused by your dog being out of control will be your full responsibility. In all cases I will meet you outside your premises first and in some instances, we may work only outside taking a hands-off approach working at a distance (especially in cases of anxious dogs).

• In some cases I use stooge dogs to aid training. You will be responsible for keeping your dog a sufficient and safe distance from the stooge dog and if asked will need your dog to wear a muzzle during these sessions.

• You agree to report/check in regularly about my dog’s progress through either email, text, or by sharing on our Facebook page or respond to any communication from Nikki Birkett Yorkshire Canine Coach.  Continual failure to do so can result in a termination of your support.

• In the case of behavioural issues you agree to give consent to work with us and are happy for us to contact your vet on your behalf.
  
   

3-Month Behaviour Support Package

1. Package Duration and Flexibility
   The 3-month behaviour support package covers a period of three months, during which we will work together to address your dog's behaviour needs. Sessions are flexible and tailored to your dog’s progress. We aim to provide consistent, manageable support rather than rigidly scheduled hours.

2. Session Structure
   Sessions can include Zoom calls, WhatsApp messaging, and video review with feedback. Session length will vary depending on your needs, with the option for shorter sessions (e.g., 20-minute calls) if needed. The frequency and length of sessions will be adjusted to suit both you and your dog’s requirements.

   Additionally, a maximum of 4 in-person sessions may be included during the 3-month period, where deemed beneficial by the trainer. These will be scheduled at a time that best suits your dog’s progress.

3. Communication
   Communication through WhatsApp is included in the package for support, quick questions, progress updates, and troubleshooting. Messages will be responded to during business hours, excluding days off. 

4. Rescheduling and Cancellations
   If you need to reschedule a session, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be subject to a cancellation fee. In the event of an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, please contact me as soon as possible, and we will work together to find a suitable solution.

5. Availability
   The package includes a reasonable number of sessions and check-ins. While flexibility is a key component of this package, it does not include unlimited or excessive requests. The focus is on providing the right level of support at the right time to avoid overwhelming uou, your dog or trainer.

6. Package Completion
   The 3-month behaviour support package will be considered complete at the end of the three-month period, unless otherwise agreed upon. Should additional support be needed after this time, a new package or extension may be arranged.

7. Payment
   The full payment for the package is due prior to starting the support. Payment plans may be discussed if needed. All payments are non-refundable once the package has begun, unless in exceptional circumstances as outlined in the cancellation policy.

8. Feedback and Progress Reviews
   Regular feedback will be provided through video reviews and detailed notes on your dog’s progress. It is expected that you actively engage with the plan and put in the work outside of the sessions to achieve the best results.

9. Package Limitations
   This package is designed to support reasonable use and manageable progress. While flexibility is offered, it is not intended to provide daily or unlimited contact. The aim is to ensure long-term success with a structured, sustainable approach.

Photographs and Media

• You agree that any photographs taken of your dog during the classes and/or consults may be published to the website or social media and all rights to the photographs remain with Nikki Birkett Yorkshire Canine Coach

• You are happy for Nikki Birkett Yorkshire Canine Coach to share success stories about my dog via social media and share photos.

• You are happy to write a testimonial if requested.