ALL THE LEGAL BITS
TERMS &
CONDITIONS
We know it's boring but at least you'll know!
Please note that any payment for one of our services implies full agreement with these terms and conditions.
Bella Amica is a proud member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers. we strictly follow their Code of Ethics. As such, we only promote the principles of positive reinforcement which are kind, reward-based and fair.
Punitive methods such as harsh handling and punishment are not permitted. Equipment designed to be aversive (including choke chains, check chains, prong collars, spray collars, e-collars or any other device deemed unacceptable by the trainer) are also not permitted and should not be used in training your dog. Use of any of these types of training whilst enrolled on a course with Bella Amica may result in your course being cancelled without a refund.
WHAT TRAINING METHODS DO YOU USE?
For 1-to-1 sessions, payments must be made in full a minimum of one week in advance of your appointment.
If you would like to re-arrange a session rather than cancel, we'll make every effort to provide another suitable time depending on availability. A reduced rate re-arrangement fee will be applicable.
Refund and re-arrangement fees are as below.
More than 2 weeks notice - Full Refund - No Re-arrangement Fee
Between 2 and 1 weeks notice - 50% Refund - Re-arrange for 25% of cost
Less than 1 weeks notice - No Refund - Re-arrange for 50% of cost
Less than 72 hours notice - No Refund - Rearrange for 75% of cost
Less than 48 hours notice - No Refund - Full charge for new session
With less than 48 hours notice, there will be no refunds or discounts on re-arranged sessions, except in exceptional circumstances. The sole discretion of Bella Amica will determine this and any subsequent discounts or refunds.
Should we have to cancel sessions for any reason due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather/illness/emergency, every effort will be made to reschedule your session to a mutually beneficial time. If this is not possible, a full refund will be offered for the cost of the booked session.
PAYMENTS, REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS
Any instances of accident or injury must be reported to the trainer at the time they occurred. All dogs must be kept safe and it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the safety of others (other animals and people) with regard to your dog's behaviour at all times. During classes taking place at the Horseshoes Riding School in East Farleigh, all dogs will remain on lead for the entirety of their visit for the welfare of themselves and other animals. Flexi leads (retractable leads) are not permitted in training sessions to avoid injury. Suitable replacements will be provided.
At the Horseshoes Riding School, our classes will take place in fields. As such, we recommend you bring flat, comfortable shoes with you. Classes will be outside so we recommend you bring suitable clothing (waterproofs if it's raining, suncream if it's hot).
For home visits, please arrange for your dog to be in another safe room (without access to the front door) when your trainer first arrives. If needs be, we can hang around and wait until you've done this. We will let you know when a good time for an introduction would be and we can bring the dog in to the room to join us.
If you feel this arrangement may not work for you, feel free to get in touch for further discussion. We'll figure something out!
HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS SAFE?
For home visits, please make a parking space available for our use if possible. If not, and there is on-street parking which requires a visitors permit, please have a visitor pass ready for our use when we arrive. If parking at your home (or another venue we have arranged to meet at) requires payment, please could kindly make arrangements for this.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO FOR YOUR PARKING?
Children are very welcome to attend training sessions. They make awesome handlers! Young people under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times and that adult is responsible for their safety at all times.
CAN MY KIDS COME ALONG?
All dogs and puppies must be suitably protected from the potential risk of of disease, as well as being appropriately treated for internal and external parasites. Bella Amica advises that owners should consult their veterinary professional with regard to such issues. There can be no guarantee that there is absolutely no risk of disease at any venue or when in contact with any other animals or materials, such as toys, which may have been in contact with other dogs.
It is the owner/handlers responsibility to ensure that their dog is appropriately protected against the risk of disease. Bella Amica accepts no responsibility for the potential or actual exposure of dogs to disease. If an owner chooses not to routinely vaccinate their dog/puppy (for example because they are choosing titre testing or using homeopathic nosodes), this is entirely the choice of the owner and is a decision made at their own risk.
By agreeing to these terms and conditions, you are accepting full responsibility for the protection of your dog from the risk of disease. Please advise us in advance of the session if your dog has been in contact with another dog infected by a contagious disease or if they appear to be unwell (eg. vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, runny nose etc). Depending on the issue, it may be advisable for the session to be cancelled or re-arranged (see refunds and cancellations). If your dog has any known allergies or intolerances to certain foods or has any other special needs, it is your responsibility to bring this to the attention of the trainer prior to the start of the session, and provide appropriate alternative treats, etc.
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH HEALTH AND VACCINATION?
Photographs may occasionally be taken during training sessions. Such photos may be used by Bella Amica for the purposes of marketing. If you do not wish for photographs of you and/or your dog to be used or shared, please let us know. Any verbal or written feedback (eg. by email or on feedback forms) may be used for marketing purposes (for example, posted on the website). Only the first name of the person will be used as identification. If you are not happy for us to use your feedback in this way, please let us know. Photography and videography is NOT permitted at any of our training sessions, without express permission from Bella Amica.
Any personal data Bella Amica collects will be stored in a secure database and retained solely by Bella Amica for contact purposes in accordance with legal requirements. This information will never be accessible by third parties.
WHAT ABOUT MY PRIVACY AND YOUR MARKETING?
We make every effort to ensure the safety of both clients and dogs during our sessions. However, by making a booking with us, you are accepting that participating in any activity with dogs, children and adults poses a risk of injury to yourself and your dog, and you agree to indemnify Bella Amica for all personal injury and damage to property while attending training sessions. You agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries or damages, known or unknown, which might occur as a result of your dog attending such sessions. You also agree to make any person who accompanies you to the session(s), or takes your place, aware that they are also at their own risk. You understand and accept that your dog (and its behaviour) remains entirely your responsibility at all times, whether or not in the presence of the trainer/behavourist.