This Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into on {{date}} by and between the undersigned client (“Client”) and Brook’s Dog Training Academy (“BDTA” or “Trainer”).
This Agreement governs all dog training and related services provided by BDTA to the Client and shall remain in effect until terminated in writing by either party.
1. Vaccination & Health Requirements
For the safety of all participants, Client agrees that their dog:
- Is current on required vaccinations as recommended by a licensed veterinarian, including rabies and core vaccines.
- Is free from contagious illness, parasites, or other health conditions that could affect other dogs or people.
- Will not attend class if showing signs of illness such as coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
- Is not currently in heat.
BDTA reserves the right to ask that a dog leave class if the dog appears ill or poses a health risk to others.
2. Owner Responsibility
Client acknowledges that they remain fully responsible for the behavior and actions of their dog at all times during class.
Client agrees to:
- Maintain control of their dog at all times.
- Keep their dog on a leash unless specifically instructed otherwise by the trainer.
- Follow all instructions given by the trainer.
- Prevent their dog from approaching other dogs or people without permission.
- Immediately clean up after their dog.
Client accepts full responsibility for any injury, damage, or loss caused by their dog.
3. Training Results Disclaimer
Dog training involves working with animals whose behavior can be unpredictable. While BDTA will make every reasonable effort to provide effective instruction, no guarantees are made regarding specific training outcomes or results.
Training success depends greatly on the Client’s participation, consistency, and practice outside of class.
4. Assumption of Risk
Client understands that participation in dog training activities carries inherent risks, including but not limited to:
- Dog bites or scratches
- Dog fights or reactive behavior
- Slips, trips, or falls
- Injuries caused by dogs pulling on leash
- Unexpected dog behavior
By participating in training classes, Client voluntarily assumes all risks associated with these activities.
5. Outdoor Training Environment & Terrain Acknowledgment
Client understands that training classes may take place outdoors in areas that are not paved and may contain natural ground conditions.
These conditions may include:
- Grass or dirt surfaces
- Uneven terrain
- Holes or depressions in the ground
- Mud, loose soil, or debris
- Bugs, snakes, frogs, and other wildlife
- Other natural outdoor hazards
Client agrees to wear comfortable, well-fitted footwear suitable for outdoor activity and to remain aware of their surroundings at all times while handling their dog.
Client acknowledges these conditions and assumes all risks associated with walking, standing, or training in these environments. Client releases BDTA, its owner, employees, assistants, representatives, and the training location from liability related to slips, trips, falls, or injuries to client or dog arising from the condition of the training location.
6. Equipment Requirements
For safety and effective training, Client agrees to bring and use appropriate equipment.
Unless otherwise approved by the trainer, dogs must wear:
- A flat collar, martingale collar, or properly fitted harness
- A standard leash approximately 4–6 feet in length
The following equipment is not permitted during group classes unless approved by the trainer:
- Retractable leashes
- Prong collar, shock collar, sonic collar, spray collar,
BDTA reserves the right to require changes to equipment if necessary for safety.
7. Class Participation Rules
To maintain a safe and productive training environment, Clients agree to follow these guidelines:
- Dogs must remain a safe distance from other dogs unless instructed otherwise.
- Only one dog may be handled per person unless approved by the trainer.
- Children must remain under adult supervision at all times.
- Dogs must remain under control and may not roam freely unless instructed otherwise.
- Clients should arrive on time and prepared for class.
Failure to follow these rules may result in removal from class.
8. Safety Removal Clause
Group classes are designed for dogs who are generally comfortable around people and other dogs in a shared training environment. While dogs are not expected to have perfect manners, they should be reasonably manageable and not known to display aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.
Dogs who are known to be unfriendly, highly reactive, or uncomfortable around people or other dogs may not be appropriate candidates for a group class setting and may benefit more from private training sessions where individualized attention can be provided.
If a dog displays behavior during class that presents a safety concern to people or other dogs, BDTA reserves the right to remove the dog from the class environment.
In such cases, the trainer may recommend alternative training options, including private training sessions, that are better suited to the dog’s needs.
Removal from class for safety reasons does not guarantee a refund.
9. Weather Policy
Because training classes may take place outdoors, weather conditions may occasionally require adjustments to the class schedule.
Classes may be postponed or rescheduled in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions, including but not limited to lightning, heavy rain, extreme heat, or other hazardous conditions. The trainer will determine whether weather conditions are safe for class. Light rain or typical outdoor conditions may not result in cancellation, and classes may still be held as scheduled.
If a class must be canceled due to weather, BDTA will make reasonable efforts to reschedule the class session or provide an alternative solution when possible.
Clients are responsible for checking their email or other designated communication method for weather-related updates prior to class.
Weather-related cancellations do not entitle participants to refunds but may be rescheduled at the trainer’s discretion.
10. Missed Classes
Group classes are scheduled in advance and spaces are limited. Because of this:
- Missed classes may not be rescheduled or refunded.
- BDTA may provide training guidance or materials when possible, but replacement sessions are not guaranteed.
11. Payment & Refund Policy
Payment for group classes is required in full prior to the first class unless otherwise agreed.
Unless otherwise stated:
- Fees are non-refundable once the class series has begun.
- Fees may be transferable to another class or service at the trainer’s discretion.
12. Photo & Media Release
Client grants BDTA permission to photograph or record video during training sessions for educational or promotional purposes.
If Client prefers that they or their dog not appear in photos or videos, they must notify BDTA in writing.
13. Hold Harmless & Indemnification
Client agrees to release, hold harmless, and indemnify Brook’s Dog Training Academy, its owner, employees, assistants, representatives, and the training location from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:
- The actions of Client’s dog
- Client’s participation in training activities
- Injuries to persons or animals caused by Client’s dog
This includes legal fees and costs associated with such claims.
14. Electronic Signatures
Client agrees that an electronic signature on this Agreement shall be considered legally binding and equivalent to a handwritten signature.
15. Agreement Acknowledgment
By signing below, Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Agreement and voluntarily accept all conditions outlined above.