TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Effective Date: 19 August 2025

1. Postponing, Cancellation & No-Show Policy

  • We request at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. This allows us to offer the slot to another client.
  • Cancellations may be made by phone or email.
  • Cancellations or rescheduling requests made less than 48 hours before the appointment will be considered a no-show and the session fee will be forfeited.
  • In cases of unavoidable emergency, we will make every effort to reschedule at a mutually convenient time.
  • We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule an appointment at any time due to unforeseen circumstances, including illness, travel disruption, or safety concerns.

Consumer Rights Notice:

If you have booked online or at a distance, you may have the right to cancel within 14 days under the Consumer Rights Act 2022. If you agree for services to start within this 14- day period, you waive the right to a full refund once the service has been delivered.

2. Refund Policy

(Effective from 19 October 2025)

  • All bookings reserve a specific slot in our calendar. We cannot offer refunds for sessions not attended, except where required by law.
  • Refunds are not available after a session has commenced, or, for packages and group classes, once the first session has taken place.
  • Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable.
  • Where a refund is due under law or as agreed by Canine Connect, it will be processed minus the non-refundable booking fee. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method and may take 5–10 working days to appear in your account, depending on your payment provider.
  • Where a refund is due under law or as agreed by Canine Connect, it will be processed within 10 working days using the same payment method.
  • These terms do not affect your statutory rights to a refund where services are not provided with reasonable skill and care or are not as described.

3. Registering & Booking

  • All blended learning sessions are held online or at your home/other agreed location.
  • In-home sessions are only available within our coverage area.
  • Sessions are not confirmed until payment is received and relevant forms are completed.
  • All arrangements are confirmed by email.
  • For online sessions, clients must ensure a stable internet connection. We are not responsible for interruptions caused by client-side connectivity issues.

By booking, you confirm you have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy.

4. Training Philosophy & Approach

  • Canine Connect uses a reward-based, force-free training approach that prioritises canine welfare, emotional wellbeing, and clear communication between dogs and handlers.
  • Training methods are designed to support learning without the use of fear, intimidation, pain, or coercion. Equipment or techniques that rely on aversive stimulation are not compatible with this approach and are therefore not permitted in group classes, one-to-one training sessions or behaviour consultations, unless expressly approved in writing.
  • This philosophy reflects current best practices in dog training and behaviour support; however, no specific outcome or result is guaranteed, and recommendations must be implemented consistently by the client to be effective.

5. Vaccination & Health Policy

  • Canine Connect requires all dogs to be veterinary-certified for vaccination against key infectious diseases, or to provide evidence of titre testing confirming immunity.
  • Regular parasite control, appropriate to risk, is required for participation in group classes.
  • If your dog is unwell, has had diarrhoea/vomiting, or is otherwise ill in the 48 hours before a session, please contact us to discuss next steps.
  • Any veterinary certification provided may contain personal information (such as owner name and contact details). We process such personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and our Privacy Policy.

6. Your Training or Behaviour Service

  • Please be ready for your session at the agreed time.
  • We cannot extend sessions for time lost due to client-side interruptions (e.g., phone calls, meal preparation).
  • If we are delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, we will contact you promptly and make up the lost time or reschedule at no extra cost.
  • All sessions must be used within 9 months of purchase unless otherwise agreed.

7. Client Responsibility & Full Disclosure

  • Clients must provide full, accurate, and complete disclosure of all information relevant to their dog’s health, behaviour, training history, and temperament prior to booking and on an ongoing basis.
  • Group classes are not suitable for puppies or dogs with behavioural needs that, in the reasonable opinion of Canine Connect, may compromise safety, welfare, or effective participation in a group environment, unless prior assessment and written approval has been granted.
  • Canine Connect reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or terminate participation in a group class where a dog is deemed unsuitable, where relevant information was not disclosed, or where continued participation presents a safety or welfare concern. In such circumstances, no refund or credit shall be due.
  • Clients remain legally responsible for their dog at all times, including for any injury, damage, or loss caused by their dog during or in connection with training services.
  • Training and behaviour advice is provided based on the information supplied by the client and is implemented at the client’s own risk, except where loss or injury arises directly from Canine Connects negligence or breach of statutory duty.
  • Clients are advised to maintain appropriate pet and/or household insurance.
  • Handlers must be 16 years or over. Handlers under 16 must be supervised by a capable adult.
  • In accordance with S.I. No. 442/1998 – Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998, within the meaning of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 (as amended), certain breeds must be muzzled, kept on a strong lead not exceeding 1 metre, and wear a collar displaying the owner’s name and address when in a public place. Public places include any location where group classes are held.

Equipment Not Permitted in Group Classes or One-to-Ones

The following equipment is not permitted unless expressly approved in writing by Canine Connect:

  • Prong/pinch collars
  • Choke chains (check chains, slip chains)
  • Electronic collars (e-collars) including vibration or stimulation collars
  • Spray collars (including citronella)
  • Slip leads

Use of non-permitted equipment may result in immediate exclusion without refund.

8. Compliance Policy

  • Clients are expected to attend on time and participate fully.
  • Recommendations provided must be followed as intended. Deviating from agreed methods may affect results and could result in termination of services without refund.
  • Sessions are non-transferable to another package, group class, or dog.

9. Assumption of Risk in Group Classes

  • Clients acknowledge that participation in group training involves inherent risks associated with working around other dogs and people. Clients accept responsibility for such risks except where injury, loss, or damage arises directly from Canine Connects negligence or breach of statutory duty.
  • Canine Connect shall not be liable for minor injuries, illness, or reasonable stress responses that may occur during training.

10. No Guarantee of Results

  • No guarantee is given or implied regarding specific outcomes, timelines, or behavioural results.
  • Training outcomes depend on factors beyond Canine Connects control, including genetics, age, health, environment, handler skill, and consistency of implementation.
  • Clients acknowledge that behaviour modification may, in some cases, result in temporary increases in unwanted behaviour before improvement occurs.

11. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delay or failure to perform our obligations due to events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, illness, transport disruption, or public health restrictions.

12. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Ireland. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts.

13. Privacy & Data Protection

We collect and process personal data (including contact details and any owner information contained in veterinary records) in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and our Privacy Policy.

14. Booking Agreement

By confirming your booking (online, by email, or by phone) and submitting payment, you acknowledge that you:

  • Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions
  • Have read and understood our Privacy Policy
  • Agree to be bound by both documents