Positive Reinforcement only: We use food, play, attention, access to resources as rewards during training. Please ensure that your dog is hungry for the training session. Feed a half portion of the preceding meal, and bring the remainder to classes/sessions in a treat pouch. We request that you use a training pouch for easy access because timing of the delivery of food rewards is crucial to the dog’s ability to understand and learn.
Health: If your dog exhibits and health issues that may affect his comfort in class or put others at risk, DO NOT COME. Symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, Diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, or sneezing. Many of these symptoms can be illnesses that are highly contagious and easily transmittable.
Attendance / Children: It is very important for the dog’s, and your success, that there is one primary and dedicated handler who attends all the classes/sessions. Children are encouraged to attend and participate in class(es)/session(s), and will need to remain seated unless working with their dog(s).
Attending children, under the age of 6 years, should be supervised by an alternate caregiver so that the primary handler can remain focused. Children under the age of 12 may not hold the leash during outdoor classes, unless in a secure and confined area and approved by the trainer. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Health & Temperament: If the dog(s) is sick, or has a communicable disease or illness, it is not permitted to partake in class(es)/session(s)/walk(s). We may inform your Veterinarian of any health or severe behaviour concerns. We may also need written confirmation from your Veterinarian that your dog(s) can return to class(es)/session(s)/walk(s).
You must disclose if your dog has food allergies, is not neutered, or not spayed, so that measures may be taken in an effort to reduce any associated risks. If your dog(s) is in season (heat) it may not attend. Check your local jurisdiction for by laws in this regard.
*Please ensure your dog(s) is up to date on necessary vaccines or has had a recent titre test*
Bite History: If your dog(s) has a bite history, you must disclose this on the registration form. The dog(s) may be required to wear a muzzle, as approved by Cathie’s Canine Connection, in class(es)/session(s)/walk(s).
If your dog(s) is not yet muzzle trained, additional training sessions will likely be required in order to ensure that the muzzle is introduced to the dog(s) in the correct way, and so that the dog is comfortable.
At any time, should the Cathie’s Canine Connection Inc. deem that there is a risk to the trainer or the public, we reserve the right to suspend the classes/session(s)/walk(s) until such time that reasonable arrangements have been made to ensure everyone’s safety.
Guarantee: There is absolutely NO guarantee of training success with your dog(s), because it is completely dependant on the handlers ongoing efforts. We may provide weekly lessons and handouts on subject matter to support you, however you are responsible to take notes and practice as instructed.
Should we feel that your dog is displaying behaviours that are out of scope of experience, or better referred to a Vet Behaviourist, we will do our best to refer and redirect you.
Photos / Videos and Social Media: Quite frequently photos and / or videos are taken of your dog in training, which may be posted to our Website, Social Media, like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Please let us know if you prefer that we do not share your dog’s photos. If we have posted a photo in error, we will promptly remove it upon learning of the same.
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, we require a minimum of 24 hours notice, or the class/session/group will be forfeited. With appropriate notice, the missed session can be rescheduled up to 2 times and must be taken within 6 weeks of the original class/session/walk, after which you will have forfeited the class/session/group.
Payment / Refund policy Payment must be made in full prior to the date of service, or appointment unless, otherwise arranged with Cathie’s Canine Connection. Your paid class/session/group has been reserved for you. There are NO refunds once class or the session has begun. We are happy to give you a credit for services, (excluding Puppy Play & Learn), with the appropriate 24 hours notice. This credit can be transferred to friends or family, within our service area, if deemed an appropriate fit, or towards product. Should there be no other alternative but to issue refund, all associated bank fees, plus an administrative fee, will be deducted from the refund amount issued.
Any Credit will expire 3 months from the date of the last class participated in.
Updated May 15th, 2023 - This is a living Document