Dog Training Waiver, Training Agreement, and Policy

General Dog Training Policies for working with Certified Dog Trainer Shelly Haines, VSA-CDT, Fetch Worthy Dog Training.

Please read carefully, and if you have any questions, please use the contact page or email Shelly. Thank you.

Effective date: January 1st, 2024

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the Services to be provided to you by Lemons to Mint, LLC & DBA “Fetch Worthy” Dog Training (“Fetch Worthy”). They are incorporated into all contracts, agreements, arrangements, transactions, and dealings between the parties. By agreeing to these Terms, you consent to the following:

Training Service

You are not considered a client who has worked with Fetch Worthy until you complete the service payment and complete the first training session. Fetch Worthy will make every reasonable effort to help the Client achieve training and behavior modification goals but does not guarantee the Dog’s performance or behavior as a result of providing professional animal behavior consultation. Dog training outcomes can never be guaranteed.  Most “problem behaviors” and behavior modification will require a minimum of 3 sessions with the assessment to meet high-level training goals, so your expectations should be clear and realistic. Behavior modification plans may require changing your routine, home environment, and how you interact with your dog. Fetch Worthy will provide an evidence-based professional evaluation of goals and training plan options.

Client Cooperation/Feedback

Fetch Worthy will professionally assess goals and training options. It is the owner’s responsibility to have realistic expectations, continue training, and provide feedback on assignments to guide the plan in the appropriate direction.

Behavior modification plans may require changing your routine, home environment, and how you interact with your dog. We rely on clients’ feedback and commitment between sessions to further plan the next session via email confirmation or email. Fetch Worthy expects updates before each session for planning purposes and encourages clients to utilize complimentary touch-base sessions in between.

Scheduling/Cancellations/Reschedules

Fetch Worthy requires a 24-hour cancellation notice. You can have one emergency exception without it counting against you. If you reschedule a session three times, you will lose that session. If you have paid but never used your sessions after three months, they will be forfeited. Appointments may occasionally start 15-30 minutes late, but we will inform you of our estimated arrival time if that’s the case.

Illness/Weather Policy

If you or your dog are feeling ill, please reschedule immediately. Fetch Worthy can reschedule your sessions due to unforeseen circumstances, such as travel delays, illness, or adverse weather conditions for both parties of this agreement.

Payment/Refunds/Disputes

The client must pay Fetch Worthy before receiving services. The client is responsible for credit card processing fees. If payment is not made on time or in full, it will violate these terms. This gives Fetch Worthy the right to stop or cancel all services and take other reasonable actions. We do not offer refunds and do not support chargebacks. As stated in our training agreement, we generally do not give refunds on private training packages unless the dog dies or an unresolved medical issue hinders training. We kindly request that you address any disputes directly with us.

Purchased Services Expiration Policy

Training packages must be completed within 6 months from when the contract starts, unless the package is a limited-time offer. Fetch Worthy will recommend more training opportunities. After 6 months, any unused sessions and touch-base calls will be lost.

Recommendations

We are proud to be a highly rated recommended professional practice and kindly ask our clients to provide recommendations during or after their sessions, online & in-person recommendations (Google, Nextdoor, Facebook, Yelp, Instagram, vet office, or via our website). If at any time the Client doesn’t feel their professional guidance or service is worth recommending, we ask for immediate feedback to resolve any issues or miscommunication.

You agree that you will not, through any medium, including, but not limited to, the press, Internet, or any other form of communication, disparage, defame, or otherwise damage or assail the reputation, integrity, or professionalism of Fetch Worthy. Company agrees that it will not, through any medium, including but not limited to, the press, Internet or any other communication, disparage, defame, or otherwise damage or assail your reputation, integrity or professionalism. 

Dog Health

I confirm that I am the legal owner of my dog. My dog has not been around any distemper, kennel cough, canine mystery illness, rabies, or parvovirus cases in the last thirty (30) days. I have records showing my dog is up to date on vaccinations. You agree that your pet is healthy and free of fleas, parasites, and contagious diseases. You may need to show proof of these vaccinations. You agree to follow up with your vet to see a medical workup if there is a possible underlying medical reason for your dog’s behavior.

I authorize Fetch Worthy to take any necessary actions for the safety and health of my dog while in their care. This includes getting professional veterinary treatment if Fetch Worthy thinks it’s necessary.

Socialization Position

Due to the numerous outstanding benefits during the 16-week critical period, we support safely socializing puppies before they receive full vaccinations and are committed to the puppy’s safety and emotional well-being. We do not advise waiting, as the fallout is irreversible.

At-Home Training Access

Services include in-home training. You agree to let Fetch Worthy access your property to provide these services. You promise that your property will be free of any unusual hazards and pests, and you will take all necessary steps to ensure a safe and sanitary training environment. You agree not to block or interfere with Fetch Worthy’s work and to keep the area clear of distractions, such as children or other pets, as requested by Fetch Worthy staff.

Safety

You understand that Fetch Worthy may need specific measures, like leashes, muzzles, or barriers, to keep its staff and your pet safe. Fetch Worthy can refuse to provide services if it believes conditions are dangerous, could cause disruptions, or threaten anyone’s safety. If Fetch Worthy cancels the services due to a dangerous situation but is still prepared to help, you must pay the full amount.

Failure to report aggressive behavior in detail, including dog bites, results in owner liability and termination of the agreement.

Bites

I understand that Fetch Worthy has the right to refuse service to me and/or my dog anytime. If my dog has a history of or repeatedly demonstrates aggression or biting humans or animals, Fetch Worthy reserves the right to refuse service. I understand that all bites may be reported to the local authorities to the extent the law requires.

Use Of Aversives

When training with Fetch Worthy, you agree not to use fear, pain, harsh corrections, intimidation, shock collars, prong collars, alpha rolls, muzzle grabbing, physical restraint, or choke collars to change your dog’s behavior. Fetch Worthy follows LIMA, which means “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive.” LIMA is about using the least harmful approach possible from a range of humane and effective methods to achieve your training goals. To follow LIMA, trainers and behavior consultants must be well-educated and skilled to ensure they use the least harmful methods. LIMA does not support punishment as an alternative to other effective training methods. In most cases, you can change behavior by focusing on your dog’s environment, health, and using techniques such as reinforcing alternative behaviors, desensitization, and counter-conditioning.

Food/Toys/Enrichment Training Tools

Handle with care and caution. Read caution labels and reviews, and consult your vet for questions about food, supplements, and safe use of toys and ingestibles. Fetch Worthy is not liable for any injuries to dogs or handlers using suggested training tools or plans.

Transporting

The Client authorizes Fetch Worthy to transport/take my dog into public spaces during his/her lessons for day training, socialization, behavior walks, or board and train for the Client’s dog.

Photo Release

We respect clients’ privacy and often use photos and videos for clients, as well as photos, marketing, and social media. Client grants to Fetch Worthy and/or its representatives and employees the right to take photographs of Client and/or Dog and videos for training for a client and to use it electronically unless the client declines explicitly by email.

Liability NOTICE: 

Fetch Worthy/ Lemons to Mint LLC is not insured for liability. By signing this document, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for your participation and your dog’s participation in training sessions.

Acknowledgment of Risk

I understand that working with animals involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to the possibility of injury to myself, my dog, or others. While every reasonable safety measure will be taken to ensure a safe training environment, I acknowledge that accidents, unpredictable behavior, and circumstances beyond control (including but not limited to “acts of God”) may occur.

Release of Liability

By signing this waiver, I agree that:

1. No Insurance Coverage – I understand that Fetch Worthy/ Lemons to Mint LLC carries no liability insurance and is not liable for any injuries, losses, or damages that may occur to me, my dog, or my property.
2. Owner Responsibility – I am fully responsible for the behavior, health, and safety of my dog at all times. I am also fully responsible for my own safety and the safety of any individuals who attend sessions with me. I will express my concerns promptly if I encounter any situations that make me feel uncomfortable or unsafe in the training environment.
3. Assumption of Risk – I voluntarily assume all risks associated with dog training, including injury, illness, or damage caused by my dog, myself, or others.
4. Indemnification – I agree to hold harmless and indemnify Fetch Worthy/ Lemons to Mint LLC, its trainers, contractors, and affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from my participation or my dog’s participation in training.

At Trainer’s sole election, Trainer’s duties hereunder shall terminate if (a) in Trainer’s sole judgment Dog is dangerous or vicious to Trainer or any other person or animal or interferes with the training of other dogs, or (b) Client breaches any term or condition of this Agreement. Upon termination in accordance with the foregoing, Trainer’s duties shall terminate, but all other provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. 

**We highly recommend pet insurance for dog owners**

If you have any questions, please use the contact page or email Shelly.

Sign Agreement

I have carefully read and fully understand this waiver. I acknowledge that I am voluntarily giving up legal rights, including the right to sue Fetch Worthy/Lemons to Mint LLC for any claims or damages.