Puppy School 

Eligibility and Requirements 

All puppies must be at least 10 weeks old and must have received the full course of puppy vaccinations.

All puppies must be less than 6 months old when they start the puppy course. Exceptions may be made at my discretion. 

All puppies must have had a health check from a veterinarian since being adopted by the current owner, and must be free from contagious illnesses and parasites.

All puppies must be regularly treated with parasite prevention medication that has been prescribed by a veterinarian. Shop bought prevention medications not accepted. 

The course is not suitable for any puppies that are showing signs of extreme fear or anxiety. Slightly nervous is fine and expected, but a very anxious dog is unlikely to learn in a group class and it may make any anxiety worse in the long run. These dogs are better suited to one to one training and building up gradually to being around people and other dogs. 

The course is also not suitable for any puppies that have shown signs of aggression towards people or other dogs. 

Booking and Payment

Full payment for the 5 week course is payable upfront when booking. 

Your place on the course is only reserved and secured when full payment has been received. 

Cancellation and Refunds

If you need to cancel your place on the course, you can do this up until one week before the course start date and be given a full refund. After this point, no refunds will be given as costs for venue hire and equipment cannot be recouped and it’s also more difficult to fill that space. 

If you miss any classes, you will not be offered a refund or an alternative date. Unfortunately this does include cases of illness or injury for your dog or for you. Group classes are limited to 4 and venue hire is expensive. An unexpected empty space in a class must still be paid for. I will write a report of what we did in any class you miss and send it to you by email to have a go at home. 

If for any reason the class is cancelled by me or by the venue, an alternative date will be offered. Probably at the end of the course on the usual day and time, if this is possible. 

Attendance and Punctuality

It’s very important that you arrive a few minutes before the class begins and offer your puppy the opportunity to go to the toilet outside before coming inside. Please keep all dogs on the lead for this, and avoid coming close to the other puppies attending the class. On-lead greetings can cause frustration, and also may cause puppies to come into class very over excited! We’re aiming for a calm start if possible! 

Arriving late can also cause disruption if the rest of the group have settled in. I know sometimes it may be unavoidable due to traffic etc, but please try to arrive a little early to start on time. If you do arrive late, please try to enter as calmly and quietly as possible. 

Handler Responsibilities

The minimum age of all handlers attending the course is 18. 

Ideally I’d love to invite you all to bring your whole family to the class, but the venue is very small and has a distracting echo! Too many people will take up more space than we can spare and also may be far too distracting for the puppies. Please limit attendees to 2 humans per puppy. 

I’m very happy for you to bring a child along to class, as long as the child is able to understand the rules laid out in these terms and conditions and is also unlikely to distract your puppy or the other puppies. They must not attempt interaction with the other puppies. It’s also essential that your child does not handle your dog’s lead or take responsibility for your dog during the class. You are solely responsible for your child’s behaviour and welfare during the class. 

It is essential that you listen carefully to trainer’s instructions at all times and follow them.

You are solely responsible for your puppy’s welfare and behaviour during the training class. 

Behaviour and Welfare

Sits & Wiggles Ynysybwl is committed to force free and rewards based training. 

Only negative punishment is used, and only in very specific circumstances. Negative punishment means to remove something from your dog to prevent them repeating a behaviour. For example, this may include removing an item from them to prevent them chewing it, or removing yourself and your attention when they are doing a behaviour you’d prefer them not to repeat such as biting your hands. 

Positive punishment is never used. This means to add something your puppy doesn’t like to stop them repeating a behaviour. This includes telling them off, physically punishing them or using anything that causes fear, discomfort or pain. This doesn’t mean your dog won’t learn boundaries and rules. We will just be teaching them in a rewards based way.

Puppies must attend class wearing a well-fitting and comfortable harness that they cannot wriggle out of or escape from. Leads clipped to collars of puppies that haven’t yet learned to walk on lead without pulling can cause harm to the trachea and thyroid glands. Collars are also easy to escape! 

Puppies must attend class with a lead of at least 1 metre. Ideally, 1.5 metres is better. We will be teaching some behaviours that require your puppy to move away from you a little, so short leads may be restricting. Please don’t bring chain leads or retractable leads. A fabric lead is ideal.

All puppies must be wearing a collar with a tag that clearly displays your name and address. This is required at all times when your dog is in any public place under the Control of Dogs Order 1992. The more recent laws about mandatory microchipping do not override this law. 

All puppies are to remain on lead at all times during class, unless instructor advises otherwise. 

No slip leads, choke collars/chains, head collars, prong collars or ‘anti pull’ harnesses that tighten when your dog pulls are permitted in class. 

No puppies are to have face to face on lead meetings during class. The room will be divided into zones to ensure each puppy has their own space. On lead greetings can be very frustrating and can cause disagreements between dogs. 

Liabilty and Risk

Participation in puppy classes is at your own risk. Sits & Wiggles is not liable for any injury, loss or damage to you, your puppy, or your equipment unless it is due to negligence. 

Owners are responsible for any damage or injury caused by their dog. 

Health and Safety

No owners or dogs are permitted to attend class if they are unwell, or have any contagious conditions. This includes Covid19. 

Any toileting accidents by your puppy must be cleaned up immediately and hygienically. I will provide a cleaning kit and poo bags. 

I will provide a bowl of water for each puppy, but you are responsible for ensuring your puppy only drinks from their designated water bowl. No sharing of bowls is permitted. 

The venue has a couple of parking spaces outside the main door, and more cars may fit if you block each other in. However, there are houses and businesses behind the venue that share the access road, so you must not block or partially block that road. Please ensure there is enough room for emergency service vehicles to use the access road. If you cannot park outside the venue, the next turn off from Windsor Court is wide enough to park on. Please be considerate of other road users and the residents of Windsor Court when parking. 

The Vision Hut does have toilets we can use, but these must be left in excellent condition please! 

Photos and Marketing

I will sometimes take videos and photographs during class to be used on my website, social media or other marketing, or to make educational content for social media or future clients. 

By attending class, you have agreed to photographs and videos to be taken and used in this way. 

Any attendee may opt out of photography and videos at any time. Please just let me know. 

If a photograph happens to contain a clear and readable view of your dog’s identity tag, I will blur it before using the photograph. 

Communication and Support

Extra information about the classes may be shared with you via email or WhatsApp message after and between classes. By attending you agree to receive these communications. Under GDPR rules, your information will not be visible to or shared with other class attendees. 

Any extra support you may need with continuing class activities between classes may also be accessed this way. My email inbox and WhatsApp are always open, and I don’t mind receiving messages at any time. However, I am unlikely to reply early in the morning or overnight until a more suitable time. During the day Monday to Friday I am a dog walker and will only reply to messages between and after walks as the dogs require my full attention. I also have a family, 3 dogs of my own, and run this business entirely by myself so instant replies are unlikely! However, I will get back to you as quickly as I possibly can. Please be patient. 

Any other advice about dog training that isn’t directly related to the content of the classes will not be given. If you require further support with your dog’s training, please contact me to discuss booking one to one training or further classes. 

Right to Remove or Refuse

I reserve the right to remove a dog and owner from the class if:

·       Their behaviour compromises the health and safety of myself or the other class attendees.

·       These terms and conditions are breached. 

·       If behaving rudely, threateningly or aggressively towards myself or other attendees.

·       If my instructions and guidance are constantly challenged. I welcome conversation about methods and well-meaning challenges to theories, but these need to take place outside of the hour group class. Constant challenges or not following instructions causes disruptions to the whole class and takes up time that has been allocated to activities, which in turn denies the other attendees the opportunity to learn. 

If asked to leave for any of these reasons, a refund will not be given. 

Equipment Required

All puppies must attend with treats! These will be used for rewards and must be provided by you. They must be something your dog absolutely loves and will be keen to work for. They must also be very small and able to be eaten very quickly. Cheese cut into very small cubes, thin slices of hot dog sausages or very small shop bought training treats are ideal. Bring far more than you think you’ll need. They need to be on your person and quickly and easily accessible to you, but not in your hand or visible to your dog at all times. Pockets or treat pouches on a belt are ideal.

You will also need a mat for your dog. Ideally something portable. You can buy purpose made dog travel mats from places like Pets at Home. Alternatively, a bath mat or a car mat may be used. It must be used exclusively for your puppy as we will require them to think of it as their mat!

Dog Walking

I only cover the areas of Ynysybwl, Coed Y Cwm and Glyncoch.

 At the moment I am only able to provide walks between 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday during term times. I will always make sure to keep clients informed of school holidays and inset days so that alternative arrangements can be made. Sometimes I am able to provide walks during school holidays and will keep clients informed. I will consider walks on the weekend and bank holidays if I am able to. 

The first two walks with your dog are a trial to make sure I am a good fit for your dog. I reserve the right to not accept any dog if I feel that I am not the right dog walker for them, or if I cannot adequately meet or manage the dog's individual needs (for example, I feel that the dog pulls too much and is too big or strong for me to manage, or if the dog is extremely reactive). I reserve this right even if walks have commenced.

All dogs must be wearing suitable equipment that is well fitting. Ideally a harness should be used, particularly if your dog tends to pull as pulling on a collar can cause injuries. Harnesses and collars should be well fitting and your dog should not be able to slip out of their equipment. I reserve the right to ask owners to change equipment if I feel it isn’t safe or doesn’t fit well. 

I do not walk dogs using choke chains, slip collars, prong collars or e-collars. There is too much potential for injury with these tools. If a dog pulls so much that these tools are required then the dog needs to work with a dog trainer to achieve loose lead walking before beginning walks with a dog walker. I will use a head collar with your dog if this is something they are used to, are comfortable with, and they don’t continue to pull even while wearing it. 

I am happy to collect and return your dog to an empty house as long as you are confident that your dog will react positively to me letting myself in. Owners must accept that this is a risk for me, and if the dog reacts aggressively to my arrival I cannot continue to do this. If you choose this option, you must provide a spare key to your property which I will store in a locked safe at all times when not in use. Alternatively, a key in a locked key box on the outside of your property can be used. A key left under a mat or a plant pot etc will not be accepted, as I cannot take any responsibility for a key that isn't secure and becomes lost or stolen. 

If a dog shows any sign of aggression towards me, walks will cease immediately with no notice. 

All walks must be booked in advance, at least a week before. If your dog has the same walks on the same days of the week, every week, then there is no need to book. I will assume that you require these same walks every week unless you notify me of a change. Bookings can be made by text, Whatsapp message or telephone on 07931 179 987, or by facebook message or email at rebecca@sitsandwigglesynysybwl.com. Whatsapp is my preferred method of contact. Please note that I do not always answer or reply instantly as I don't use my phone during dog walks. I also don't carry my work phone around in the evenings, at the weekend or when I'm on holiday. Please do not expect an instant reply. If you prefer to book ad hoc walks as and when you need them they will be first come first served, so booking as early as you can is always a good idea. 

Any cancellations must be made with at least 48 hours notice. Any cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice must still be paid for. This is because I am usually unable to fill your slot at short notice which affects my income. 

Invoices are sent out every Thursday or Friday by email for the walks your dog has received that week using Starling. Sometimes I will send them earlier in the week but the due date remains the same. These MUST be paid by the end of Sunday, before the following week begins. The bank details are always on the invoices. Please use your dog's name as a payment reference. If you become more than a week behind with payments, I am unable to continue walks until payments are up to date. Please set reminders to pay your invoices on time. 

If I need to cancel a walk (which I will always try not to do but I am just a human and I have small children too) I will always try to reschedule. 

I WILL NOT cancel because it is cold or raining. I will continue walks in almost all weather conditions. If you prefer your dog not to go out in the rain, it is up to you to check the weather forecast and cancel with 48 hours notice. Dogs will get wet and muddy, and we don't avoid the puddles. Please leave a towel just inside your door and will leave your dog as dry and clean as I can. If you’d prefer your dog to be left in a particular room when they are wet please let me know in advance. 

I will cancel walks during very hot weather, or rearrange them for cooler parts of the day where possible. During these times I will prioritise dogs with disabled or elderly owners, followed by dogs who are home alone for long periods. I will not walk your dog in high temperatures. This is not negotiable. I am not willing to take the risk of your dog getting heatstroke. I may also cancel in extremely icy weather or extreme storms, if I feel the weather is dangerous to your dog or to me. 

If you've given permission for me to use photographs of your dog on social media, I will blur photographs if their identity tag is visible. 

ALL DOGS must wear an identity tag for walks attached to their collar. This is a legal requirement and any person walking a dog without one is breaking the law. If I walk your dog without their identification tag, it is me who has broken the law and is liable for the fine! If I receive a fine because your dog isn’t wearing a collar and a tag that meets requirements you are expected to pay this. By signing these terms and conditions you agree to reimburse me. 

All dogs must be up to date with vaccinations and be regularly treated with preventative flea and worming medicines. 

You must inform me IMMEDIATELY if your dog shows any signs or symptoms of having kennel cough, and also contact your vet. I will not be able to walk your dog until two weeks after all symptoms are gone. 

I reserve the right to refuse to walk an unspayed female dog while in season if I don’t feel it’s safe or wise to continue walks. 

You must inform me if you or anybody in your household tests positive for COVID19. Walks can continue, but I will need to take extra precautions with pick ups and drop offs. Please do not wait until I have already arrived at your home to inform me that you have, or may have, COVID. 

I am unfortunately unable to walk XL Bully dogs or any dog's that meet the guideline description of the XL Bully type nor any other breed that is included under the banned breeds legislation. This is because my insurance does not provide cover for me to walk these dogs.