Dog TrainiNg Policies

Born to Be Dog Training offers professional dog training services tailored to the Client's goals, as outlined in the intake form and through regular communications. Sessions are conducted at locations agreed upon in advance, employing positive reinforcement and humane methods. Born to Be Dog Training may recommend training tools, and the Client commits to responsible use. A customized training plan may be developed, with adjustments as needed through the training period.

Both Parties understand that the success of the training depends on the Client's commitment to follow through with Born to Be Dog Training's recommendations. Client adherence to recommended practices and prompt communication of concerns is essential. Born to Be Dog Training reserves the right to refuse or terminate services if the safety of any party, including the dog, is at risk.

Additionally, Born to Be Dog Training provides case-by-case services beyond sessions, encompassing tasks such as preparing lesson plans, evaluating behavior, consulting with experts, and offering personalized coaching and communication outside booked sessions.

Company uses humane, force-free, science-based training methods consistent with standards endorsed by veterinary and professional behavior organizations. Training is designed to promote safety, learning, and long-term behavioral success without the use of intimidation or pain. The following tools and methods are not permitted during the course of services:

- Choke / metal chains

- Prong collars

- Shock collars, electronic collars, or bark collars

- Invisible or electric fences

- Physical punishment (hitting, kicking, swatting)

- Dominance-based techniques such as alpha rolls, scruff shakes, knee jabs, sidekicks, or intimidation-based corrections

- Any tool or method intended to startle, intimidate, or cause discomfort

If Client chooses to use prohibited tools or techniques while actively working with , Company reserves the right to immediately terminate services without refund

Client is responsible for supplying all necessary tools and equipment for training, including but not limited to leashes, collars and/or harnesses, and training treats. Company is not obligated to provide Client’s tools or equipment; however, Company may, at its sole discretion, lend equipment, tools, or treats during training sessions. Any Company-owned equipment must be returned prior to or upon completion of training packages unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Company may recommend certain tools, equipment, products, or resources; however, Client is solely responsible for independently researching, selecting, obtaining, and maintaining any such items. Client acknowledges responsibility for conducting their own due diligence to determine suitability for their dog and household and for properly following all manufacturer instructions, safety guidelines, and directions for use.

You’re welcome to reach out to Born to Be Dog Training anytime, and we’ll do our best to respond within 24–48 hours during our posted business hours (listed on our website). We ask that all communication use respectful language and tone; abusive behavior may result in contract termination.

For non-urgent matters, please email [email protected]. If something feels urgent, note the urgency in your message so we can review it more quickly, though responses may still take up to 48 hours depending on the situation. Formal requests should be submitted in writing (email, text, or provided forms) with clear details, and we’ll keep all requests and responses on record for reference.

In rare emergency situations, Born to Be Dog Training may waive the written requirement and provide approvals or denials in another form at its discretion.

Health & Vaccinations: You warrant that your dog is in good health and free from communicable diseases. If requested, you agree to provide proof of your dog's current vaccinations for rabies, distemper, bordetella and other vaccinations before the start of training sessions. If the dog is not current on their vaccinations and this is requested by Born to Be Dog Training, you agree to have the dog vaccinated before the start of training sessions. You agree to inform Born to Be Dog Training of any health or behavior problems that may affect the dog's training progress. You understand and assume liability for any issues pertaining to health & vaccinations in relation to any people/dog(s)/pets throughout retention of Born to Be Dog Training's services, whether disclosed or not to the company.

Dangerous Behavior(s) & Referrals: When working with dogs, some cases may be more severe than understood during previous conversations between you and the Company. To address severe or dangerous behaviors:

Born to Be Dog Training will prioritize the safety of themselves and your dog. This may mean taking steps to limit the dog's access to other animals or people during the training sessions, and/or using a muzzle if necessary.

Born to Be Dog Training will communicate orally or otherwise with you during the session(s) about the dog's dangerous behavior, and will explain any necessary safety measures that will be implemented during the training session(s).

You agree to inform Born to Be Dog Training of any changes in your dog's behavior and/or health outside of the training sessions that may affect the dog's progress or safety.

Born to Be Dog Training may need to modify the training plan to ensure that the dog's dangerous behavior(s) is addressed appropriately. This may involve focusing on more basic obedience training and behavior modification techniques to help the dog overcome any aggressive, anxious, and/or other dangerous tendencies.

If the dog's aggression or severe issue(s) are beyond Born to Be Dog Training's level of expertise, or if the company feels that the dog may pose a safety risk to themselves or others, the Company may consider referring the dog to a specialist in the canine field and/or close the contract with you.

Disclaimer: Although behavior may be modified, the dog is never “cured”. A dog’s behavior is ultimately the responsibility of the owner. As a result of the changeability inherent in all behavior, Born to Be Dog Training cannot offer a guarantee of an animal's future behavior.

The intake form and signed liability waiver must be completed prior to any services being provided. Company reserves the right to cancel scheduled sessions without refund if required documentation is not submitted at least 24 hours in advance to scheduled session. This Agreement remains valid for the duration of Client’s relationship with Company and applies to all current and future services unless replaced by a written agreement signed by both parties. One Agreement shall cover all dogs residing in Client’s household.

View New Client Intake Form: https://link.digiwoof.com/widget/form/kJshPx2UWJY4XPSsj33W

View Cooperative Care Training only Intake form: https://link.digiwoof.com/widget/form/5VitxnAVAa1y2i60mqrO

You agree to pay the Company the full amount of all service and packages purchased.

MILEAGE & TRAVEL FEES: If mileage fees apply, you agree to pay the full amount of mileage and travel fees quoted by Born to Be Dog Training. Mileage rates are based on the current federal mileage reimbursement rate in effect at the time of service.

In the event that you are unable to make a payment, you should contact Born to Be Dog Training to discuss possible payment alternatives. The Company, at their discretion, may or may not work with you to come up with a mutually agreeable payment plan. Should a payment plan be arranged, you are responsible to fulfill your financial obligations. All fees are nonrefundable. See "Refund Policies" for more information.

EXPIRATION DATES. There are expiration dates on all subscriptions, session hours, and Packages purchased. This is due to the validity of the intake form and behavioral observations discussed at the time of this Agreement. Behavior is fluid and changes; thus, observations are only valid for a certain amount of time depending on individual training needs. Consistency and timeliness is needed to address current behavioral/training needs, as well as to effectively train your dog so no progress is lost.

All training packages expire three (3) months from the original payment date. There are no refunds or transfers of unused sessions on expired packages, and once a package has expired, Client must purchase a new package to continue services. Client is responsible for scheduling sessions within the agreed timeframe in order to receive the full benefit of training. While Company may provide reminders or assistance with scheduling when possible, ultimate responsibility for booking and completing sessions remains with Client. In the event of extenuating circumstances preventing use of sessions within the stated timeframe, Client may contact Company by email to request consideration of an extension; however, extensions are not guaranteed and may be granted solely at Company’s discretion on a case-by-case basis.

If you complete your purchased Package, you may purchase a new Package at any time. New Packages may require an updated intake form and new service agreement at the Company's discretion.

Use of Third-Party Locations. Company may provide training services at third-party locations, including but not limited to grooming salons, veterinary facilities, retail establishments, shelters, daycare facilities, boarding facilities, or other partner businesses (“Third-Party Locations”).

Independent Businesses; No Partnership. Company and any Third-Party Location are independent businesses. Nothing in this Agreement creates a partnership, joint venture, agency relationship, franchise, employment relationship, or shared operational control between Company and any Third-Party Location.

No Operational Control. Company shall have no authority over and no responsibility for the operations, employees, policies, procedures, scheduling practices, facility conditions, or business decisions of any Third-Party Location.

Training Services. When training sessions are conducted at a Third-Party Location, Company remains solely responsible for all training plans, training instruction, and training-related handling decisions. Employees or representatives of the Third-Party Location may participate in training exercises under the direct instruction and supervision of Company; however, such participation is limited to training support activities and does not constitute independent training services provided by the Third-Party Location.

Separate Services Provided by Third Parties. Any services performed by employees of a Third-Party Location — including but not limited to grooming services, bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, trimming, nail care, veterinary procedures, medical services, daycare services, boarding services, retail transactions, or other facility services — are separate from training services and are governed exclusively by that Third-Party Location’s own policies, procedures, scheduling practices, and liability standards. Company is not responsible for services, outcomes, operational practices, or decisions made by the Third-Party Location outside of direct training instruction

No Shared Liability. Client agrees that the use of a Third-Party Location for training services does not create shared liability between Company and that location. Each party is responsible only for the services it directly provides.

Insurance. Company maintains general liability insurance for the training services it provides. At Company’s discretion, a Third-Party Location may be added as an additional insured under Company’s policy solely with respect to training services performed by Company. Such designation does not create partnership, shared control, or shared operational responsibility.

Client Acknowledgment. Client understands and agrees that training services and services provided by Third-Party Locations are separate offerings provided by independent businesses, and that each party’s policies and liability apply only to the services they directly provide.

Cooperative Care Training is a specialized training service designed to condition dogs to voluntarily participate in handling, grooming, and veterinary-related procedures. Sessions may take place in the Client’s home, at third-party locations, or in other mutually agreed-upon environments. Client acknowledges that Cooperative Care Training may involve multiple handlers, grooming or handling equipment, novel environments, environmental stimuli, proximity to other animals, and physical positioning or body-handling exercises. If sessions occur at a third-party location, employees or representatives of that location may participate in training exercises under the direct guidance and supervision of Company. Such participation is limited to training support activities and does not constitute independent training services.

NO-REFUND POLICY. Once payment has been made, it is considered final and non-refundable. If Client cancels, payments already made may be applied as a credit toward future services in line with this policy. Because of the nature of services, Company generally cannot offer refunds; however, Company may make exceptions in limited situations at its sole discretion. Any exception granted shall not constitute a waiver of this policy and shall not obligate Company to provide refunds or credits in future circumstances. The Company may make exceptions as outlined below:

Non-delivery of services: If the services outlined in this Agreement are not delivered to the you by Born to Be Dog Training, you may be eligible for a refund. This does not include dissatisfaction with training.

Health concerns: If the dog becomes fatally ill or injured and is unable to participate in the training after Package is purchased, you may be eligible for a refund; Born to Be Dog Training may request direct veterinarian verification regarding dog's diagnosis.

Force Majeure: If an unforeseeable event occurs, such as natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, civil unrest, war, government restrictions, or any other events that are outside of our control, Born to Be Dog Training reserves the right to either offer a credit towards future sessions or issue a refund.

Please note that in all cases where one of these circumstances apply, the refund will be issued at Company's discretion and may be subject to certain conditions, such as you making at least 3 initial attempts to reschedule sessions using a credit from the original payment and/or return of any training equipment/products. Additionally, if you have already received any training services, the refund amount may be prorated based on the amount of services that have not yet been provided.

If any of these circumstances occur, please contact Born to Be Dog Training as soon as possible to initiate the refund process. In all other cases, Born to Be Dog Training's no-refund policy applies. If you have any questions or concerns about the no refund policy, please do not hesitate to contact Born to Be Dog Training. The Company is committed to providing excellent customer service and will do their best to address any concerns or issues that may arise.

Client Cancellations: Sessions must be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations/reschedules made less than 24 hours before the session will count as a completed session. Sessions cancelled/rescheduled more than 24 hours in advance may be moved to a new time without affecting the package

Company Cancellations & Rescheduling: In the event that the Company needs to cancel a scheduled session due to unforeseen or extenuating circumstances, the following policy will apply:

- The Company will provide as much notice as possible, ideally at least 24-48 hours in advance (if situation allows) and provide a brief explanation for the cancellation.

- The Company will offer to reschedule the session at a mutually convenient time. All Packages can be rescheduled with no penalty to you. Refunds are not given for Company cancellations, as all sessions will be rescheduled. You may refuse to reschedule, but this does not entitle you to a refund.

- If Company cancellation impacts expiration dates on your Package, the Company may provide a specific grace period.

The Company may suggest alternative options for you to continue training your dog during the time that the session was cancelled.

No Shows: If you fail to show up for a scheduled dog training session with or without providing notice to Born to Be Dog Training, the session will be counted as completed and no future credits will be issued.

Please note that the Company may make exceptions to the cancellation policy on a case-by-case basis. If you ever have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help. Our goal is always to provide excellent service and support while also ensuring that our time and resources are respected.

Coaching and training sessions must be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations and rescheduling requests made less than 24 hours before the session will count as a completed session. Sessions cancelled or rescheduled more than 24 hours in advance can be moved to a new time without affecting your package.

Training success depends on the time and effort Client dedicates to working with their dog. While Born to Be Dog Training LLC and it's affiliated trainers can coach, teach, and advise, they cannot do the training for the Client. The progress and success achieved will directly reflect the effort, consistency, and commitment Client puts into training. Remember, training is a lifelong process—continued practice is essential to maintain dog’s progress. Without ongoing practice, behaviors may regress. Safety and setting up success for both Client and their dog is of upmost importance. Please follow common sense and recommended guidelines.

GENERAL CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES: You are responsible for the following:

- Ensure dog is in good health and free from contagious disease or conditions

- Provide proof of current vaccinations or veterinary clearance when required by law or by a training location

- Fully disclose any known history of aggression, bites, reactivity, guarding behavior, medical conditions, or prior incidents

- Promptly inform Company of any new behavioral concerns, incidents, or changes during the course of services

- Comply with all applicable leash laws, municipal ordinances, and safety regulations

- Provide and maintain safe, secure, and appropriate training equipment (including collar or harness and leash)

- Supervise dog appropriately before, during, and after sessions

- Participate actively in sessions and follow through with recommended exercises and management strategies

- Schedule sessions within package timeframes and comply with cancellation policies

- Pay all fees associated with selected services

Company is not responsible for risks, injuries, or setbacks arising from incomplete disclosure, inconsistent follow-through, or failure to implement recommended management strategies.

Client acknowledges that dog training and animal handling involve inherent and unpredictable risks, including but not limited to bites, scratches, falls, escape attempts, stress responses, property damage, and injury to persons or animals. Client understands that such risks may occur before, during, or after training sessions and voluntarily assumes full responsibility for participation in training services, including Cooperative Care Training, regardless of the location in which services are provided.

Client agrees to take full responsibility for their dog’s behavior and for the safety of their dog and others, particularly around children and other animals. Client retains full ownership, care, custody, and control of their dog at all times during services. Client further agrees to implement appropriate training and management strategies to prevent the dog(s) from biting or attacking any person, whether adult or child, or other animals. Client acknowledges that no dog should ever be left alone with a child and that full, awake adult supervision is required at all times when children and dogs are together. Client understands that if a dog has previously bitten or shown aggression, strict supervision and management are always required. Client also acknowledges that no dog can be guaranteed to be 100% cured of aggression, and outcomes may vary.

Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement in the event you breach this Agreement or in the event either party’s performance of this Agreement is impaired for reasons beyond its control (e.g., a force majeure event). Company shall not be deemed in breach of this Agreement unless you have provided Company with written notice describing the alleged breach and Company fails to cure such breach within ninety (90) days of receipt of your written notice.

Liability Release
To the fullest extent permitted by New Jersey law, Client agrees to release and hold harmless Born to Be Dog Training LLC, including any affiliated brands, programs, or divisions such as Born to Be Dog Training Academy, and their respective owners, employees, contractors, agents, affiliated trainers, and any Third-Party Locations and their respective owners, employees, and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses of any kind, whether known or unknown, arising out of or related to:

- Participation in training services

- Participation in Cooperative Care Training

- The behavior or actions of Client’s dog(s)

- Injury to persons or animals

- Damage to property

- Claims arising from the acts or omissions of Third-Party Locations, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Company

This release applies to incidents occurring before, during, or after training sessions and includes claims of ordinary negligence but does not apply to gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Limitation of Liability
Company’s total cumulative liability arising out of or related to this Agreement, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, shall not exceed the total amount paid by Client to Company for the specific services giving rise to the claim. In no event shall Company be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, including but not limited to emotional distress, lost profits, or loss of companionship, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

These indemnification provisions shall survive the termination of the dog training services.

Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to:

- The actions or behavior of Client’s dog(s)

- Injury or damage caused by Client’s dog(s)

- Injury to Client, Client’s family members, guests, or third parties, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Company

- Claims brought by third parties related to Client’s dog(s)

- Client’s participation in training services

Client acknowledges that behavior outcomes depend on many factors beyond the control of Company, including environment, consistency, genetics, and prior learning history. Company makes no guarantees, warranties, or representations, express or implied, regarding specific training results or behavioral outcomes.

Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey

Venue
Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Morris County, New Jersey.

Company shall not be liable for failure or delay in performing services due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to illness, injury, weather events, facility closures, acts of God, government actions, power outages, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such events, sessions may be rescheduled at a mutually agreeable time. No refunds shall be required due to force majeure events.

Client agrees to contact Company directly to resolve any billing concerns prior to initiating a payment dispute or chargeback. Initiating a chargeback without first attempting good faith resolution shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement and may result in immediate termination of services.

Client agrees that electronic signatures and digital acceptance of this Agreement shall be legally binding and enforceable to the same extent as a handwritten signature. Client further agrees that a copy of this Agreement bearing an electronic signature shall be deemed an original and admissible as evidence in any legal proceeding.

Do you consent to the use of photos or videos from your training sessions for promotional, marketing, or educational purposes by Born to Be Dog Training LLC, including its programs, divisions, and affiliated trainers? Your name and your dog’s name will only be used for identification purposes, as appropriate.

You can change or opt out of this consent at any time by emailing [email protected].