Dog TrainiNg Policies

Service Agreement with Clients

Thank you for entrusting us with your dog's training!

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our policies.

If you are securing services for additional participants, such as your spouse(s), partner(s), family, other housemates, and/or friends, the terms of this service agreement extend to all individuals engaging in the services provided by Born to Be Dog Training (the company). The primary responsibility lies with the Client (identified as the Primary Handler on the intake form).

Description of Services

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.

Communication Policy

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.

Dog Health & Behavior

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.

Intake Form

You must complete and deliver to us through our website or directly the Born to Be Dog Training Intake Form (the “Intake Form”) before any services will be provided. You, as the Client, represent and warrant to us that the information provided by you in the Intake Form is true and accurate. You will promptly disclose to us any changes to the information in the Intake Form and will provide any other information necessary for us to provide the services under this Agreement. In particular, you will:

Inform us of any bite history, medical history or allergies your dog(s) has/have in addition to all known behavioral issues or fears;

Inform us if your dog is not spayed or neutered; and

Any references in this Agreement to “your dog” or “the dog” refer to the dog or dogs identified in the Intake Form provided by you and accepted by us at the time of submission.

The signed Service Contract and Intake Form remain valid for the duration of your training relationship with Born to Be Dog Training. These terms apply to your current session or package as well as any future sessions, packages, renewals, or services, unless otherwise specified in writing. Submission is required only once and remains in effect for the entirety of our professional relationship.

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

Payment Policy

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 Policy

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 Packages expire 6 months from original payment date. There are no refunds on expired Packages. Once your Package is expired, you will need to purchase a new Package. As such, when purchasing, please make sure you can make a reliable commitment to regular training sessions.

While we’ll do our best to check in and help with scheduling when needed, it’s ultimately your responsibility to make sure your sessions are booked within the agreed timeframe so you can get the most out of your training.

If you receive a credit for future services (such as from a reschedule, cancellation, or other circumstance), your credit will follow the same expiration dates as outlined for your subscription, package, or hours in this Agreement or in written communication with the Company. In some cases, we may be able to offer flexibility with expiration dates; these exceptions are considered individually and are at the Company’s discretion.

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.

Refund Policy

NO-REFUND POLICY. Once payment has been made for dog training services, it is considered final and non-refundable. If you need to cancel, any payments already made may be applied as a credit toward future services, in line with our cancellation policy. Because of the nature of our services, we generally cannot offer refunds; however, in certain limited situations, the Company may make exceptions as outlined in this Agreement.

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.

Cancellation & No Show Policy

Client Cancellations: 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.

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.

Rescheduling Policy

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.

Client Responsibilities

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

GENERAL CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES: You are responsible for the following:

- Ensuring that your dog is in good health and free from any contagious diseases or conditions.

- Providing proof of current vaccinations and deworming, as required by law, prior to the start of training when requested.

- Complying with all applicable leash laws and ordinances when on walks or in public areas.

- Providing and maintaining your own equipment, including but not limited too, a secure collar and leash for your dog during training sessions.

- Arriving on time for scheduled training sessions and providing appropriate cancellation notice

- Scheduling and/or requesting to reschedule sessions via Company's calendar with provided links from Company.

- Participating in training sessions as directed by the Company's trainer and following through with any recommended training exercises or techniques.

- Pay all session costs and applicable fees as outlined for the services you choose.

CLIENT TOOLS & EQUIPMENT. You are responsible for supplying all necessary tools and equipment for your dog's training, including but not limited to leashes, collars, and training treats. The Company will not be responsible for providing any such tools or equipment; however, in some cases, the Company may lend you our Company equipment, tools, or treats for the duration of the training session at Company's discretion. All Company equipment and tools must be returned to Company unless otherwise agreed upon by Company. The Company may recommend certain tools or equipment for you to use during training, but it is ultimately your responsibility to obtain and maintain these items, and to follow all instructions provided by the Company regarding the use of such tools and equipment.

AVERSIVE TRAINING TOOLS & TECHNIQUES. You agree to use only tools, techniques, and equipment that are safe and humane for your dog. You agree not to use any aversive training tools or methods during the training of your dog. Such tools and methods include but are not limited to choke chains, prong collars, shock collars, invisible fences, and physical punishment. The use of any of these tools or methods is strictly prohibited when contracted with the Company. You understand that the use of aversive training tools or methods may cause physical and emotional harm to your dog, and may even be illegal in certain circumstances. They can also interfere with progress. If you are found to be using any aversive training tools or methods during the training of your dog, the Company has the right to terminate the training services immediately without refund. The Company is committed to using only positive reinforcement and humane training methods, and you agree to abide by this commitment throughout the duration of retaining Company services.

Contract Breaches

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.

Release of Liability

You hereby releases and forever discharges Company, its owners, employees, and agents from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action for any harm, injury, or damages caused by your dog(s) during the course of training sessions or related activities, and to assume all risks associated with the dog's training.

You agree that you will be responsible for any harm, injury, or damages caused by your dog(s) to other dogs, people, or property during and outside of the training sessions. You acknowledge and understand that any medical conditions, injuries or illnesses that may occur to you, other people, other pets, other animals, or your dog(s) themself during or as a result of dog training services are your sole responsibility, and the Company shall not be held liable for any such occurrences.

You acknowledge that dog training involves certain risks and agrees to assume all such risks and to hold Company harmless from any and all damages, losses, or expenses arising from your use of the training services. You further acknowledge that you have read and understand this release of liability. You voluntarily sign this agreement as a condition of receiving dog training services from Company.

Waiver & Indemnification

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

INHERENT RISKS. By enrolling your dog in Company dog training services, you acknowledge that dog training involves inherent risks and that no amount of training can eliminate all risks associated with dog behavior. You acknowledge and assume all risks and dangers associated with dog training, including but not limited to the risk of dog bites or other injuries. You further acknowledges and agrees that you assume full responsibility for the actions of your dog.

INJURIES, HARM, & DAMAGES. You agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Company, its owners, employees, agents, and representatives from any and all claims, actions, suits, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or in connection with the dog training services, including, but not limited to, any injuries or damages caused by your dog to other dogs, other people, or property during and outside the training sessions, or violation of any law or ordinance. You acknowledge that you are solely responsible for the behavior and actions of your dog during training sessions and at all times. You agree that the Company is not liable for any damage, injury, or harm caused by your dog. You understand and agrees that Company is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property that may occur during training sessions.

MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL CONDITIONS. You acknowledge that Company is not liable for any pre-existing medical or behavioral conditions of your dog that may be aggravated during training sessions. By enrolling your dog in Company services, you agree to these terms and conditions and understands that you are waiving your right to sue Company and/or seek damages in connection with the Company's services.

GENERAL INDEMNIFICATION. You further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Company from any and all claims arising out of any breach of contract, costs and expenses (including in-house and outside attorney's fees), misrepresentation, damages, liabilities, or negligence on your part, your dog, or any third party.

EQUIPMENT & TRAINING TOOLS. You understand that the Company is not responsible for any damages or injuries that may result from the use of any chosen tools or equipment during and outside of training sessions. You agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless for any damages, injuries, or claims arising out of your use of any tools or equipment, either chosen by yourself, lended by Company, or recommended by the Company. You also agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless for any damages, injuries, or claims arising out of your use of aversive training tools or methods during the training of your dog.

COMPANY PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. You agree that Company retains all right, title and interest in and to any and all intellectual property, trade secrets or other proprietary rights related to Company and/or the services furnished by Company, including but not limited to all copyrights, trademarks, service marks, privacy and publicity rights. You will have no right to use or disclose any of the foregoing without the prior written consent of Company in each instance.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California in Santa Clara county.

Force Majeure

In the event of a force majeure event, such as natural disasters, strikes, civil unrest, war, pandemics, government restrictions, or any other events that are outside of our control, the Company may be unable to provide the services outlined in this Agreement to you. If such an event occurs, Company will make every effort to provide the services as soon as possible. However, we reserve the right to cancel or postpone the delivery of services without liability for any loss or damage arising from such cancellation or postponement.

If the force majeure event results in a cancellation or postponement of services, we will notify you as soon as possible following the Communication Policy, and work with you to reschedule the training services at a mutually convenient time. If rescheduling is not possible, we may issue a refund at our discretion. See Refund Policy and Cancellation Policy for more information.

Contact Us:

In-Person Service Counties:

Essex, Morris, Union, Middlesex, & Passaic counties

We are located in:

Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ 07054

DISCLAIMER: Behavior modification is a collaborative process that depends on the consistent implementation of training techniques by the owner. While we specialize in fostering positive behavioral changes, no trainer can guarantee specific outcomes or "cure" a dog's behavior. As behavior is influenced by numerous factors, including environment and individual circumstances, the dog's behavior remains the responsibility of the owner.

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All rights reserved.