This contract must be printed out, signed, and submitted either by fax with signature (prior to lesson).   Below is a HTML representation of the contract.

Mannerly Mutts Dog Training

Private Training Contract

37 Paul Street York Beach Maine 03910 (Phys Address)

PO Box 441 York Beach Maine 03910 (Mail Address)

(207) 361-4395   mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com

 

___________________________[“Owner”] herby retains Robin Rubin [“Dog Trainer”] of Mannerly Mutts Dog Training to coach in training _________________[“The Dog(s)”] under the following terms and conditions:

 

1. Location.   The lessons will take place at the ________________________________.
2. Sessions.   Sessions last approximately one hour.   If more help is needed, that will be provided at no additional charge for as long as the trainer feels is necessary.  However, lateness on the client’s part does not prolong the session.    Basic obedience training generally requires twelve weeks, but may be longer in some cases.   In other cases where a dog may have had some experience, it may be shorter to reach the expected goals.
3. Cancellation or Rescheduling.   48 hours notice is required to cancel or reschedule a lesson.   I allow for three of these during the twelve-week training period.   A voice message or e-mail message may be sent to do this, and I will confirm that I have received the message during that day.   If the client does not cancel as required, and is not present at the lesson location, they will either loose that lesson or need to pay for additional ones at the end.   However, if the trainer feels that the client is acting irresponsibly, the trainer retains the right to cancel the package without any refund due to the client.
4. Maintenance of Goals.   The owner recognizes that this training session does not train the dog, but instead coaches the owners to train their dog according to skills conveyed and homework provided.  In order for the dog to obey the owner, the following must occur:
   1. The owner must understand the basic principles of training (this will be explained and provided by the trainer).
   2. The owner must apply the basic principles of training.
   3. The owner must not interact with the dog in a way that rewards bad behavior and/or punishes good behavior.
   4. The owner must regularly train the dog at least an hour a day (not in one block but as will be explained different points of the day), six days a week to convey and fine tune command performance (as will be explained by the trainer).
   5. The owner must not give commands that they are not ready to reinforce if the dog does not perform.  
   6. There will be a test given after six lessons are completed to determine whether the client has completed their assignments properly.   If the client does not pass the test, a catch up period will be allowed to complete their homework, and try again.   The lessons will be cancelled if the client can not demonstrate that they have done the homework (assuming no special problems), and no refund will be forwarded to the client for this.
   7. Their will also be a test after 12 sessions to determine if the client is due a certificate of completion.
5. Guarantee.   Mannerly Mutts does not guarantee training in this arrangement.   Much of the training is going to be done by the client.   The trainer cannot control whether the client follows the advice, does the homework, is consistent outside of training time, and many other factors.   However, if the following is documented for the trainer,  but there is not satisfactory improvement in the dog as agreed by the client and trainer, a refund of some sort will be considered:
   1. Communication in between lessons of any difficulties or problems that were arising.
   2. Proof that homework was accomplished by the ability of the client to produce results of exercises as will be outlined.
6. Fee.   The fee for the training described in this contract is either $600.00 prepaid (at Mannerly Mutts Location) or starts at $720.00 prepaid (possibly at client's location) for twelve sessions of approximately one hour (per week) of training at client’s location.  The client understands if only  consulting sessions or evaluation sessions are purchased, the cost for that is $90.00 for for less than the agreed upon session units at our location (100.00 for one session at clients location), but not more than the total package fee agreed upon.  For instance, if a 12 session package was purchased, but only 7 sessions were attended then the cost for those consulting or evaluation sessions would only be 600.00 Instead of 630.00.  The price for twelve sessions is significantly discounted as such, but only when purchased as a package.   The fee does not include any additional training equipment, which is the responsibility of the client to purchase.   If a package of six sessions are allowed for a dog that is under 6 months OR due to time constraints of the owner (requires pre-approval) these cost 60.00 per session with a minimum of 6 weeks totaling $360.00 minimum for on site or 420.0 for approved off site locations.
7. Bounced Check Fee.   If a check bounces, the fee is to be reimbursed to Mannerly Mutts or Robin Rubin immediately in the form of cash.   The training fee is also to be provided to Mannerly Mutts Immediately in the form of cash.
8.  Vaccinations and Medications.  The owner is responsible that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parovirus, and parainfluenza.    If at Mannerly Mutt location, proof of vaccination must be submitted and bordatella is required.
9. Aggressive Dogs.  The owner warrants that he/she has disclosed to the trainer in writing (client interview form & other) any behavior that may indicate that the dog may be aggressive to other dogs or people, included but not limited to growling, forceful barking, snapping, raising of hackles, lowering of head and staring, chasing, attempting to bite, and biting.  The trainer reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services for an aggressive dog, in which case the trainer will have no further obligation to the owner and the owner will be refunded their money.
10. Liability.  All behavioral advice and training suggestions are provided at the client’s own risk.   Use of this information is voluntary and Mannerly Mutts is not responsible for injury to another human or animal.  The client is at all times responsible for the actions of their dog.  Mannerly Mutts and Robin Rubin (The Trainer) is not responsible for any injuries or expenses resulting from socialization or training.   Dogs participating in physical exercises may be injured by running, jumping, chasing a ball et.  Client hereby indemnifies and holds harmless Mannerly Mutts and Robin Rubin (The Trainer).  

 

 

Date:_______________________________________________

 

Owner’s Signature (printed and signed):

 

 

Trainer

Robin Rubin, Mannerly Mutts