Terms & Conditions

Please contact me with any questions before submitting payment for a class or booking an appointment.

1. General

  • Training is conducted using positive, reward-based methods only. Guardians using harsh or punishment-based techniques may be asked to discontinue training.

  • All instructions provided by instructors or assistants must be followed.

  • Paws & Reward reserves the right to refer clients to another trainer if we believe their needs would be better supported elsewhere.

  • While all reasonable care is taken during training, Paws & Reward is not liable for any injury or damage sustained by you, your dog, or anyone accompanying you.

  • Guardians are responsible for any damage or costs arising from their dog or themselves during training.

  • Training outcomes depend on your commitment, consistency, and the nature of your dog’s behaviour. No results are guaranteed.

  • All training materials—including handouts, documents, and reports—are copyrighted. Sharing them publicly requires prior written consent (email: info@pawsandreward.com.au).

2. Travel Fees

A travel fee applies for consults located more than 20 km from Blackwood Uniting Church.
The fee is charged at $1 per additional kilometre each way.

3. Additional Time During Consults

Some consults may require extra time depending on the behaviours being addressed or the number of people/dogs present. This may not be known until the session has begun. Additional time is charged at $20 per 15 minutes.

We will make every effort to inform you of additional charges at the time, though this may not always be possible.

4. Cancellation Policy for Private Consults

Client-Initiated Cancellations

  • Cancellations made more than 48 hours before your appointment: deposit refunded minus a $30 administration fee.

  • Cancellations made within 48 hours: deposit is non-refundable.

  • No-shows or cancellations/rescheduling within 12 hours are charged the full session fee.

Provider-Initiated Cancellations

If Paws & Reward must cancel or reschedule, we will provide as much notice as possible.
If no suitable alternative is available, a full refund of any prepaid fees will be offered.

Emergency Cancellations

We understand emergencies happen. Please contact us as soon as possible. Penalties may be waived at our discretion.

By booking a session, you agree to these conditions.

5. Training Package Expiry

Training packages are valid for 9 months from the date of the initial consultation.
Unused sessions expire after 9 months and are non-refundable.

6. Terms & Conditions for Group Classes

By submitting payment, you agree to the following:

Enrolment & Refunds

  • No refunds are available after enrolling in Puppy College, as you receive immediate access to Lesson 1 and all course resources.

  • If your dog is too anxious or stressed to continue in a group setting, remaining fees may be transferred to a private consultation at our discretion.

Missed Classes

In order to maintain small class sizes, personalised attention, and the best training results possible, we do not provide make-ups or refunds for missed classes. Because our aim is to provide a personalised small-group experience that sets our students up for the best chance of success, we actively enforce this policy. We appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and respect for fellow students.

Postponing Enrolment

  • A minimum of one week’s notice is required to postpone to a later course date.

  • Less than one week’s notice: postponement is only possible if we can fill your spot.
    If not, the booking is forfeited.

Private Puppy College Add-Ons

Private sessions bundled with Puppy College must be used within one month of the course end date.
Unused sessions will be forfeited or may be transferred to a Basic Manners consult/program.

Payment & Pricing

  • Payment secures your place and prevents others from registering.
    Please ensure you can attend all sessions before enrolling.

  • All prices include GST and may change at any time.

Waiver, Assumption of Risk & Hold Harmless Agreement

By participating in Paws & Reward training:

  • You acknowledge that attending dog training classes carries inherent risks to yourself, your dog, your family, and guests.

  • You agree to follow all safety instructions provided by staff.

  • You waive all claims for injuries or damages arising from your participation, including those caused by another dog.

  • You accept responsibility for controlling your dog at all times.

  • Paws & Reward may remove any handler/dog from class if safety is compromised. No refunds or credits will be issued in this circumstance.

Requirements & Class Conduct

Attendance

  • At least one adult (18+) must control the dog at all times.

  • Children are welcome but must follow safety guidelines:

    • Children under 5 require an additional supervising adult.

    • Children must remain with their adult and not wander during class.

General Expectations

  • Arrive 5 minutes early. Please respect your fellow students and your instructor by avoiding late arrivals, as they are very disruptive to the class. If you arrive late, entry is not guaranteed.

  • Wear safe footwear (no heels, thongs, or backless shoes).

  • Phones must be silent; step away from the training area to take calls.

  • Punishment, force, or aversive training tools are not permitted.
    Inappropriate behaviour toward dogs, participants, or staff may result in removal without refund.

Cancellations (Group Classes)

Classes may be cancelled due to weather, instructor illness, or emergencies.
If this occurs, you will be contacted, and the course will be extended accordingly.

Low Enrolment Policy

A minimum of three dogs is required for a class to proceed.
If enrolment is low, you will be notified at least two days before the start date and offered:

  • A full refund, or

  • Transfer to another class.

What to Bring to Class

Healthy Dog

Dogs must be healthy and free from parasites or contagious illness.
If your dog is unwell (coughing, diarrhea, sneezing), please leave them at home—you’re still welcome to attend without them.

Appropriate Equipment

  • Flat collar or harness

  • 4–6 ft lead (no chain, retractable, or aversive collars)

If you feel you need special equipment to control your dog, please contact us before class.

Food Rewards

Bring plenty of high-value treats, cut into pea-sized pieces.
Soft treats work best. Avoid relying on kibble, as it is usually not rewarding enough in a distracting environment.

Hunger Level

Feed lightly before class—slightly hungry dogs are more engaged.

Vaccination Records

Please bring or send a photo of your dog’s current vaccination records before your first session.