Last updated: November 5th, 2025
Welcome to South Downs Dogs. By booking any training session, class, or consultation with us, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. Please read carefully before attending your first session.
• Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
• Payment can be made online or via BACS (bank transfer).
• For ongoing classes, payment must be made before the new term starts to reserve your space.
• No refunds or credits can be given for classes missed by the client, as costs such as field hire and running expenses are still incurred.
• If South Downs Dogs needs to cancel a session due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. illness, emergency), every effort will be made to reschedule at a mutually convenient time.
• For 1-2-1 sessions, a minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required for cancellations. Cancellations with less notice will be charged in full.
• Please provide advance notice if you decide not to continue with agility classes, as places are limited and there is often a waiting list.
• In the event of extreme weather (e.g. heatwave, storm, ice), classes may be cancelled or shortened for the safety of dogs, owners, and the trainer.
• Where a class must be cancelled due to unsafe conditions, efforts will be made to offer a replacement session at a mutually convenient time.
• If weather-related cancellations occur more than once within a term, clients will be offered a class credit or alternative session to make up for the disruption.
• As we still incur venue and operating costs, no refunds are offered for isolated weather-related cancellations.
• Classes take place in outdoor environments (secure fields or open areas). Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear suitable footwear.
• Clients are responsible for ensuring their dog’s vaccinations, flea, and worm treatments are up to date.
• If a class cannot go ahead due to unsafe field conditions, a refund or credit will be offered for that session.
• Where multiple dogs come into contact during group classes, it’s essential to prevent the spread of illness.
• Kennel cough can spread quickly in areas where dogs interact closely, such as training fields or clubs.
• The first symptom is often a dry, hacking cough — it may sound like your dog is trying to clear its throat and can lead to phlegm being brought up.
• If left untreated, kennel cough can progress to a chest infection.
• The virus is airborne and can also be transmitted via clothing or contact if a dog carrying the infection brushes against people or other dogs.
• Dogs are infectious for 5–10 days before symptoms begin and remain infectious until three days after their last cough.
• If your dog is showing signs of kennel cough, or has been in contact with an infected dog, please do not attend classes until the isolation period has passed.
• South Downs Dogs reserves the right to refuse training to any dog showing signs of illness or contagious infection to protect the health of others.
• Female dogs in season (in heat) are not permitted to attend group classes for safety and concentration reasons.
• Owners are encouraged to notify the trainer as soon as possible if their dog comes into season.
• To hold your dog’s space in the class during this period, 50% of the normal class fee is required as a holding payment.
• This ensures your place is retained in the class while preventing disruption to other dogs.
• Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations, flea, and worm treatment. If a dog is found with fleas, there will be a Parasite treatment fee. Which will cover the cleaning services and treatment cost.
• Dogs showing signs of contagious illness or injury may be asked to reschedule.
• Please inform the trainer of any health issues, injuries, or behavioural changes prior to each session.
• Safety is the top priority. Sessions may be paused, altered, or terminated if a dog’s behaviour presents a risk to safety or welfare.
• If a dog causes injury to a person or another animal or displays behaviour that raises significant welfare or safety concerns, the trainer reserves the right to report the incident to the relevant authorities or veterinary professionals as required by law.
• Such reports will include only the information necessary to ensure safety and compliance with legal obligations.
• In the event of an accident, illness, or emergency while the dog is in the trainer’s care, the trainer will take all reasonable steps to contact the owner immediately.
• The trainer is authorised to act in the dog’s best interests, including obtaining veterinary treatment if required.
• The client agrees to reimburse any veterinary or associated costs incurred as a result.
• Clients must provide accurate and complete information about their dog’s health, vaccination status, and behavioural history before training begins and update the trainer on any changes.
• South Downs Dogs uses positive reinforcement-based training only. All methods are kind, fair, and reward based.
• The following are not permitted during training: harsh handling, physical punishment, or the use of aversive equipment (e.g. choke chains, prong collars, spray or e-collars, check chains, or similar devices).
• If you are currently using any of these tools, we will work together to transition your dog to more positive and effective methods.
• Children are welcome to attend, provided they are always under appropriate adult supervision.
• South Downs Dogs accepts no responsibility for children at training sessions.
• Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
• Photographs and/or videos may occasionally be taken during training sessions for marketing purposes (e.g. website, social media, printed materials).
• If you do not wish for photos or videos of you or your dog to be used, please notify us in advance.
• Written feedback (e.g. via email or forms) may be used for marketing purposes, displaying only your first name and your dog’s name, unless you request otherwise.
• South Downs Dogs complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Personal data (such as your name, contact details, and dog’s information) will be collected only for the purpose of managing bookings, providing training services, and maintaining communication with clients.
• Your information will be stored securely and not shared with third parties without your explicit consent, unless required by law.
• You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data at any time by contacting us directly.
• All client information is treated as strictly confidential.
• Owners are responsible for the conduct and safety of their dog(s) at all times.
• South Downs Dogs and its trainers accept no liability for loss, injury, or damage to persons, dogs, or property while attending training sessions or on the premises, except where caused by negligence.
• In the unlikely event that a dog requires medical attention during a session, South Downs Dogs will make every reasonable effort to ensure the dog receives appropriate care as quickly as possible. This may include contacting the owner and/or seeking veterinary assistance. All associated costs will remain the responsibility of the owner.
By booking with South Downs Dogs, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.