Policies
SERVICES:
Our Training Philosophy & Mutual Commitments
The Nature of Animals training and online programs are designed to create lasting behavioral change through consistent, science-based methods, a holistic lens, and collaborative partnership. I commit to providing you with clear instruction, personalized training plans, ongoing support, and professional expertise tailored to you and your dog's individual needs.
I expect clients to actively participate in the assessment and training process by attending scheduled sessions, completing assigned homework between sessions, maintaining open communication about progress and challenges, and implementing techniques consistently at home. Training is a team effort—your commitment to practicing between sessions is essential to your dog's success.
BOOKING:
Scheduling & Payment Terms
All sessions must be booked in advance through my scheduling and payments links that I will proved after an intake form has been filled out. Payment for programs is due in full at the time of booking, or according to the payment plan we discussed. For package programs, full payment secures your spot and demonstrates commitment to the training process.
You can expect timely confirmation of your scheduled sessions, reminder communications prior to appointments, and my full preparation for each session. I expect clients to arrive on time, come prepared with necessary equipment, and honor their scheduled appointments or provide appropriate notice for changes.
CANCELLATIONS:
Cancellation Policy
To cancel a session, please contact me via email or text at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made with proper notice will be rescheduled at no charge.
In the rare event that I need to cancel a session due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances, I will provide as much notice as possible and will reschedule your session at no additional charge. Cancellations initiated by me will not count toward your session total.
END OF CONTRACT:
Program Commitment & Early Termination
Training programs are priced as complete packages designed to achieve specific goals through a structured progression of sessions. If you choose to discontinue services before completing your program, you remain financially responsible for the full program cost. Partial refunds are not provided for unused sessions when a client opts out early, as package pricing reflects a discount for the full commitment and my reservation of time exclusively for your training schedule.
RESCHEDULING:
Rescheduling Procedures
To reschedule a session, please contact me via email or text at least 24 hours in advance. I will work with you to find an alternative appointment time within a reasonable timeframe.
No-Show Policy: Failure to attend a scheduled session without prior notice will result in that session being counted as complete with no opportunity for rescheduling. Multiple no-shows may result in termination of services without refund.
If I need to reschedule due to personal circumstances, I will provide you with alternative date options and will not count the missed session toward your package total.
REFUNDS:
No Refund Policy
All sales are final. I do not offer refunds for any training programs, packages, or services once payment has been received and services have commenced. This policy allows me to maintain consistent scheduling and dedicate resources to committed clients. By booking services, you acknowledge this no-refund policy. Refund requests due to emergencies, serious illness, family crises, or other exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis at my sole discretion.
TIME LIMITS:
Service Access & Completion Timeline
Training packages must be completed within [6 months/180 days] from the date of your first session. This timeframe ensures training momentum, maintains relevance of instruction, and prevents skill degradation. Sessions not used within this period will expire without refund or extension.
Homework Compliance: Regular practice between sessions is crucial to progress. If you are consistently unprepared or have not completed assigned homework, I reserve the right to postpone sessions until you've fulfilled your practice requirements. Sessions postponed for this reason still count toward your completion timeline and may be subject to rescheduling fees.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT:
Safety Protocols for In-Person Sessions
Your safety, my safety, and your dog's well-being are my top priorities. For all in-person sessions, I require:
Full disclosure of your dog's behavioral history, including any aggression, reactivity, or fear-based behaviors, prior to our first meeting
Appropriate restraint equipment (secure leash, properly fitted collar or harness) at all times
Your dog must be under your control before I approach or interact with them
For dogs with bite history or severe aggression/reactivity, we will develop a specific safety protocol before beginning hands-on work
I will provide clear instruction before asking you to attempt any new handling techniques. Please follow all safety directions immediately and completely. If at any time I determine that a situation is unsafe, I reserve the right to end the session early without refund.
CHILDREN:
Policies Regarding Minors at Training Sessions
Private Sessions: Children under the age of 8 years old should not attend in-person training sessions unless they are actively participating in the training under direct parental supervision. Training sessions require focus and attentiveness that young children may not be able to maintain, and the presence of distracted children can compromise both learning and safety.
NON-COMPETE CLAUSE:
Exclusive Training Commitment
To ensure consistency in training methods and prevent conflicting messaging that can confuse your dog and undermine progress, I require clients to work exclusively with me for the duration of our contracted training period. Seeking concurrent training from other trainers or significantly different methodologies may result in mixed signals that compromise your dog's learning.
This policy does not apply to veterinary professionals, veterinary behaviorists, or other professional services (grooming, daycare, etc.) that I may refer you to or collaborate with as part of your dog's comprehensive care plan.
FIREABLE OFFENSES:
Grounds for Immediate Termination of Services
I reserve the right to terminate services immediately and without refund if a client engages in any of the following behaviors:
Repeated failure to communicate or "ghosting" (non-responsiveness for 2+ weeks without explanation)
Verbal abuse, harassment, racism, bigotry, discrimination, or threatening behavior toward me or other clients
Animal abuse or training methods that cause harm or distress to your dog
Consistent failure to complete homework assignments or follow through on training protocols without communication
Excessive rescheduling or repeated no-shows (3+ occurrences)
Failure to disclose known dangerous behaviors or bite history
Violation of safety protocols after warnings
I am committed to maintaining a respectful, professional, and safe environment for all clients and animals in my care.
MY AVAILABILITY TO CLIENTS:
Communication & Response Times
My regular business hours are Monday - Thursday, 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. My days off are Friday and Sunday. During business hours, I aim to respond to emails and text messages within 24 hours on business days. The best way to reach me is via email and text, and I prefer these methods for all non-urgent communications.
Holiday Schedule: I take scheduled time off during the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas through New Years and designated summer vacation times. I will provide advance notice of any planned absences. During vacation periods, I will have limited availability and response times may be longer.
HOW MY SERVICES ARE DELIVERED:
Service Delivery Format
My training programs include a combination of in-person and virtual instruction - depending on what you sign up for.
Format Flexibility: I reserve the right to transition any or all services to virtual/online delivery at my sole discretion based on weather conditions, health concerns, public health mandates, personal circumstances, or other factors. No refunds will be provided for format changes, as the educational content and value of services remain consistent regardless of delivery method.
In the event of future lockdowns, pandemics, or circumstances that prevent in-person instruction, all services will continue in a virtual format with no interruption and no refunds issued. This policy protects both your investment in training continuity and my business sustainability.