Training terms and conditions
Clear expectations.
Safer training.
These terms apply when you book, purchase or participate in dog training services, programs, classes, consultations or events provided by The Operant Dog.
By completing a booking or enrolment, you confirm that you have read and accepted these terms.
Last updated: August 2026
Working together
What you can expect from us, and what we need from you.
Good training relies on clear communication between the trainer, the handler and the dog in front of us.
Our approach
Training and welfare
- Harsh corrections are not used or permitted
- Dogs do not make contact during group sessions unless specifically instructed
- Exercises may be modified for the dog, handler and environment
- Reasonable safety and handling instructions will be explained clearly
Dog training involves working with living animals whose behaviour can be affected by health, history, environment, stress and events outside training sessions.
Specific behavioural outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Your responsibilities
Accurate information matters
You are responsible for:
- Providing accurate information about your dog’s behaviour, health and training history
- Disclosing any history of biting, aggression, guarding or escaping
- Keeping your dog appropriately restrained when not actively training
- Bringing requested equipment, food rewards and water
- Complying with relevant dog registration, identification and restraint laws
- Supervising children or additional attendees accompanying you
Please tell The Operant Dog if your dog’s behaviour or health changes after enrolment.
Health and participation
Bring the dog who can safely take part.
Dogs attending group training must meet the age and vaccination requirements stated for the program.
Dogs must not attend if they show signs of infectious illness, including vomiting, diarrhoea, persistent coughing or unusual discharge.
Please contact The Operant Dog before attending if you are uncertain whether your dog is well enough to participate.
Bookings and attendance
The practical details.
Open each section for information about payments, missed classes, cancellations, weather and support between sessions.
Bookings and payment
A place is not reserved until the required payment has been received.
Prices, inclusions, dates, locations and session lengths are shown on the relevant service or enrolment page at the time of booking.
Prices may vary between programs, locations and future intakes.
Cancellations and missed sessions
Please provide as much notice as possible if you cannot attend a session.
Group programs are delivered as structured courses. Missed group sessions may not be refundable, transferable or available as individual make-up sessions because your place has been reserved for the full program.
Any available rescheduling, transfer or credit will depend on the service, notice provided and availability.
If The Operant Dog cancels a session, a replacement session, credit or appropriate refund for the affected service will be offered.
Nothing in these terms limits any rights or remedies available under the Australian Consumer Law.
Weather and venue changes
Training may continue in light rain or other manageable conditions.
Exercises, session times or locations may be adjusted when conditions affect safety or effective learning.
If a session must be postponed, participants will be notified as early as reasonably possible and an alternative arrangement will be provided.
Reactivity Support packages
Reactivity Support packages are developed after an initial consultation and may vary according to the dog’s behaviour, environment and training needs.
Owners are expected to practise agreed exercises between sessions and provide relevant updates where requested. Progress depends partly on consistency outside scheduled sessions.
WhatsApp support is intended for relevant questions, updates and agreed homework videos between sessions.
It is not an emergency service and does not replace veterinary care or an in-person behavioural assessment.
Veterinary care and emergencies
The Operant Dog does not provide veterinary advice.
Concerns involving pain, injury, illness or sudden behavioural change should be discussed with a qualified veterinarian.
If urgent veterinary assistance appears necessary during a session and the owner cannot act or be contacted, reasonable steps may be taken to protect the dog’s welfare.
Veterinary and transport costs remain the owner’s responsibility.
Safety and liability
Reasonable care is taken to provide a safe training environment.
Working with dogs involves inherent risks, including unexpected movement, falls, bites, scratches and interactions with the surrounding environment.
Participants must take reasonable care for their own safety, their dog’s safety and the safety of other people and animals.
Nothing in these terms excludes or limits a guarantee, right or remedy that cannot legally be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation.
Privacy
How your information is handled.
Personal information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.