The training techniques used by Focus Dog Training are based on the principles of positive reinforcement and, as such, are kind, fair and reward-based. Harsh handling of dogs, physical force and the use of punishment/corrections or equipment designed to cause pain or discomfort (including slip leads, choke chains, check chains, prong collars, spray collars, e-collars or any other device deemed unacceptable by the trainer) are not permitted in training sessions and should not be used in training your dog.

To see progress with your training, you must practice regularly through the week. Training programmes will not work if you only practice at your session or if you attempt to move on past the stage your dog is coping at. If at any time you are unclear on how to implement your training plan, please use the unlimited WhatsApp support and contact your trainer directly for advice.

Our responsibility is to provide you with the knowledge and tools to successfully train your dog. Your responsibility is to employ these tools to achieve the desired results.

Classes, Bolt Ons and Private Client Packages must be paid for at the time of booking.

Classes and Bolt Ons are payable in full, Private Client Packages are either payable in full or over three months, as agreed at the point of booking.

Private Client Packages and Bolt On Packages cannot be refunded once they have been started. Bolt On Packages must be used within one month of the first booking, Private Client Packages must be used within their noted time frame - either one or two months from the first booking.

Arrangements for refunds of weekly classes are set out below.

Greater than 48hrs: Contact focusdogtrainingleeds@gmail.com to discuss cancellation or rescheduling 

Less than 48 hours notice given: no refund will be given.

In the event that we have to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather/ illness/ emergency, we will make every effort to reschedule your class booking to another mutually convenient time.

Greater than 48 hours notice given: No cost to rearrange. Contact focusdogtrainingleeds@gmail.com or contact your trainer via WhatsApp

Less than 48 hours notice given: Full cost of session forfeited. Contact focusdogtrainingleeds@gmail.com contact your trainer via WhatsApp

Exceptional circumstances may allow for bending of these rules but this is at the sole discretion of the Focus Dog Training Team; please get in touch if you feel this may be appropriate. Some of our sessions are non-refundable as we are not able to sell these spaces at such short notice therefore there is a direct cost to our business.

The sessions within the Private Client Package must all take place within their stated time frame. Eight weeks for a six session package and four weeks for a three session package. Any unused sessions will be forfeited. We recommend booking your sessions once a week. It is your responsibility to book your sessions in a timely manner using the links provided to you.

In the event that we have to cancel a private training session due to unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather/illness/emergency, we will make every effort to reschedule your session to another mutually convenient time. If this is not possible within the time frame of your package, we will extend your package by an additional week to allow you to reschedule the cancelled session.

​Please bring your dog to training sessions and classes in a Y-shaped harness or flat collar with a fixed lead. We recommend using leads around 1.5m long for classes and training sessions. If you are unsure what equipment is appropriate, please ask your trainer.

Long lines may be used in training sessions and in some classes, but only with the prior approval of your trainer.

Extendable/retractable leads are not permitted in classes or training sessions for safety reasons.

Please bring plenty of food rewards to each session; as a general rule we recommend doubling whatever you initially get out to ensure you have enough. You’ll need quick and frequent access to treats throughout your training so we recommend using a treat pouch or putting them in an easily accessible pocket.

Females in season may attend training sessions, however please inform your trainer in advance by emailing focusdogtrainingleeds@gmail.com and ensure that you do not come into contact with other dogs in the area. Your dog must remain on a short lead through the entirety of the session unless a full risk assessment has been done by your trainer, in which case a long line may be deemed appropriate.

Females in season may attend group classes at your trainer's discretion. Please inform your trainer in advance by emailing focusdogtrainingleeds@gmail.com or contacting them via WhatsApp, and ensure that you do not come into contact with other class participants.

If your instructor believes your presence in class is too disruptive, they may ask you to leave the session.

Any instances of accident or injury to dog or handler must be reported to the trainer at the time of occurrence.

All dogs must be kept under close control and it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the safety of themselves, their dog, and others (other animals and people) at all times. 

Clients are responsible for providing a complete and accurate history of their dog's behavior to ensure the trainer can make informed decisions regarding suitable training locations and the dog’s proximity to others.

Instructions given by the trainer regarding safety measures such as the use of muzzles, physical barriers, and leads must be followed in all training sessions. We reserve the right to end the session, or ask you to leave a class, at any time if the requested safety measures have not been implemented.

It is your responsibility to ensure any equipment such as collars, leads, and harnesses are in full working order and well fitted to your dog.

Parking at the training venues or in public places is done completely at your own risk. We do not accept any liability for your vehicle or contents, nor do we accept responsibility for any fines you incur.

Children are welcome to attend training sessions and classes, with appropriate adult supervision

We accept no responsibility for children at training sessions and it is the responsibility of the supervising adult to ensure the children’s safety at all times. Young people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

If your trainer feels your child is being disruptive to the session, they will attempt to speak to you subtly there and then and they may request you not bring them to future sessions. It may be deemed necessary for the trainer to ask you to leave the session.

All dogs and puppies should be suitably protected from the potential risk of disease, as well as being appropriately treated for internal and external parasites. Focus Dog Training advises that owners should consult their veterinary professional with regard to such issues. We do not mind if you choose to use annual vaccinations or titre testing, but please ensure you remain up to date with your chosen method of protection.

There can be no guarantee that there is absolutely no risk of disease at any venue or when in contact with any other dogs or equipment, such as toys, which may have been in contact with other dogs.

It is the owner/ handler’s responsibility to ensure that their dog is appropriately protected against the risk of disease; Focus Dog Training accepts no responsibility for the potential or actual exposure of dogs to disease.

Please advise us in advance of the session if your dog has been in contact with another dog infected by a contagious disease or if they appear to be unwell (eg. vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, runny nose etc). Depending on the issue, it may be advisable for the session to be cancelled or re-arranged (see Refunds and Cancellations).

If your dog has any known allergies or intolerances  or has any other specific medical or health needs, it is your responsibility to bring this to the attention of the trainer prior to the start of the session, and to provide appropriate alternatives.

Photographs or videos may occasionally be taken by us during training sessions. Such photos may be used by Focus Dog Training for the purposes of marketing. If you do not wish for photographs or videos of you and/ or your dog to be used or shared, please let us know prior to your session.

Any verbal or written feedback (eg. by email or on feedback forms) may be used for marketing purposes (for example, posted on the website). Only the first name of the person and dog will be used as identification. If you are not happy for us to use your feedback in this way, please let us know.

Photography and videography of sessions or parts of sessions by clients is NOT permitted, without the express permission of Focus Dog Training.

Our full Privacy Policy is available to view by clicking on the link on the footer of any page of our website.