Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions

Ella the Animal Behaviourist– 1-to-1 & Online Dog Training and Behaviour

1. Definitions

  • “Trainer”, “we”, “us”, “our”, “I” or “Me'“ refers to Ella Rowlands.

  • “Client”, “you”, or “your” refers to the dog’s owner or legal handler.

  • “Dog” refers to any dog owned or handled by the client.

  • “Session” or “Training” refers to any 1-to-1 in-person or online training or behaviour consultation.

2. Professional Standards (ABTC Alignment)

Ella works in line with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) principles, including:

  • Prioritising dog welfare and emotional wellbeing

  • Using ethical, evidence-based, force-free methods

  • Avoiding pain, fear, intimidation, or coercion

  • Working within the limits of our professional competence

Where appropriate, we may recommend referral to a veterinary professional or another suitably qualified behaviourist.

3. Acceptance of Terms

By booking or attending a session, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.

4. Scope of Services & Outcomes

We provide training and behaviour support tailored to the individual dog and household.

We cannot guarantee outcomes. Behaviour change depends on:

  • the dog’s learning history, genetics, and health

  • environmental factors

  • consistency and accuracy of implementation by the client

Advice is provided to support improvement, management, and welfare — not to provide a “quick fix”.

5. Client Responsibilities (All Sessions)

You agree that:

  • You are legally responsible for your dog at all times

  • You will provide accurate and complete information, including:

    • aggression, reactivity, fear, or previous bite incidents

    • medical conditions or medication

  • You will follow safety and management advice given

  • You understand that progress relies on practice outside sessions

Failure to disclose relevant information may result in immediate termination of services without refund.

IN-PERSON 1-TO-1 SESSIONS

6. Safety, Control & Equipment

  • Dogs must remain under suitable control at all times

  • Use of leads, harnesses, long lines, muzzles, or barriers may be required

  • Equipment recommendations will always prioritise welfare and safety

We reserve the right to pause, adapt, or end a session if safety or welfare is compromised.

7. Environment & Location

Sessions may take place in your home, outdoors, or at an agreed location.

You are responsible for:

  • providing a safe environment

  • securing other animals or people if requested

  • informing us of any hazards

8. Health & Welfare

  • Dogs must be physically and emotionally fit to participate

  • Sessions may be postponed or ended early if a dog shows signs of illness, injury, or excessive stress

  • Welfare will always take priority over completing a session

ONLINE SESSIONS

9. Nature of Online Behaviour Support

Online sessions are educational and advisory.
They rely on:

  • your descriptions and video footage

  • your safe handling of your dog

We cannot physically intervene and therefore cannot be responsible for real-time management.

10. Online Safety & Technology

  • You are responsible for your dog’s handling and safety

  • You must ensure a suitable space, device, and internet connection

  • Sessions disrupted by client-side technical issues may still be chargeable

AGGRESSIVE & REACTIVE DOG CLAUSE

11. Aggression, Reactivity & Risk

Aggression and reactivity are normal canine behaviours, often linked to fear, stress, frustration, or past experiences.

You agree that:

  • All known incidents of aggression, snapping, biting, or attempted bites must be disclosed prior to sessions

  • Management strategies (e.g. muzzles, leads, distance, barriers) must be followed

  • You remain legally responsible for preventing harm

We reserve the right to:

  • require additional safety measures

  • modify the training plan

  • suspend or terminate sessions if risk cannot be safely managed

We do not work with methods designed to suppress behaviour through fear, pain, or intimidation.

BOOKINGS, PAYMENTS & CANCELLATIONS

12. Payments

  • Payment is required in advance unless otherwise agreed

  • Prices are as advertised at the time of booking

  • Packages must be used within the stated time frame

13. Cancellations & Rescheduling

  • One week’s hours’ notice is required

  • Late cancellations or non-attendance may be charged in full

  • If we cancel, sessions will be rescheduled or refunded

14. Refunds

Refunds are not provided for:

  • missed sessions without sufficient notice

  • sessions already delivered

  • lack of progress due to advice not being followed

Unused sessions are refundable at our discretion.

LIABILITY & LEGAL

15. Liability

  • Working with dogs involves inherent risk

  • We are not liable for injury, loss, or damage caused by your dog, except where required by law

  • Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence

16. Right to Refuse or Terminate Services

We reserve the right to refuse or end services if:

  • safety or welfare is compromised

  • these terms are breached

  • abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behaviour occurs

17. Photography & Recording

Photos or recordings may be used for training records or educational/marketing purposes.
Please notify us in writing if you do not consent.

18. Data Protection

All personal data is handled in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

19. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

20. Contact Details

Ella the Animal Behaviourist
Email: ellaanimalbehaviour@gmail.com
Phone: 07564657034