Terms & Conditions (aka The Boring But Important Bit)


By registering for any class, event, workshop or 1:1 session with Ricochet Dog Training (aka “The Trainer”), you agree to the following terms and conditions — lovingly created to protect everyone’s time, energy, and sanity (including yours).

Payment Policy & Buyer’s Remorse (But Only Briefly)

All packages, classes, and sessions must be paid in full at the time of booking. No IOUs, no goats, and sadly, no swapping me for sourdough starters.

Changed your mind within 24 hours of booking?

That’s okay — you’ll receive a full refund. No questions, no guilt, and no being pelted with dog biscuits.

Changed your mind after 24 hours?

At that point, your spot is locked in. As a one-woman, small-but-mighty operation, I can’t easily refill cancelled sessions. This helps keep training accessible, fair, and sustainable — for both me and the lovely folks on the waiting list.

Refunds will not be issued for:
- Double-bookings (please consult your calendar, stars, or household admin department)
- Missing a session
- Disliking the trainer’s jokes (rude, but okay)
- Refusing to do the homework
- Sudden realisation that your dog is actually a squirrel in disguise

COVID-19 & Safety
Please don’t attend training if you're feeling unwell or showing symptoms of COVID-19. We'll reschedule when you're healthy, and the treats will still be waiting.

Cancellations, Rearrangements & Make-Ups
If you need to reschedule, please give at least 48 hours' notice.

I’ll do my best to find another spot for you, or offer credit if a slot isn’t available. Less than 48 hours, and the session may still be counted — not because I’m mean, but because I’ve already prepped, packed the liver cake, and booked the field/hall.

If I ever need to cancel or reschedule (for wild weather, illness, or a sudden llama stampede), I’ll give as much notice as possible and offer an alternative time or credit.

Media & Manners
Please don’t film other dogs or humans during training without permission. Your own dog? Go wild (especially if they’re doing something gloriously daft).

A professional photographer may pop up now and then. If you’d rather your face (or your dog’s glorious backside) not feature on social media, just say so. Consent matters.

Children, Chaos & Common Sense
Children are very welcome — if supervised by an adult at all times. Training venues may have uneven ground, thistles, and the occasional squirrel heckler. If it’s unsafe or unsuitable for kids to attend, I’ll let you know gently but firmly. Your child’s safety is your responsibility.

Health, Safety & You
- You are responsible for your dog at all times, including cleaning up any unexpected “gifts” they leave behind. If there's no bin nearby, you get to carry the poop bag like a badge of honour until you find one.
- Keep your belongings with you — I can train dogs, but I can't chase down lost keys or rogue sandwiches.
- Dogs must be on lead unless otherwise advised. The goal is calm training, not a gladiator-style free-for-all.

Most importantly: your dog’s wellbeing comes first.
If your dog appears unwell, overheated, or just not up for it — we stop. No push throughs, no guilt-tripping, no “walk it off” energy here. Training is only safe and effective when your dog is happy, healthy, and feeling good.

If the weather is too hot (or otherwise dodgy), we’ll reschedule — because no lesson is more important than your dog’s comfort and safety.

Let’s keep it safe, supportive, and tail-waggingly fun — for everyone involved.

Don’t Be That Person
Aggressive, disruptive, illegal, or plain unpleasant behaviour toward me, other clients, or dogs = instant removal, no refund.

This includes:
- Verbal or physical abuse
- Bringing illegal substances or weapons (weird flex)
- Harassing others based on gender, race, etc.

If needed, the police will be called — because safety matters.

Legal Stuff

Ricochet Dog Training is insured by Pet Business Insurance, including Public Liability.

Ricochet Dog Training reserves the right to update these Terms & Conditions at any time without notice. (But not without reason.)

Terms and Conditions for when the Sun tries to kill us all

  1. Dog safety comes first. Always.
    If the Met Office says the weather is going to be so hot it could fry an egg on a Labrador (red or amber warning, or forecast above 28°C), your class will be cancelled faster than you can say “sizzling sausage”.

  2. Why the panic?
    Because this is Britain. We're not built for 30°C, and neither are your dogs. Most of them arrive in toasty metal boxes with no air-con, then get plonked in a sun trap and told to perform tricks. That’s not training. That’s a slow bake. And we're not into dog-flambé.

  3. What happens when your class gets the chop?
    If class is cancelled due to the impending fireball in the sky, and I can’t reschedule because I’m off gallivanting (also known as “annual leave”), you’ll get an online version of the session instead. Yes, it's not the same as rolling in the grass with your pup, but it's the next best thing.

You’ll receive:

  • A short video guide (with my dulcet tones) explaining what to do

  • Written step-by-step instructions

  • The option to pester me by email or message if you get stuck

  1. No refunds, no sulking
    This isn’t anyone’s fault, unless you personally control the weather (in which case, we need to have a word). The replacement content covers what you miss, so no refunds will be handed out. Even if you do your best sad face.

  2. By booking a class, you agree to this policy.
    That means when the sky turns into a furnace, you won’t complain about missing your in-person session. You’ll pour yourself a cool drink, watch the online guide, and thank your past self for choosing a trainer who doesn’t cook dogs.

AI Usage Policy

9. AI Usage

  1. Purpose and Scope. I may utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance efficiency and the quality of Services provided. This clause outlines the principles and guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of AI within the scope of this Agreement.

  2. Definition of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Computer systems that perform tasks typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.

  3. Ethical Use of AI. I am committed to the ethical and responsible use of AI, ensuring compliance with all relevant data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. AI technologies will be used in a manner that respects privacy, data security, and ethical standards.

  4. Transparency and Accountability. I will operate AI systems transparently and will communicate to clients how AI is being used in the provision of Services. I take responsibility for the outcomes generated by AI systems and will address any issues that may arise from their use.

  5. Client Rights and Controls. I will obtain explicit consent from the clients for data collection and AI processing, providing clear explanations of how the data will be used. Personal data processed by AI systems will be encrypted both in transit and at rest to protect against unauthorised access.

  6. AI Use Cases. I may use AI technologies for the following purposes:

    1. Summarising conversations and action points from meetings.

    2. Structuring and editing content such as posts, blogs, emails, and sales pages.

    3. Conducting research to inform business strategies and client solutions.

    4. Editing images and videos for marketing purposes, including colour grading, exposure adjustments, and removal of unwanted items.

  7. Compliance and Monitoring. I will ensure that AI usage complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Regular reviews will be conducted to monitor compliance with this clause and to identify any potential risks or areas for improvement.

  8. This AI Usage Clause will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains current with technological advancements and regulatory changes. I will inform the clients of any significant changes in AI usage that may affect the Services provided.

Still got questions?

Reach out. I’d much rather answer your “silly” question than untangle a misunderstanding later.