Training Policy & FAQ's
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Our training is based on the kindest, most effective, non-punitive methods. We carefully design and structure our training courses & programme/s to be the best they can for dog and owner. We hope you enjoy the sessions as much as we love instructing them! These policies are written in the interest of safety, responsibility and care for owners and their dogs.
By training with Puppy and Friends Academy you are deemed to have accepted our Training Policy:
Our classes are NOT suitable for reactive dogs, unless agreed prior with the Head Trainer, this is so we do not overflood the puppy that is struggling with reactivity. We recommend 1:1’s to start with and once ready, they may be able to join a class at a later date. Please be as accurate as possible when filling in registration forms with Temperament / Behaviour. If we see a puppy struggling in class due to reactivity, the client may be asked to leave due to the welfare of the Puppy. Our classes cannot be exchanged for 1:1’s.
Due to the new dog ban of XL Bullies, as of 31st December 2023, we will still be able to accept the breed onto our classes, but they will need to be muzzled and on lead throughout with no exceptions.
Harsh handling is not permitted. We have a complete ban on choke chains and other coercive or punitive techniques, in accordance with the APDT Code of Practice.
Owners are expected to clean up after their dogs when in public places. All dogs must be kept under control and on leash in public areas (off leash only where specifically instructed by your Trainer). We are there to help but you are responsible for the conduct of your dog at all times.
We permit owners to take videos and pictures whilst training with us, however we do not permit our homework plans to be circulated, forwarded on, or used by any third party. We also do not permit our class content and training homework plans to be copied, edited, or circulated by trainer competitors.
Puppy and Friends Academy will make every effort to ensure that you and your dog are kept safe whilst training with us. Nevertheless, Puppy and Friends Academy cannot be held liable for any loss or damage of your property, or the loss, injury, or death of your dog whilst training.
Our training classes are not a guarantee of transformed behaviour, success is down to the owner and how much time and effort they put into the training. We will, however, support and guide you throughout the course, even when new behaviours begin to start.
Our courses, workshops, playgroups, events and sessions have a no refund policy, this is due to our waiting list.
Sometimes classes may be postponed due to harsh weather conditions, emergency centre maintenance, staff sickness etc – this will not affect the number of classes you will receive.
If you miss a class, we will try and be as flexible as possible for you to join an alternative class – although this is not guaranteed depending on the number of classes we currently are holding.
Calm & quiet Children are welcome to attend the training sessions, however, for the sake of safety and consistency in training, young people under the age of 16 MUST be supervised by an adult. Parents may wish to sit down with Children before a dog training session to explain how important it is for them to listen and be involved to prevent unwanted distractions during a session.
Please let us know if your dog is not in a fit state to train due to illness, disease, injury or for any other reason. It is imperative that you do not bring your puppy to classes, if they are coughing, or are feeling unwell. If the Trainer suspects that the puppy has Kennel Cough, then the puppy would need to immediately leave the class. This is due to that Puppies are susceptible to contracting illnesses, and we must put all puppies health first.
Payment for any of our classes, workshops or training sessions are non refundable.
Completing registration forms gives us consent to use your Dogs pictures for all of our social media platforms, during the class course and thereafter for advertisement, marketing etc. If you wish to opt out of this, you will need to inform the Head Trainer in writing before classes commence.
Registering with us, gives us consent to add your email to our mailing list. If you wish to opt out of this, you will need to inform the Head Trainer in writing before classes commence.
All dogs should be wormed and fully protected by vaccination as advised by their vet.
Q. What services do you offer?
A. We offer, home training sessions, in the comfort of your own home, in your garden or at a location of your choice, plus:
Puppy Classes
Adolescence Classes
Training Workshops
Therapy Dog Training
Assistance Dog Training
Playgroups
Click here to find out more details
Q. What is our age limit?
A. We enrol puppies into our training programs as soon as puppies have had all their vaccinations, there is no age limit! There are no size or breed restrictions.
Q. What age can my puppy start a home training session or her Puppy package?
A. As soon as you bring her home we can start teaching the foundations for a calm happy puppy, this includes puppy dilemmas, confidence, calmness, toilet training and so much more!
Q. What’s the best age to start training my puppy?
A. As soon as possible! It’s always a good idea to start teaching new puppies good habits right away, rather than having to spend time fixing bad habits learned over time. But, those bad habits can still be fixed even if you feel you may have waited too long. It just takes a little more work
Q. Does My Puppy need to be vaccinated before classes?
A. Yes, vaccinations cards and completed registration form, and payment must be sent to us prior to your puppy starting their class.
Q. When do the next classes start?
A. We have new students starting with us all the time! Contact us for our next available start date, and please keep in mind with your puppy planning that we typically run on a waitlist for new students to begin classes with us.
Q. What training method do we use?
A. We use positive reinforcement along with dog psychology as the methods for training all of our puppies. Positive reinforcement rewards puppies for their good behaviour and dog psychology adds a deeper understanding of canine behaviour and tendencies to achieve a calm, balanced, and behaved dog.
Our training is a fun, positive, and an encouraging experience for your puppy that motivates her to do well, learn to do what is asked, and repeat the good behaviour consistently, for the highest training results.
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Enrolment is limited. We accept only a limited amount of puppies each semester to work with, so your puppy receives the uppermost personal attention and care from us.
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Puppies are monitored at ALL times to ensure their maximum safety. We have a low puppy-to-trainer ratio, which allows more eyes on fewer pups.
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Puppies eat their own food and treats as provided by their owner. This is to keep them on their same diet as home, so their tummies don't get upset from a sudden change.
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We use only pet-safe and environmentally friendly cleaning products. Your puppy is never exposed to harsh or toxic chemicals.
Celeste & Murphy
As a first time dog owner I wanted the best start for my puppy. I was so lucky to find Puppy and Friends. It’s been such a positive experience from week 1.
We met such lovely owners and learned so many useful lessons. I came away equipped with the knowledge on how to prepare myself and my puppy for a happy and successful partnership.
Everything is based on fun and reward in a calm and practical environment, there’s also no judgment. As I have no experience with dogs at times I felt overwhelmed.
Siobhan was always there to listen and give useful advice, even outside the sessions. I would have no hesitation to recommend this organisation.
John, June & Bentley
Thank you Puppy and Friends!
June and I both considered ourselves to be decent dog handlers having previously owned two Doberman.
However, rescuing our Pointer puppy, Bentley, through up more than a few challenges than we anticipated.
However, your training has been so rewarding and Bentley and ourselves have learnt lots of new things and we enjoyed every moment of our training.
We wouldn’t hesitate in recommending you to anyone with a dog who is looking for help - and fun - and finishing off with a dog and handler egg and spoon race was the icing on the cake.
Thank you !
Kelly & Luna
Where do I start, I called Siobhan this morning an emotional wreck following Christmas as our catahoula/lab puppy seemed to have gone backwards with all the excitement and had separation anxiety.
Siobhan’s knowledge and relaxed manner calmed me instantly.
We were completely unable to leave her again without her becoming highly stressed and howling. Siobhan was amazing - talking us through everything we needed and we have trialled it today, the results already have been amazing we’ve left her multiple times throughout the day and twice for an hour and a half and she’s been silent both long times.
Siobhan had all the time in the world for us, no question silly, nothing too much trouble. She helped us put a plan together and has already
made it possible for us to leave her and know she’s happy and content. We now don’t feel as guilty at all having to work as we now know she can be settled and happy when we are out working. There are no words to thank you for everything you have done today and your support.
Even during the holidays you we’re at the end of the phone to help us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Love Luna and the Lavery’s!