New client requirements

 All clients must participate in a phone interview so that Best Pet Forward can evaluate your needs, wish list and discuss your challenges.  I want to be sure we are the best fit for each other!  

You can expect a follow-up email clarifying the needs you summarized in your call and I will invite you to then to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.

If we will be engaging in a virtual session a "tech test" appointment will be set up to ensure that you receive an invitation to join and that all visual and audio connections are working for you.  Room and pet setup will be confirmed at this time as well.

• For lessons that take place outside the home, the best place to work outside is the confines of a secure, physical fence. Alternative outdoor spaces or the use of a long line may be needed if a fenced yard is not available.
• I will not conduct training in the presence of a live electric fence and shock collar use during a lesson is not allowed.
• Pets in training will not be allowed to wear punitive collars including but not limited to shock, choke, citronella, or pinch collars.
• During the consultation, it is imperative that the pet's owner be forthright with information about the dog's history with regards to biting, nipping, and any physical contact in the past that has resulted in injury.

All work with clients will result in a training summary in the form of a PDF sent to the client's email within 48 hours of your session.  A training summary can also be sent to your pet's veterinarian at your request.  Reporting is prepared for a specific client and may not be shared/reproduced for any party outside of the client that has paid for the services. 

As your dog’s owner you acknowledge your dog(s) may show aggressive actions from time to time. Best Pet Forward does not promise to solve your dog’s aggressive behavior, but will educate you on how to manage the behavior. Therefore, you agree to take all possible safety measures recommended by the trainer. You agree that since the outcome of any training/coaching program cannot be guaranteed and your dog’s behavior may become a risk to people and/or pets, your decision to enroll in a training program is done solely and completely at your discretion with you (the owner) taking 100% responsibility for any damage your dog(s) might cause during or after the training program.

The owner is required to work with the dog(s) daily on strengthening and maintaining all cues taught as outlined in the homework provided. The owner understands and agrees that they are being trained to train their dog(s) and that without 100% cooperation with the trainer the dog(s) will not get trained and behaviors will not be maintained. Opportunities for written and verbal support after/between your training sessions will be provided to support your learning.

Owner(s) agree to not engage concurrently in any other training program or seek advice from other trainers or facilities while engaging in a training program with Best Pet Forward. Aversive devices will not be allowed to be used during training sessions or during homework exercises. Owners agree to subscribe to the use of humane and positive reward-based training methods. “Force-Free” to mean: no shock, no pain, no choke, no fear, no physical force, no physical molding. No compulsion based methods are to be engaged in to train your pet.

Best Pet Forward will provide the agreed upon service after a payed invoice is processed. 

• Sessions may be re-scheduled due to unforeseen circumstances that come up for either the family or the trainer with a minimum of 24 hours notice of a courtesy call to advise that an alternative date/time is needed.
• Adjustments to billed sessions and services will be made at the discretion of the trainer.  No refunds are available.
• Cash, check or PayPal is accepted.