In the interest of safety, responsibility and welfare, it is important that the following information is noted:

1. Website Disclaimer
2. Dogknows Code of Practise
3. Dogknows Training Classes Terms & Conditions

 

Website Disclaimer

 

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only.  The information is provided by Dogknows and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose.  Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

 

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
 

Throughout this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Dogknows.  We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites.  The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
 

Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly.  However, Dogknows takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.

Dogknows Code of Practice

We adhere to the following code:

1.     Core Values:
·       Animal welfare
·       Competence
·       Confidentiality
·       Effective provision
·       Integrity
·       Legality
·       Service to the client
·       Transparency
·       Ongoing CPD
 
2.     Principles
2.1 Ensure that the main requirements of the code are readily available to clients.
2.2 Work within the UK legal framework.
2.3 Safeguard and promote the welfare of others especially the client and the dog.
2.4 To work in the best interests of the dog and the person responsible for the dog’s care. Avoid any individual behaviour which might unreasonably violate professional boundaries, unreasonably damage professional relationships or cause harm to the dog or client.
2.5 Use professional knowledge, research and experience to contribute to the discipline of behaviour and training. Encourage other practitioners to recognise and maintain similar standards. Contribute to the education and training of colleagues and students by sharing knowledge and experience
2.6 Ensure that they do not act out of prejudice against any person or group, on any grounds including origin, ethnicity, class, sex, status, sexual orientation, age, disability.
2.7 Be honest, transparent and accurate about their qualifications, competence, experience, achievements and affiliations.
2.8 Take on work only within the practitioners’ existing capabilities or when a programme to attain the required skills has been achieved.
2.9 Encourage clients to seek other forms of treatment if behaviour modification or training is not the most appropriate means of treating the condition or problem.
2.10 Maintain and extend competence in order to provide a quality service that is accountable. Appraise new methods and techniques in order to extend experience.
2.11 Provide honest and reliable written (where appropriate) opinions, maintaining objectivity in judgements.
2.12 Take appropriate action if health or any other factor is likely to interfere with judgement or performance of duty.
2.13 Make it clear when making statements whether you do so as a private individual or as a representative of Dogknows
2.14 Keep a record of all complaints and actions taken.
2.15 Hold appropriate and adequate third party, as well as professional indemnity insurance and other insurance corresponding to the activities undertaken.
 
3. Conflict of Interest
Individuals must be alert to the possibility of any conflict of interest which may affect their ability to exercise discretion or bias their judgement.
 
4. Informed Consent
Individuals will not act without the informed consent of their client, unless required by law to protect the dog, the person or another from the risk of harm.
 
5. Confidentiality
Consent to disclose information must be obtained from the client before sharing related information with third parties. Any disclosure of information must be made only with the client’s written permission unless there are overriding legal, safety or ethical considerations.
 
6. Record Keeping
This must comply with the Data Protection Act.
 
7. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
In order to maintain, develop and enhance practitioner skills they must undertake appropriate CPD on a regular basis. This must be recorded by the individual. Individuals are also encouraged to reflect on their own professional practice.
 
8. Commercial Obligations
8.1 Practitioner advertising must not: · Mislead or deceive users of their service · Be sensational or make unrealistic, or unsubstantiated performance claims · Create unjustifiable expectations about the length or type of treatment or unrealistic prospects for success · Make claims of superiority or disparage colleagues or members of other organisations or professions
8.2 Practitioners must not sell or recommend a product, service or an individual service provider without being first satisfied that this would benefit the dog under their care and that they are suitably qualified to make such a recommendation.
8.3 The recommending practitioner must disclose to the client if the practitioner may gain a commercial benefit by making such a recommendation. Practitioners must not allow such an interest to influence their choice of provision, service, care or treatment to the detriment of the dog or service user.
8.4 There must be transparency in the charges, terms and conditions of the service that the practitioner provides.

 

 

Dogknows Training Classes Terms & Conditions

 

All training techniques used by Dogknows are kind, fair and reward based.  Class sizes are kept to a minimum (8 maximum) to provide individual tuition and a relaxed environment. Classes are designed to be fun and rewarding for both dog and owner but in the interest of safety, responsibility and welfare it is important that the following terms and conditions are noted.

 

1. Harsh handling is not permitted in class and is strongly discouraged at all times.  Our founder is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and runs her classes in accordance with their Code of Practice.  As such; choke chains, check chains, prong collars, punitive methods and manhandling are not allowed in classes.
 

2. Owners are expected to clean up after their dogs in and around the training venue.  Please ensure you come to class suitably prepared with pooh bags to clean up any dog mess.  All dogs must be kept under control and on a lead, unless specifically requested otherwise.
 

3. Dogknows does not restrict the number of family members that are allowed to class (the more the merrier) and children are more than welcome.  However, young people under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and should not be left to bring the dog to classes on their own.  Young children under the age of five are also welcome with a second adult to enable one adult to concentrate on the child and the other with the puppy.
 

4. All dogs attending class should be fully vaccinated and up to date with their boosters.  Please do not bring your dog to class if he or she has been in contact with another dog infected by a contagious disease.  We also ask that bitches in season are not brought to class.  If you are unsure whether or not to bring your dog to class please do not hesitate to call dogknows or speak with your Veterinary surgeon.  If a dog is unable to attend classes, owners are more than welcome to attend without their dog in order to keep up to date with the training course.
 

5. Refunds cannot be given after a course has started.  Exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis.  Dogknows requires 7 days notification of cancellation of a place on a training course.  If canceling within 7 days of the course start date a refund can only be made if the place is filled prior to the start of the course but an administration fee of £30 will be charged.