Terms and Conditions – Last updated 23rd June 2023

These terms and conditions are entered into by and between you and S. A. Mentor (Julie Barclay Dog Behaviour and Training) (“Provider” “we,” or “us“). The following terms and conditions (“Terms“), govern your participation in the Separation Anxiety Programme (“SAP”) offered by the Provider.

Please read the Terms carefully; they include a release and waiver of any right you may ever have to claim any damages for loss, injury, or death from S. A. Mentor (Julie Barclay Dog Behaviour and Training), and any others having a vested interest in the Provider.

By enrolling in any SAP service, you accept and agree to be bound and abide by these Terms, as well as our website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, found at (Website Privacy Policy) which are incorporated herein by reference. If you do not want to agree to these Terms, or our website’s Terms of Use or Privacy Policy, you must not access or use the SAP or website.

Separation Anxiety Services Overview

This is a broad overview of what to expect for the SAP training protocol:

  • It can take months to complete an SAP, we cannot guarantee timelines because every dog is unique and adjusts at their own pace;
  • Our SAP is intensive, and requires dog owners to “suspend absences,” and not leave their dog alone except for the training intervals as directed in our training protocol;
  • One week of any SAP service will require approximately 3-4 hours of commitment: One Live training session (1 hour), and up to four days of solo training sessions (approximately 20 – 30 minutes each day) each week of training.

The SAP is intended to assist dog owners whose dogs display separation related issues. Separation anxiety is a condition in which dogs suffer extreme distress while left alone, often leading to self-injury and/ or extensive damage to property. Excessive vocalization (i.e., barking and howling) can also cause problems for dog owners with landlords or close neighbours. As such, separation anxiety is both a serious animal welfare issue and economic issue for pet owners.

Our SAP requires dog owners to “suspend absences,” and not leave their dog alone except for the training intervals as directed in our protocol. The logistical impact and commitment required by you to achieve this is significantly greater than typical pet training services, so your involvement and commitment to this process is critical to the success of the SAP.

Our goal is to create and support a positive and effective training environment, therefore we offer our SAP services in accordance with the standards and ethics of our training certifications (IMDT – Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, and CSAT – Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer).

We do not address any other dog behaviour issues aside from separation anxiety during SAP services. Additionally, there are several basic requirements you must agree with to ensure the best chance of success:

  • We must approve in advance any extended pause in training (more than 2 days) you need to take;
  • The dog must never be left alone during the course of the SAP, except for absence rehearsals, as directed within the SAP;
  • Use of aversive tools are not permitted and must not be used during your participation in the SAP (aversive tools include, but are not limited to, shock collars, choke collars, citronella/ spray collars, beep/buzz collars, or shaker cans).

 

Protocol Details: For this protocol to progress, you will be an active participant in the training. To understand your time commitment and contributions, please read the following carefully.

  • Each week you will need to schedule one live session with us and set aside time on up to 4 other days for solo practice. We will provide a detailed, customized plan known as a “Mission” for each of your solo sessions, as well as answers to questions.
  • The SAP requires practicing up to 5 times a week.
    • The first of these is the Live session – the Initial Assessment and thereafter the Re-assessment session;
    • For the solo sessions we provide the Mission via Google Sheets, and you will complete it on your own.
      • A single Mission usually requires between 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Special cases may have multiple, shorter Missions. As the protocol progresses, you may receive longer Missions.
    • After you complete a Mission, you will need to submit your observation notes from your Mission so that we can plan and send the next Mission or Live session plan.
    • In order to get all four days of Missions, you will need to return the notes at the times your trainer recommends, to provide enough time for the next Mission to be written.
    • It may not always be possible to provide four different custom plans per week; four Missions are not guaranteed. In order to maximize the number of practices we will work out a schedule with you for receiving and sending Missions and notes.
    • You can only complete as many Missions in one day as your trainer instructs; this is usually just 1 Mission, though in special cases it may be 2 or 3 shorter Missions.

 

Participation: Participating in the SAP may or may not include the use of a third-party application/ software and we may change the platform/ software used to deliver the SAP at any time. We do not provide any technical support services, so you are responsible for your use of any third-party platforms we use. You are also responsible for any costs you may incur to use such third-party platforms.

For virtual programming that is live, arrival to a session more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time will be considered a “no-show” and the session will be counted as being used. Regardless of starting time, all sessions will end at the predetermined end time. Clients shall follow all instructions issued by the SAP trainer.

SAP sessions are for recreational use only and nothing stated, given, or written by us should be taken as medical advice for you or your dog. In order to help clients achieve their goals we may provide food/nutrition suggestions, but these are suggestions only and are not intended to treat or cure any disease or condition for you or your dog. It is a client’s responsibility to review our protocol with their dog’s healthcare provider.

Scheduling: The SAP has the following scheduling criteria:

  • You must complete an Initial Assessment prior to scheduling any SAP service (package or session);
  • We sell four-week packages, but this does not reflect the amount of time it may take to complete a protocol, you may need to purchase multiple packages over time;
  • We require a minimum of a 4-week commitment to be able to build a strong foundation for you and your dog to be able to work on your own if you choose to complete your protocol solo;
  • A 4-week Package of sessions expires after 4 consecutive weeks have passed. It is your responsibility to schedule your Live Sessions each week prior to that expiration;
  • You can only receive extensions on packages with prior approval from your trainer;
  • A “Session” in a package includes up to 4 days of associated Missions. If you cancel a Live session, the Missions are also cancelled;
  • In some circumstances, at your trainer’s discretion, if you cannot attend a live session but wish to continue to receive written solo Missions, you may contact your trainer to use a Session from your package to cover a week of solo Missions without a Live session.

 

Payment: All SAP sessions must be pre-paid and are non-refundable except as stated herein. Sessions are not transferable without our written consent. A payment on any new SAP session renews this agreement, along with any updates or changes to the agreement. We may update this agreement and/ or increase rates at any time, except for the sessions included in your current agreement. You agree to pay all costs of payment collection, including reasonable legal fees and court costs.

Cancellation and Rescheduling: Except in cases of emergencies and/ or illness, scheduled live sessions must be cancelled or rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance, otherwise it counts as a used session. If we believe cancellations or reschedules are excessive, we reserve the right to cancel any future reserved time slots and/or cancel your subscription.

Refunds: All fees paid by clients under this Agreement are immediately earned by us and are nonrefundable, unless specifically stated in the agreement. If entitled to a refund, such refund will be limited to prepaid and unused dues, less any credit/ debit card processing fees we may have incurred. We reserve the right to terminate your membership for any reason or no reason unless such termination would be
prohibited by law. Termination is effective on the date we email a written notice of termination to your last known email address. You are liable for all financial obligations incurred up until the date of termination. You will not be reimbursed for sessions that went unused in an expired package.

Proprietary Rights: The SAP materials are for your personal use only, and you may not distribute them to any third parties without the Company’s express written permission. All right, title, and interest in and to the materials, as well as any modifications or improvements made thereto, are owned wholly by the Company.

If you acquire any rights in the materials by operation of law or otherwise, you hereby irrevocably assign such rights to the Company without further action by either party. Online sessions conducted during the SAP are recorded by the Company. Additionally, you have the option to send us recorded videos, pictures, or other media (“Media”) that you make. In such an event, the Company is not responsible for redacting any personally identifying information on such Media. Any Media you send us will be stored by us our computers, external hard drives, and/ or on third-party filesharing services, and you agree that we may utilize such Media in the SAP or otherwise. This may include emailing the Media to you or our clients, sharing via third-party filesharing services (such as Dropbox), and editing the Media.

Unforeseen Circumstances: You understand that during the SAP unforeseen circumstances can occur that may result in a delay or a halt to the training program. Unforeseen circumstances that may delay or halt training include, but are not limited to, dog-related health, illness, injury or behavioural issues, our staffing limitations, issues with third-party software services, and/ or any other reason that is not the fault of the Company. We will notify you as soon as reasonably possible of any unforeseen circumstance and potential delay. The Company shall have no liability for any such delay, or termination of this agreement, on account of an unforeseen circumstance.

This section contains a release and waiver of any right you may ever have to claim any damages for loss, injury, or death from S. A. Mentor (Julie Barclay Dog Behaviour and Training) and others having a vested interest in the Company.

Health: You and your dog are in good health and do not have any physical or mental condition which would make your presence or participation in the SAP unsafe to you or others. You will not be under the influence of any alcohol or illegal drug, nor will you be under the influence of any legal drug which would impair your ability to participate safely in the SAP or to understand and comply with oral or written directions. You acknowledge that you have met with your medical provider and received approval from them to engage in the SAP, or that you have decided that you will participate in the SAP without your medical provider’s approval, and you assume all responsibility for your participation. You acknowledge that should you or your dog become ill at any time during your participation in the SAP, you will immediately notify the Company and cease participation.

Assumption of Risk: Owning a dog involves inherent risks, including the risk of dog bites and attacks upon you, other people, and other animals, all of which you have voluntarily assumed and accept full liability for. In consideration for your participation in the SAP and use of equipment provided to you by the Company,
you understand and agree to all of the following: you understand that the activities involved with the SAP carries with it an inherent risk of injury. Working to train dogs can involve strenuous physical and mental exertions. Risk of injury may be minor such as soreness, sprains, strains, and bruises, or serious such as heart attack, stroke, paralysis, and death. You understand these risks and agree to assume all risk of injury or illness.

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY: YOU VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY AGREE ON BEHALF OF YOURSELF SELF, YOUR SPOUSE, YOUR HEIRS, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, ASSIGNS, AND ANYONE ELSE CLAIMING BY OR THROUGH YOU TO RELEASE, WAIVE, AND DISCHARGE THE COMPANY, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, OWNERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, AGENTS, ASSIGNS, SUCCESSORS, VENDORS, SUPPLIERS, EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS, LESSORS, CONSULTANTS, OTHER CLIENTS, AND ALL OTHERS ASSOCIATED WITH THEM (COLLECTIVELY “ALL OTHERS”) FROM ALL LIABILITY FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, OR SUITS ARISING FROM THE ACTS, FAILURE TO ACT, OR CONDUCT OF ANY OF THEM ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE (WHETHER ORDINARY OR GROSS), BREACH OF DUTY, OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LEGAL LIABILITY FOR (1) ANY PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL INJURY OR ILLNESS SUFFERED BY YOU (INCLUDING DEATH) ARISING FROM YOUR ATTENDING OR PARTCIPATING IN THE SAP OR USING ITS EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES, SERVICES, PRODUCTS, AND/ OR PREMISES OF THE COMPANY; AND (2) ANY DAMAGE TO, LOSS OF, OR THEFT OF YOUR PROPERTY. YOU ALSO AGREE NOT TO SUE THE COMPANY AND ALL OTHERS RELATED TO THE SAME.

No Guarantee: You understand and agree that the SAP is for educational and informational purposes only and is provided “as-is.” We make no guarantee, express, implied, or otherwise, of any particular outcome as a result of your and your dog’s participation in the SAP. The SAP is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions that may arise regarding a medical condition or treatment of you or your dog, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something stated or displayed in the SAP. You understand that the recommendation of any other product or service by the Company is not a guarantee of satisfaction with that product or service.

Indemnification and Hold Harmless: You agree on behalf of yourself, your spouse, your heirs, personal representative, assigns, and anyone else claiming by or through you to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and all others by paying all costs and legal fees they incur in investigating and defending a claim or suit if such claim or suit is withdrawn, or if a court determines for whatever reason (including the enforceability of this agreement, that the Company and or others are not liable for the injury or loss. You hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Company of any and all claims of injury, expense, costs, or damages caused by you or your dog to yourself or others. You also hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Company of any and all claims regarding your dog’s health. You expressly agree to assume full financial responsibility for any and all expenses arising or relating thereto. You understand and agree that the Company will not be liable for any illness, injury, or death of your dog(s).

Governing Law; Severability: This agreement is governed by, and the right of the parties determined by, English law. This agreement is intended to be as broad and as inclusive as permitted by the laws of England to relieve the Company from all liability for any and all claims for damages due to injury or property loss based on any legal theory. If any portion of this agreement is held invalid, the balance of the agreement shall continue in full legal force. The Dispute Resolution provisions of our websites Terms of Service apply.

Media/ Data Release: You understand and accept that your image, videos of you or your pets, comments, likeness, accomplishments, goals, protocol data you submitted or we collected from you, and challenges you overcame may be used by the Company for any reasons, including, without limitation, for marketing purposes and research purposes, and that you are not entitled to any compensation for such use. You reserve the right to have the aforementioned remain private by submitting such a request within 15 business days of signing this agreement. You understand that your image and voice may be recorded/ captured during calls, online sessions, and in person. You hereby release the Company from any and all liability resulting from such use, reproduction, distribution, and publication. Dispute Resolution.

YOU AND THE COMPANY ARE AGREEING TO GIVE UP ANY RIGHTS TO LITIGATE CLAIMS IN A COURT OR BEFORE A JURY. OTHER RIGHTS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE IF YOU WENT TO COURT MAY ALSO BE UNAVAILABLE OR MAY BE LIMITED IN ARBITRATION. ANY CLAIM, DISPUTE OR CONTROVERSY (WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, WHETHER PRE-EXISTING, PRESENT OR FUTURE, AND INCLUDING STATUTORY, CONSUMER PROTECTION, COMMON LAW, INTENTIONAL TORT, INJUNCTIVE AND EQUITABLE CLAIMS) BETWEEN YOU AND US ARISING FROM OR RELATING IN ANY WAY TO YOUR USE OF OUR WEBSITE OR THE PURCHASE OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES THROUGH THE SITE, INCLUDING YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE SAP, WILL BE RESOLVED EXCLUSIVELY AND FINALLY BY BINDING ARBITRATION UNDER THE RULES OF THE ARBITRATION ACT (1996).

Entire Agreement: This agreement (along with our website’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use) constitutes the sole and entire agreement between you and us. You have not relied on any oral representations by anyone in addition to, or inconsistent with, the written terms of this agreement. Severability: If any term or provision of this agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect the enforceability of any other term or provision of this agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon a determination that any term or provision is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the court may modify this agreement to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

Waiver: No waiver by any party of any of the provisions hereof will be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the party so waiving. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power, or privilege arising from this Agreement will operate or be construed as a waiver thereof; nor will any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power, or privilege.

S. A. Mentor (Julie Barclay Dog Behaviour and Training)

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