adolescent skills learning the retrieve

Adolescent Skills Dog Training

Have you completed a puppy course and want to develop some adolescent skills? Adolescence can be a tricky time and keeping up training is important for a well rounded dog. These classes have a maximum of 5 dogs to allow for better focus on each family, and will run on a Friday evening at our Pegswood venue for 5 consecutive weeks. If your pup did not complete the Pawsitive Skills Puppy course then an assessment can be undertaken for £30 to test their suitability for the course.

What will I learn at Adolescent Skills Dog Training?

As part of this six week course you will develop some of the skills you learnt in Puppy Skills course such as leave and stay. We will work on food manners, stay in one position, controlled greetings and emergency stops among other skills. Some of the skills will help your pup with Kennel Club Good Citizenship training. We will also spend some time looking at enrichment and ways to manage your dog's arousal levels during these tricky times.

What do I need to bring?

Your dog! Preferably not soon after a meal and having had a walk to burn off some energy. Your dog's favourite treats, please note some of the tasks require the use of bigger treats so the dog can see them on the floor. Poo bags and a willingness to clear up after your dog should an accident happen. Please note: flexi/extending leaders will not be permitted in class; nor will prong or electric collars.

What will I get from Adolescent Skills?

All pups will receive a certificate and rosette on completion. There will be dedicated WhatsApp support for a further month after the course ends.

adolescent skills to learn an emergency stop

Terms and Conditions

This agreement is entered into at the time of booking a dog training session or course

between Heather Benstead of Pawsitive Skills Bespoke Dog Training (hereinafter ‘Trainer’) and the undersigned

(hereinafter ‘Client’), collectively referred to as “the Parties”.

1. Purpose

This agreement outlines the terms under which the Trainer will provide dog training services. The Trainer agrees to deliver services in a diligent, ethical, and professional manner. The Client agrees to follow the Trainer’s instructions, make timely payments, and actively participate in the agreed training plan.

 

2. Services Provided

The Trainer agrees to provide private training sessions (the “Programme”) tailored to the individual needs and request of the Client and Dog.

The Programme is designed to teach the Client how to implement techniques and strategies that will support their Dog’s progress. The Client understands that:

Outcomes vary depending on factors such as dog history, consistency, household

environment, and the Client’s input

No guarantees can be made about the results or timescales

Training takes place in both classroom and real-world environments where exposure to people, other

animals, vehicles, and varying conditions may occur

Results may take longer when working with rescue dogs or those with complex behavioural histories, trauma, or fear-based responses

3. Veterinary Input and Referrals

For certain cases, especially those involving sudden changes in behaviour, aggression, or significant fear, the Trainer may recommend veterinary checks or referrals to other professionals if the Dog’s needs fall outside the Trainer’s scope.

4. Communication and Support

Support is available between sessions via email (or WhatsApp depending on package chosen), typically with responses within 48 hours. This support is limited to questions and updates related to the current Programme. If new or more complex issues arise, an additional session may be required.

 

5. Video and Media Use

The Trainer may provide video demonstrations to support learning (depending on the package chosen). These are for the Client’s personal use only and must not be shared publicly.

Photos and videos may be taken during sessions. These may be used by the Trainer for marketing or educational purposes on platforms such as the website, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram. If the Client does not wish their dog or property to be included, they must inform the Trainer in writing before the first session.

 

6. Payment and Booking

Payment must be made within 48 hours of booking confirmation. A place is not secured until payment is received. If payment is not made in time, the Trainer may release the space to another client.

All sessions must be used within 3 months of the initial consultation unless otherwise agreed in writing. Unused sessions beyond this time will be forfeited.

7. Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Refunds

Client Cancellations:

The Client may cancel within 7 days of booking and receive a full refund unless the first session is due to occur within that period.

Cancellations within 48 hours of the first session will result in the full fee for the first session being retained.

After the first session, no refunds will be given. Missed sessions will not be rescheduled unless agreed in advance and with 48 hours notice.

Rescheduling:

Rescheduling requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance and are subject to the Trainer’s availability.

The Client may not transfer a session to another dog or person unless agreed with the Trainer in advance.

Trainer Rescheduling:

If the Trainer needs to reschedule a session due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances, the Client will be offered an alternative date. If no suitable dates can be agreed, a refund will be offered for any unused sessions.

 

8. Liability

The Client accepts full responsibility for their Dog’s behaviour and safety during and after the Programme. The Trainer shall not be held liable for:

Any injury or damage caused by the Dog to property, people, or other animals

Any injury to the Dog (unless resulting from proven negligence by the Trainer)

Any damage caused by the misuse of training equipment outside of supervised sessions

The Client agrees to indemnify the Trainer against any claims, costs, or damages resulting from their Dog’s behaviour.

 

9. Termination

The Trainer reserves the right to terminate the agreement at any time if:

The Dog is deemed unsafe to work with

The Client behaves in a way that is aggressive, abusive, or uncooperative

The Client fails to comply with the terms of this agreement

No refunds will be issued for sessions missed or cancelled as a result of termination under

these conditions.

 

10. Entire Agreement

This document forms the full agreement between the Client and the Trainer. No verbal

arrangements are valid unless confirmed in writing by both Parties. Any changes must

also be made in writing and agreed by both Parties.

By accepting our terms and conditions you agree to receiving emails. This allows us to send you all the relevant information for the class.

Training will run in most weather conditions. High heat are the only rare occasions we will cancel due to the weather.
If there is an issue with the venue, an alternative will be sought, and if not possible zoom sessions will be offered.

  • The time and date of your sessions have been prearranged. These are not transferable and we are not able to add sessions on at the end of a block. If we cancel a session, we will try to offer an alternative face to face, however if this is not possible it will be provided via zoom.
  • Payments for all classes are non-refundable.
  • Always keep your dog on lead unless told otherwise by a trainer.
  • You must not use a flexi / extendable lead
  • All dog fouling must be cleared up and disposed of by yourself.
  • Children are very welcome to attend sessions, and are encouraged, however they remain the responsibility of their guardian and must not run around the hall or approach other dogs.
  • Please do not allow your dog to greet other dogs, especially on lead, unless instructed to by the trainer.
  • Please do not personally greet another dog without the consent of the owner.
  • Do not attend training if your dog is unwell.
  • Do not leave other dogs unattended in a vehicle unless they have sun visors and air flow available. We reserve the right to ask you to take the dog home if we do not feel the conditions are safe.
  • Only flat collars, non-tightening harnesses and static leads will be used during the training session.
  • All training is done at the handler’s risk.
  • Pawsitive Skills will not be held liable for any injury caused by any means, by it or any other members of the school.
  • Pawsitive Skills is not liable for your car whilst it is parked on site.
  • If the dog has any allergies these need to be provided to Pawsitive Skills in writing before the start of class.
  • If the dog has ever bitten under any circumstances this needs to be stated to Pawsitive Skills.

Pawsitive Skills reserves the right to ask you to leave a class if it is not the right environment for you or your dog. We will always discuss other options available to you.