The Dog School's Policies

The Dog School, Vancouver | Flexible & Industry Leading Policies
 

The Dog School offers flexible, industry-leading dog training policies in Vancouver. Questions? Contact us at info@thedogschool.ca

Serving dog owners throughout Vancouver including Kitsilano, West Point Grey, UBC, Kerrisdale, Dunbar and beyond.

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In a hurry and need a quick reference? Here's our Quick Reference Policy Guide:

Cancellations:

• Group classes: 8 hours notice (credit returned)

• Private lessons: 48 hours notice (50% fee if within 48hrs)

• Sick/injured dogs: Anytime, no penalty

Credit Validity:

• Classroom: 6 months

• Private lessons: 3 months  

• Behaviour modification: 6 months

Exchanges: Flexible 1:1 ratio | Email info@thedogschool.ca for exchanges

Refunds: Case-by-case basis (processing fee applies)

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Enrolment Policies

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Can my dog skip Key Skills classes if they're already trained?

Yes! Dogs who are proficient in our Key Skills may unlock access to our badge classes without taking the Key Skills course. If you and your dog have trained elsewhere (including home-schooling!), we don't want to make you repeat content you already know.

To skip Key Skills, you must earn your "Key Skills" Badge by either:

• Option 1: Attending a single Key Skills module so we may assess your dog in-person. This option requires purchase of a single Key Skills module.

• Option 2: Online Assessment. Take footage of your dog completing the Key Skills Badge criteria. Upload these videos to YouTube. This option requires the purchase of a single Online Assessment.

• Option 3: Having pre-approval from Sarah or Katrina for previous classes attended.

Important: All new students must apply online via BusyPaws. This step cannot be skipped! 

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Group Classes Policies
 

What happens if my dog is disruptive in group classes?

Disruptive dogs with barking and/or destructive tendencies will be asked to address these issues through private training before returning to the classroom.

We love all dogs, including our chaotically inclined friends, and we want to help! This is best done through 1 or 2 private sessions so that we can get to the bottom of these behaviours and provide you and your dog with some management and coping skills.

We can use any outstanding credits towards the cost of private training sessions as per our exchange policy.

Can anxious dogs attend group classes?

Anxious dogs don't always enjoy group class. If your dog seems too afraid to enjoy themselves, we will recommend switching to private sessions so that we can find the right learning environment to boost your dog's confidence and facilitate their enjoyment of our program.

We can use any outstanding credits towards the cost of private training sessions as per our exchange policy.

 

What is The Dog School's policy on aggressive dogs?

Aggressive dogs who pose a risk to themselves or others will be required to attend a behaviour consultation and be asked to leave the class.

Aggression in dogs is a sign of something larger going on, and we want to help you get to the bottom of it! Treatment for aggression is essential to keep your dog safe, as well as the general public.

We'd love to welcome your dog back into group classes when your dog is no longer a risk for aggression. We can use any outstanding credit towards the cost of your behaviour consultation as per our exchange policy.

Help us to help you: Please be honest about your dog's past behaviours at the time of enrolment. We know what it's like, and we're here to help you.

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Health & Safety Policies

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Can my dog attend class if she is in heat?

Bitches in heat are allowed in our group classes, with restrictions.

If your dog is in heat:

• Please advise your instructor ahead of your class

• Dogs in heat are advised to reschedule if possible

• Dogs in heat should be wiped down prior to class, and should wear a diaper

• We will place dogs in heat away from males and use barriers where necessary

• Dogs in heat must remain on a leash at all times
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Can my dog come to class if they are sick or injured?

No. If your dog is sick or injured, they should not come to class.

Sick dogs who may be contagious pose an infection risk to other students and will not be allowed to attend. Even if your dog is not contagious, they may not be in the right frame of mind to enjoy class. Please keep your pup at home to recover!

We've got you covered: We will return your class credit so that you may reschedule, even if your dog falls unwell or becomes injured within the 8-hour cancellation window. It's the right thing to do, and we won't penalize you for it.

Get the all-clear from your veterinarian before returning to classes.

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Credit, Cancellation & Refund Policies

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How long are class credits valid?

• Classroom credits: Valid for 6 months after purchase

• Private lesson credits: Valid for 3 months after purchase

• Behaviour modification credit: Valid for up to 6 months

• Puppy program credits: If your puppy ages out of our Puppy Program, any remaining credits will be applied towards Key Skills​

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What is the cancellation policy for group classes?

8-hour classroom cancellation policy. With the sole exception of sick/injured dogs, all classroom cancellations must be made with 8+ hours notice.
 

Cancellations are self-managed through your BusyPaws portal, and will result in an automatic return of your class credit so that you may reschedule.

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If you have an emergency and cannot come to your class, please let us know at info@thedogschool.ca as we plan our classes in advance based on which dogs are in attendance.
 

What is the cancellation policy for private lessons?

48-hour private lesson cancellation policy. With the sole exception of sick/injured dogs, all private lesson cancellations must be made with 48+ hours notice.

Cancellations are made through the booking calendar, and will result in an automatic return of your class credit so that you may reschedule.

Within 48 hours, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply.

If you have an emergency and cannot come to your private lesson, please let us know so that we can plan accordingly.

Can I exchange my class credits for different services?

Exchanges are always welcome! We wish to support you as best we can.

Any classroom credit can be exchanged for any other at a 1 for 1 ratio, so long as your dog is eligible for that class.​

• You may choose to gift your credit(s) to another person, so long as their dog is eligible for that class and has a BusyPaws account.

• Credits can be used towards private lessons or behaviour consultations

Please email us  at info@thedogschool.ca to request an exchange of credits.

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What is The Dog School's refund policy?

Refunds are issued on a case-by-case basis, for the following circumstances:

• You or your dog are no longer able to attend classes for reasons outside your control, OR

• We are unable to provide you with the service you expected, and there is no suitable exchange to be made to meet these expectations

Please note: Where refunds are granted, a non-refundable processing fee as set by our payment software will apply.