Petbarn Puppy School

Due to space limitations we can accommodate two people per puppy in most locations. We do encourage the family to be involved with the puppies training so if you would like additional family members to attend please check with the store if they can accomodate.

Puppy School runs for 4 weeks and each class is approximately 1 hour. There will be homework to complete between classes. One on One sessions are  1 hour long and the number of sessions are up to the owner and their needs.

Puppy School has courses for both young puppies 8-16weeks old in their critical socialisation period and for older puppies 17weeks up to 1 year old that may have missed Puppy School or want a refresh in Training basics. It is vital that they learn with dogs at the same development stage to communicate and socialise in a positive safe environment. Having older puppies, regardless of their size can severely impact on a younger puppy’s social development.

Yes all dogs and puppies must be fully vaccinated and should be up to date with any flea & tick prevention appropriate to the age of the dog. Young puppies 8-16weeks must have received their first vaccination at least 10 days before the first class starts. Please refer to the terms and conditions for further information.

Yes, however the puppy must remain as quiet as possible. The puppy school trainer will adjust the class play sessions and structure to accommodate for the puppy. If you are unsure if your puppy should attend after desexing you should seek Veterinary advice or speak to your Petbarn Puppy School trainer.

Yes and it is recommended. It is important that puppies are exposed to other puppies of all different sizes and breeds to help develop positive social skills.

Flat collar or harness and non-retractable lead
Bed, mat or towel for your dog to sit on
Treats for training if they have special dietary needs
We advocate force-free training methods, so no check chains or tightening collars are permitted.

In the event that you are unable to make a class you can contact the Trainer or store to seek advice and homework. No partial refunds will be given for a missed class and missed classes cannot be made up at a later date by joining in on another Petbarn Puppy School class due to puppy ages, development and socialisation. Exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis.

If your puppy is sick and cannot come to class you may attend class without your puppy. The Petbarn Puppy School instructor will give homework and give advice on what to do in this situation.

At Petbarn, we believe in positive, force-free training methods. Check chains are unpleasant for dogs and can hinder their learning. We do not permit aversives of any kind in our training, which includes check chains, electronic correction collars, ‘lead corrections’, shouting, smacking or otherwise providing an unpleasant experience for your dog. Speak to one of our helpful team before the session starts, and we can help you find a harness type that will allow you to guide your dog.

Off-lead work is not available during sessions, but dogs can work on distance cues like ‘stay/wait’ and ‘come when called/recall’ on a 5m long lead under the supervision of our Trainers. We take our safety responsibilities very seriously, so no dog is to be off-lead at any time.

Modern canine behavioural science shows that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train. For most dogs, this means treats. There are a very few dogs who prefer to be rewarded with a toy. Your Trainer will give you specific advice on how to reward and train your dog, so feel free to discuss this with them and have them meet your dog before booking into a course. We will teach you how to decrease the reliance on treats so that you aren’t using them forever.

Vaccination and Health

• - Puppies between 8 – 16 weeks must have received their first vaccination two weeks prior -to the course start. Proof of vaccination may be requested.
• - Puppies 17 weeks and older must be fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination may be requested.
• - Do not bring dogs showing symptoms of infectious illness, parasites, or disease unless a licensed veterinarian confirms they are non-infectious. If in doubt, keep the dog at home and bring the handler only.
• - It is the owner’s / authorised person responsibility to ensure their pet is vaccinated. Petbarn will not be liable for any vet costs relating to illness or infectious disease preventable by vaccination.

Safety and Welfare

• - If the dog’s behaviour poses a safety or welfare risk to themselves, trainers, other dogs or customers we reserve the right to exclude them from attending classes. A refund will be given for any remaining classes not attended.
• - Failure to disclose any prior history of aggressive behaviours may forfeit any refund entitlement.

Conduct and Supervision

• - Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• - Follow trainer instructions and act respectfully and responsibly toward trainers, participants and dogs. Rude or aggressive or unsafe behaviours of attendees will not be tolerated.
• - Abusive handling of your dog (e.g., hitting, yelling, use of choke collars) or any conduct the trainer deems unacceptable may result in removal from class and/or termination of participation.
• - Dogs that are disruptive during the course to the extent they cause a negative impact on the learning experience of other attendees may be asked to leave. A refund may be provided in such cases.
• - Dogs must be kept on lead during classes and always supervised by owners.

Attendance

• - Due to space limitations, we can only accommodate two people per dog. In some instances, further attendees may be possible based on location and space available.
• - Late arrivals may be refused entry.
• - Nonattendance to classes will not be refunded except in exceptional circumstances, considered on a case-by-case basis.

Cancellations

• - Customer cancellations require 48 hours’ notice to receive a full refund. If not cancelled within 48 hours prior to the course starting a 20% cancellation fee will be applied.
• - We reserve the right to reschedule classes due to extreme weather, trainer illness or other reasons.
• - Customers will be notified of any changes and rescheduled. If the customer cannot attend a rescheduled class a refund will be provided.
• - If a course has been cancelled by Petbarn or Greencross the customer is entitled to a full refund.

General

• - Course fees must be paid in full prior to the first class starting.
• - Attendance does not guarantee resolution of behaviour issues. Individual dogs may require additional training support or referral to a behaviour specialist.
• - Liability and Release
• - The owner/authorised person is responsible for their dogs’ actions, care and supervision whilst attending classes.
• - Petbarn and Greencross Limited, its trainers, employees and personnel are not liable for injury, death, loss or damage to persons, animals or property arising from or in connection with training or the acts of any puppy or attendee.
• - By attending you release ‘us’ and ‘our staff’ from liability for such injury, death, loss or damage.

By attending classes, you accept and agree to these Terms and Conditions.