Policies | Ruth H

CGDT Policies & Procedures

Please review our policies which are designed to support your success in the training program while keeping you & your dog safe.

If you have questions about any of these policies, please email ruth@creaturegooddogtraining.com

Full Payment: Payment for training sessions or programs must be made in full at the time of booking.
Installment Plans: If an installment plan is available, clients must adhere to the agreed-upon payment schedule. Failure to make payments on time may result in the suspension of services until payments are up to date.

Notice Period: Whenever possible, please provide at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule a session so we may accommodate other clients. We will do the same in any case where we need to cancel or reschedule. However, if you or your dog are ill or have an emergency, do not hesitate to reach out even at short notice. There is no penalty for cancelling at short notice in these circumstances.
No-Show Policy: If your trainer arrives for a scheduled session and you aren’t home, we’ll consider this a “no show” and that session can’t be rescheduled.
Weather Policy: All in person training is conducted in the Boston area which can experience weather dangerous to dogs & people by being either too hot or too cold. For work intended to be conducted outside, the Trainer may, in consultation with the client, reschedule or revise the session plan so that training occurs inside.

Non-Refundable: Payments for training sessions & programs are non-refundable.
Exceptions: Refunds may be granted in exceptional circumstances at our discretion.

Six Month Completion: You do not need to rush to complete your program. However, allowing sessions to languish impedes your training success so we have implemented a six month deadline whereby clients must complete all training sessions of their chosen program within six months of the first scheduled session. Unused sessions after this period will be forfeited & are non-refundable. Reminders will be sent prior to expiration of any training sessions. We want you to finish your program and reach your training goals. We have found that consistent scheduling of program sessions supports clients far better than spreading sessions out too far.
Extension Requests: Clients may request an extension in writing (email/text is fine) if unforeseen circumstances arise. All extension requests will be seriously considered but are not guaranteed.

Vaccination Requirements: All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations before participating in any training sessions or programs. We trust your word that your dog has the legally required vaccinations while working with us.
Illness & Injury: Clients must inform the trainer if their dog is ill or injured as this can have a significant impact on training outcomes. The trainer reserves the right to reschedule sessions if the dog's health could be compromised.

Approved Equipment: While working with us (& hopefully forever), Clients agree to only use rewards based training & to not use any punishment-based equipment with your dog. The trainer will provide guidance on what equipment is preferred & appropriate. If you have any questions about any dog related gear, we are happy to help ensure proper fit & use.

Ethical Promise: Trainer commits to providing the most up to date positive training methods, being fully transparent about how & why training is done as it is, honest about potential outcomes for client dog’s behaviors & answer all client questions.
Active Participation: Clients are expected to actively participate in training sessions & follow through with recommended practices at home. The success of the training program depends on the client's commitment. We understand modern life is busy and often complicated and we will make every effort to recommend practice sessions that work for the client.

Assumption of Risk: Clients acknowledge that training sessions may involve risks to both the dog & the client. Clients agree to assume all risks & release the trainer from any liability arising from participation in the training program.

Consent for Media: Clients are asked to consent to the use of their and/or their dog’s images or videos for marketing & educational purposes. Consent is voluntary & can be withdrawn at any time. We are happy to answer any questions related to use of media. We also ask that you share any videos you make of your trainer demonstrating training so we may share it with others.
Restrictions: Please note, trainers will not take or post any pictures of children under 18 years of age or any image that would reveal your address/personal information of any kind. You may share any additional restrictions you wish to add regarding use of pictures of yourself/your dog. Trainer will always ask before taking/using images of you and/or your dog.

All documents, instruction, guidance and intervention written or expressed is subject to copyright © 2017-2026 Creature Good Dog Training. This information is not to be shared outside the client household or reproduced without permission.

If you have questions about any of these policies, please email ruth@creaturegooddogtraining.com