Mannerly Mutts Private Lesson Contract

37 Paul Street York Beach Maine 03910 (Physical Address)
PO Box 441 York Beach Maine 03910 (Mail Address)
(207) 361-4395   (Cell Phone Robin Rubin, Owner and Trainer)
(508) 735-8630 (Alternate Cell Phone/Robert Customer Service and Bookings)
[email protected]           ​

The owner [Name on the Electronic Signature Form Below] hereby retains Robin Rubin [“Dog Trainer”] of Mannerly Mutts Dog Training to coach in training your canine companion under the following terms and conditions:        

1. Location.   The lessons will take place at the Mannerly Mutts in York Maine and surrounding areas as the training advances.
2. Sessions.   Sessions last approximately one hour.   If more help is needed, that will be provided at no additional charge for as long as the trainer feels is necessary.  However, lateness on the client’s part does not prolong the session.    Basic obedience training generally requires twelve weeks, but may be longer in some cases.   In other cases where a dog may have had some experience, it may be shorter to reach the expected goals.   
3. Cancellation or Rescheduling.   24 hours notice is required to cancel or reschedule a lesson.   I allow for three of these during the twelve week training period.   A voice message or e-mail message may be sent to do this, and I will confirm that I have received the message during that day.   If the client does not cancel as required, and is not present at the lesson location, they will either loose that lesson or need to pay for additional ones at the end.   However, if the trainer feels that the client is acting irresponsibly, the trainer retains the right to cancel the package without any refund due to the client.   Also, the private lesson package must be completed in a maximum of five months.  If not client can not arrange this, the balance of the lessons is not refundable to the client.
4. Maintenance of Goals.   The owner recognizes that this training session does not train the dog, but instead coaches the owners to train their dog according to skills conveyed and homework provided.  In order for the dog to obey the owner, the following must occur:
   1. The owner must understand the basic principles of training (this will be explained and provided by the trainer).
   2. The owner must apply the basic principles of training.
   3. The owner must not interact with the dog in a way that rewards bad behavior and/or punishes good behavior.
   4. The owner must regularly train the dog at least an hour a day (not in one block but as will be explained different points of the day), six days a week to convey and fine tune command performance (as will be explained by the trainer).
   5. The owner must not give commands that they are not ready to reinforce if the dog does not perform.  
   6. There will be a test given after three or six  lessons (depending on the program) are completed to determine whether the client has completed their assignments properly.   If the client does not pass the test, a catch up period will be allowed to complete their homework, and try again.   The lessons will be cancelled if the client can not demonstrate that they have done the homework (assuming no special problems), and no refund will be forwarded to the client for this.
   7. At lessons 6 or 12 (depending on the program) a test will be given to determine if the client is due a certificate of completion.
5. Guarantee.   Mannerly Mutts does not guarantee training in this arrangement.   Much of the training is going to be done by the client.   The trainer cannot control whether the client follows the advice, does the homework, is consistent outside of training time, and many other factors.   However, if the following is documented for the trainer,  but there is not satisfactory improvement in the dog as agreed by the client and trainer, a refund of some sort will be considered:
   1. Communication in between lessons of any difficulties or problems that were arising.
   2. Proof that homework was accomplished by the ability of the client to produce results of exercises as will be outlined.   
6.  Vaccinations and Medications.  The owner is responsible that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, bordetella (Kennel Cough) and para-influenza.    Mannerly Mutts does require that a copy of vaccination records be kept on file here.
7. Dog Health.  All dogs must be in good health and free from any parasites. On admission all dogs must be free from any conditions, which could potentially jeopardize other guests.  If your dog gets ill suddenly, please call and reschedule your appointment.   If your dog has chronic health (that is not infections) problems or a physical disability, this should have been noted on the interview form.   If it was not, please call us so we can discuss whether this is the right program for you and your dog or not.
8. Spaying and Neutering.  Please let us know if your dog is not spayed or neutered.   Female dogs who are not spayed should not attend day-train when in heat.   Most male dogs will be fine not neutered, but we should know so we can be aware and take precautions accordingly.
9. Aggressive Dogs.  The owner warrants that he/she has disclosed to the trainer in writing (client interview form & other) any behavior that may indicate that the dog may be aggressive to other dogs or people, included but not limited to growling, forceful barking, snapping, raising of hackles, lowering of head and staring, chasing, attempting to bite, and biting.  The trainer reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services for an aggressive dog, in which case the trainer will have no further obligation to the owner and the owner will be refunded their money.   Mannerly Mutts is knowledgeable about training dogs with aggression behavioral problems.   Sometimes in getting to know the dog better, it becomes apparent that the situation would not work out for the family.   At these times, we would rather point you to a better solution, and refund your money to you.
10. Liability.  All behavioral advice and training suggestions are provided at the client’s own risk.   Use of this information is voluntary and Mannerly Mutts is not responsible for injury to another human or animal.  The client is at all times responsible for the actions of their dog.  Mannerly Mutts and Robin Rubin (The Trainer) is not responsible for any injuries or expenses resulting from socialization or training.   Dogs participating in physical exercises may be injured by running, jumping, chasing a ball, training around other dogs, training in strange environments where a loose dog may come upon us ET.  Client hereby indemnifies and holds harmless Mannerly Mutts and Robin Rubin (The Trainer).   Mannerly Mutts and Robin Rubin will take every reasonable precaution during training to try and avoid such incidents.
11. ​Abandonment of your canine companion here.   Boarding services will accrue while your dog remains here.   After not hearing from you for more than a week, we will try to rehome the dog, allow a rescue to rehome the dog, in the worst case behavioral euthanasia, or possibly keep the dog as our own.    Your abandonment of your dog and/or non payment of services automatically transfers your dog to our ownership or guardianship.  You are still liable for any damages or services that your dog incurs during your abandonment.
12. Fee.   The fee for the My Dog and Me of 6 Weekly Lessons is $816.00. The fee for Complete Canine of 12 Weekly Lessons is $1,584.00. This will be paid as follows (1) non refundable deposit within 72 hours of electronic contract submission of $500.00 and (2) non refundable balance due on the first lesson of $316.00 for My Dog and Me Package or $1,084.00 for Complete Canine Package.   Once training begins this is not refundable, unless the owner and trainer allows it.  These would be very rare circumstances.
13. Bounced Check Fee.   If a check bounces, the fee and original amount due is to be reimbursed to Mannerly Mutts or Robin Rubin immediately in the form of cash.    
14. To be submitted to Mannerly Mutts before and at first lesson. (1) 500.00 non refundable deposit made after submission of electronic signature (2) non refundable balance of 316.00 for My Dog and Me Package or $1,084.00 for Complete Canine Package, and (3 if not done already) up to date vaccination records to be submitted.
15. Refunds.  This contract is a commitment that you will train your dogs for the amount of lessons that you are signing up for.   Mannerly Mutts is not responsible for events in life that may come up, which may prevent from wanting to or taking the balance of your lessons.   You will not be entitled to nor will you receive a refund upon electronic contract submission for either the deposit or the balance of the package.   In other words, you are paying for our availability and time in the future.   If you only want one lesson or circumstances come up, that lesson costs the package price you signed up for.   Please take serious account of your finances, commitment to your dog, the possibility that you may re-home or euthanize the dog during the lesson period seriously.  Writing a check out with the intention of just getting a single consultation and stopping the check payment is a crime, and we will report such instances as such.
16. ​​Interruption or rescheduling can happen during when events happen that are not expected.   Although we are not specifically obligated to, we will do our best to work with you to accommodate those needs.  You have five months to reschedule or use the services from electronic signature on the contract  or interruption in service (dog gets sick at home, dog gets sick here, you have sick relative et).
17. Additionally bring to the first lesson with: (1) your dog on a leash and (2) your dog on a flat collar and/or a training collar that you have been using.  Mannerly Mutts will provide you with the additional leashes and collars for training.  ​

Submit 500.00 Non Refundable Deposit