TERMS & CONDITIONS

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Our Goal and Training Method

 

“People rarely succeed, unless they have fun in what they are doing” – Dale Carnegie

 

Our aim is to help you build a great relationship and bond with your dog based on trust and understanding. We hope you and your dog will enjoy our classes and training, have a lot of fun and maybe one or two aha-moments. Our goal is to equip you with the tools you need to teach your dog the life skills they need to follow you through everyday life.

We use positive reinforcement (R+) training, a rewards-based training approach. We want you and your dog to have fun, not only during our sessions but every day. Clients participating in an Academy for Canine Companions training program are expected to follow our reward-based training approach and not use aversive training methods or equipment during the program.

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General Terms & Conditions

By booking, enrolling in or attending any course, class, individual training session, assessment, workshop, Therapy Dog visit or other service provided by Academy for Canine Companions (ACC), the client agrees to these Terms & Conditions. These Terms & Conditions apply together with any booking confirmation, quotation or program-specific information provided to the client.

The client must provide accurate and complete information relevant to the provision of the Services, including information about their dog’s health, behaviour, history and any circumstances that may affect training or safety.

Training is a collaborative process. ACC will provide instruction, guidance and practical tools to the best of its knowledge and professional experience. The client is responsible for practising and applying the training between sessions.

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Client Responsibilities

• Follow reasonable safety instructions and directions given by the trainer.

• Disclose any known behavioural concerns, sensitivities, triggers, aggression, bite history, medical conditions, physical limitations or other circumstances that may affect the safety or wellbeing of the dog, the handler, other people or other animals.

• Take reasonable steps to prevent situations that may cause their dog to become distressed, reactive or unsafe.

• Practise recommended exercises between training sessions and understand that progress depends substantially on consistency, commitment and cooperation.

• Ensure that any children or other people accompanying them are appropriately supervised.

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Failure to disclose relevant information may affect ACC’s ability to safely provide training and may result in training being modified, postponed or discontinued.

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Dog Health, Vaccinations and Parasite Control

Clients attending group training must provide evidence of current vaccinations appropriate for participation in group training, as reasonably required by ACC. Clients must also ensure that their dog receives appropriate ongoing flea, tick and parasite prevention and veterinary care.

It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that their dog is fit to participate in training. Dogs showing signs of contagious illness, infectious disease, significant parasite infestation or other conditions that may place themselves or others at risk may be excluded from training. ACC may request veterinary advice where appropriate.

Dogs in heat should not attend group classes. Whether an individual training session can proceed will be determined on a case-by-case basis with consideration for the dog, other animals and the training environment.

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Training Facility and Safety

All handlers attending training at the Kleinton training facility are required to wear covered, appropriate footwear. This is a Workplace Health and Safety requirement. A handler wearing inappropriate footwear may be excluded from training for their own safety. If an individual session has to be cancelled because the client is not wearing appropriate footwear, the ordinary cancellation policy will apply.

Comfortable clothing is recommended as exercises may involve bending, kneeling, sitting on the ground or stretching.

Smoking is not permitted on ACC’s property or during classes. There are no toilet facilities for clients.

Where outdoor furniture or other facilities are provided, use is at the client’s own risk.

All handlers must follow reasonable safety instructions and directions given by the trainer.

Dogs must be kept on lead when arriving at and leaving the premises and during class unless otherwise directed by the trainer.

Dogs must not be allowed to approach another dog unless directed by the trainer. Not all dogs are comfortable being approached by unfamiliar dogs, particularly while restrained.

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Training Equipment and Methods

ACC uses positive reinforcement and does not permit aversive training equipment in its classes or training programs. Check/choke chains, pinch/prong collars, electronic collars, spray collars and similar aversive equipment are not permitted. Dogs should be walked on a suitable flat collar or harness and lead as directed by the trainer. Haltis and similar head collars might be used after consultation.

Flexi/retractable leads are not permitted during classes. Clients should bring a harness or flat collar, a lead of approximately 1.8 metres and, where available, a 3–5 metre long line for exercises where requested.

Clients should bring their dog’s favourite toy and plenty of high-value, soft treats cut into small pieces, as well as poo bags and any other equipment specifically requested for their course.

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Weather Policy

In the event of extreme weather, including excessive heat, storms, strong winds or (heavy) rain, it is at the trainer’s discretion whether training will start, continue, be modified or be rescheduled. The wellbeing of the dogs and handlers is the primary consideration. ACC will advise clients as soon as reasonably possible when a session needs to be changed or rescheduled and will work with clients to arrange an appropriate alternative, subject to availability.

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Group Classes

Each lesson may include a combination of theory and practical learning. Advice is provided to the best of ACC’s knowledge and professional experience. Dog training outcomes vary between individual dogs and handlers, and ACC cannot guarantee a particular behavioural or training outcome.

If children attend training, the accompanying adult remains solely responsible for their care and supervision. Children must not approach or interact with dogs without first checking with the relevant handler and, where appropriate, the trainer.

Handlers must disclose any known behaviour or situation that may present a safety concern and must follow the trainer’s directions to manage such situations.

ACC may cancel or reschedule a group lesson if the minimum number of participants required to run the lesson is not reached. Where ACC cancels a lesson or course for this reason, clients will be offered an appropriate transfer or refund in accordance with the applicable cancellation provisions.

The minimum attendance for a group class is generally three dog-handler teams unless otherwise stated for a particular course.

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Ongoing Group Classes

Ongoing Group Classes take place regularly. Subject to availability, clients may join or leave the group at any time and pay only for the lessons they attend. Clients should advise ACC if they wish to leave an ongoing group so that the place can be offered to another client.

Clients will generally receive a message one or two days before the next session with the time and location. Clients should respond to confirm attendance where requested.

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Transferring to Another Course, Program or Dog

If a client can no longer attend a booked course or program, they should notify ACC as soon as possible. Where practical, ACC may offer a transfer to another suitable time or program, subject to availability and any applicable fee.

A client wishing to transfer training to another dog must notify ACC. Any replacement dog is subject to ACC’s assessment of suitability for the relevant course or program, and a transfer is not automatically guaranteed.

If a client believes that a booked course or program is not appropriate for their or their dog’s skill level, they should contact ACC as soon as possible. ACC will endeavour to adapt the training where reasonably possible or recommend a more suitable program.

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Individual Training

Individual Training is available by appointment. Prices are based on the current prices stated by ACC plus applicable travel costs. Appointment details, including date, time and location, will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Payment may be made by cash on the day or direct bank transfer. Bank transfer payments must be received in ACC’s account on the day of the appointment unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Cancellations and rescheduling are subject to the Cancellation Policy below.

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Assistance Dog Training

ACC provides Assistance Dog training and works with clients towards the applicable standards, including the Public Access Test (PAT) where appropriate. ACC may be approved or recognised as an Assistance Dog trainer by particular organisations; however, recognition requirements and pathways may differ between organisations and may change over time.

ACC provides training, guidance, practical exercises and advice to assist the client in training their dog. The client understands that substantial training and practice between sessions is required and that the client is responsible for implementing the training consistently.

ACC does not guarantee that a particular dog will be suitable for Assistance Dog work, will complete the training successfully, will pass a PAT or other assessment, or will be recognised as an Assistance Dog by any organisation, authority, venue or other body. A dog’s suitability may become clearer as training progresses and further assessment may be required.

Passing an assessment or PAT does not necessarily mean that every organisation, venue, employer, transport provider or other third party will recognise the team or provide access. Clients remain responsible for confirming the current requirements applicable to their individual circumstances.

ACC’s Assistance Dog training is based on positive reinforcement. Clients participating in an Assistance Dog training program are expected to use reward-based methods and not use aversive training methods or equipment in connection with the program.

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Free Assistance Dog Meet & Greet

ACC offers a complimentary initial Meet & Greet to prospective Assistance Dog clients. The purpose of this appointment is to provide general information and guidance about the different pathways available for having an Assistance Dog recognised, the requirements that may apply to the handler and the dog, the training and public access standards involved and the commitment required from the handler throughout the training process. This includes discussing the importance of regular training and practice between sessions, consistent application of training in everyday life and the use of positive reinforcement-based training methods.

Where the prospective client already has a dog, a preliminary assessment of the dog’s suitability for Assistance Dog training may also be undertaken. This is an initial observation only and does not constitute a guarantee that the dog will be suitable for Assistance Dog work, successfully complete training or meet any applicable recognition or public access requirements.

The Meet & Greet may also include an overview of the anticipated training process, estimated training requirements and the costs associated with training sessions and other services provided by ACC.

Information and guidance provided during the Meet & Greet is intended as general information based on information available at the time. While ACC makes reasonable efforts to keep information regarding Assistance Dog requirements, pathways, legislation and relevant processes accurate and up to date, ACC cannot guarantee that all information provided is complete, current or applicable to every individual circumstance. Clients should confirm current requirements with the relevant organisation, authority or governing body where applicable.

The Meet & Greet itself is free of charge. By making an appointment, the client acknowledges that appointment time is specifically reserved for them and cannot ordinarily be offered to another client. If the client cancels or does not attend the scheduled free Meet & Greet, the first appointment remains free; however, any subsequent Meet & Greet appointment arranged following a cancellation or non-attendance will incur a $50 appointment fee. The $50 fee must be paid prior to the subsequent appointment and is separate from future training fees.

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Paws 4 People™ Therapy Dog Training

Paws 4 People™ is ACC’s Therapy Dog training program. ACC provides clients with the tools, guidance and training required to work towards the standards of the program. ACC cannot guarantee a particular training outcome, certification result or future placement or volunteering opportunity.

Passing the Paws 4 People™ assessment and obtaining a certificate demonstrates the team’s achievement against the standards assessed by ACC at the time of assessment. It does not guarantee acceptance by a volunteer organisation, employer, school, aged care facility or other organisation.

The client understands that ongoing learning, practice, experience and community engagement are important components of becoming an effective Therapy Dog team. Clients should consult their relevant volunteer organisation, employer, facility and insurance provider regarding additional requirements, including health, insurance, screening or Blue Card requirements where applicable.

The client’s commitment to training and practice between sessions is essential to the success of the program.

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Bookings, Payment and Cancellation

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Payment

For fixed-term Group Classes, the full course fee is due 7 days before the first lesson unless otherwise stated in the booking confirmation. Clients wishing to pay by cash should advise ACC in writing in advance. Bank transfer payments must be received in ACC’s account by the due date.

Fees for Individual Training and Assistance Dog Training are payable by cash on the day or direct bank transfer, unless otherwise agreed. Bank transfer payments must be received in ACC’s account on the day of the appointment.

ACC may require outstanding fees to be paid before further training or services are provided.

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Cancellations and Rescheduling

Clients should notify ACC in writing by email, WhatsApp, text message or another agreed method as soon as possible if they need to cancel or reschedule.

Fixed-term Group Classes: cancellations received more than 7 days before the first lesson are eligible for a refund less a $25 administration fee. Cancellations received between 7 days and one day before the first lesson are eligible for a 50% refund. No refund is provided for cancellations on the day of the first lesson, after the course has commenced or for non-attendance, unless otherwise required by law or agreed by ACC.

Clients remain responsible for payment where they fail to cancel in accordance with the applicable cancellation period or do not attend.

Individual Training: cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment are charged at the full training rate, excluding travel costs where applicable. ACC may waive or vary this fee at its discretion in exceptional circumstances.

Assistance Dog Training: cancellations made at least 12 hours before the appointment will not incur a cancellation fee. Where a cancellation within 12 hours is due to the client’s medical condition, ACC will not charge a cancellation fee. Other cancellations within 12 hours of an Assistance Dog training appointment are charged at the full training fee, excluding travel costs where applicable.

Paws 4 People™: the Assessment fee is due on the day of the Assessment unless otherwise agreed. Program fees and payment schedules are set out in the booking confirmation. Where a finance plan is agreed, leaving the program does not automatically cancel the remaining payment obligation; any outstanding amount remains payable unless ACC agrees otherwise or applicable law provides otherwise.

ACC may cancel or reschedule a course, program or session where reasonably necessary, including due to trainer illness, extreme weather, insufficient enrolments, safety concerns or other circumstances beyond ACC’s reasonable control. Where ACC cancels a service that has been paid for and does not provide a reasonable alternative, the unused portion will be refunded as appropriate.

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Products and BioThane® Equipment

ACC offers selected dog training equipment, including handmade-to-order BioThane® Beta® collars and leads, treats, harnesses and other training products. Product prices and availability may change.

Clients are responsible for using equipment appropriately and following any care or safety instructions supplied. Equipment must be regularly inspected for signs of damage, wear or deterioration and replaced where necessary.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes any rights or remedies relating to goods that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable consumer law.

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Risk, Safety and Liability

Dog training and Therapy Dog activities involve inherent and foreseeable risks because dogs are animals and their behaviour can be unpredictable. Risks may include, but are not limited to, scratches, bites, falls, trips, accidental contact between dogs or people, escape, damage to property, illness or transmission of disease and injury to a dog, handler or other person.

Clients participate with an understanding of these risks and remain responsible for the reasonable control and supervision of their dog and for following safety instructions provided by ACC.

Clients must disclose relevant behavioural, medical or physical information about themselves or their dog that may reasonably affect safety or the provision of the Services.

ACC will take reasonable care and provide the Services with due care and skill. However, ACC cannot guarantee that an accident, injury, illness, escape or other incident will not occur.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any consumer guarantee, right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified under applicable law, including the Australian Consumer Law.

To the extent permitted by law, ACC’s liability for a failure to comply with a consumer guarantee or other legally enforceable obligation will be dealt with in accordance with applicable law. Where the law permits a limitation of liability for services, ACC may choose to provide the Services again or pay the cost of having the Services supplied again, as permitted by law.

To the extent permitted by law, ACC will not be liable for indirect or consequential loss arising from the Services. This clause does not limit liability that cannot lawfully be limited or excluded.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to exclude liability for conduct or circumstances where such exclusion would be unlawful.

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Right to Refuse or Discontinue Services

ACC reserves the right to refuse, suspend, modify or discontinue Services where ACC reasonably determines that the Services are not appropriate or safe for a particular dog, handler or situation, where relevant information has not been disclosed, where a client does not follow reasonable safety directions or where continued participation may place a person, dog or other animal at unreasonable risk.

Where reasonably practicable, ACC will discuss the circumstances with the client and may recommend an alternative service, management strategy, veterinary or behavioural referral or other appropriate pathway.

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Training Outcomes and Client Commitment

The degree to which a dog successfully learns and maintains training is influenced by many factors, including the dog’s individual temperament and history, the handler’s skills, consistency, practice, environment and the level of reinforcement provided. ACC will endeavour to provide appropriate guidance and support but cannot guarantee a particular behavioural or training outcome.

Participation in ACC training does not qualify a client as a professional dog trainer or authorise them to represent themselves as an ACC trainer or to teach ACC’s programs to other people or dogs.

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Privacy, Photography and Promotional Material

Where photographs or video are taken during training or events, ACC will seek appropriate permission before using identifiable client or dog images for promotional or social media purposes. Clients may advise ACC if they do not wish identifiable images of themselves or their dog to be used for promotional purposes. This does not prevent ACC from retaining training records or using non-identifying material where permitted by law and applicable consent arrangements.

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Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any dispute will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts and tribunals that have lawful jurisdiction in Queensland, subject to any mandatory rights a client may have under applicable law.

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Severability

If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid, unenforceable or unlawful, that provision will be read down to the extent necessary where legally permitted. If it cannot be read down, it will be severed to the extent necessary without affecting the validity of the remaining provisions.

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Entire Agreement

These Terms & Conditions, together with the applicable booking confirmation, quotation or written agreement for the Services, constitute the agreement between ACC and the client in relation to those Services. If there is a conflict between these Terms & Conditions and a specific written agreement, the specific written agreement will apply to the extent of the inconsistency.

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Acknowledgement and Acceptance

By booking, enrolling in or attending an ACC course, class, assessment, workshop, individual training session, Therapy Dog visit or other Service, the client confirms that they have had an opportunity to read these Terms & Conditions, understand that participation in dog training involves inherent risks and agree to comply with these Terms & Conditions.

The client acknowledges that their dog may not be fully trained at the end of a course or program and that continued training and practice at home are an important part of the learning process.

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Important Notice

These Terms & Conditions are intended to set out the arrangements between Academy for Canine Companions and its clients. They should be read together with any applicable booking information. Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to remove or reduce any rights that a consumer has under applicable Australian law.

 

Copyright © 2026 All website content and photos Academy for Canine Companions/Claudia Weber. All rights reserved.

Academy for Canine Companions

T E Bean & C Weber

Kleinton QLD 4352

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ABN: 444 595 758

Phone: 0481 277 084

Email: dogtraining.claudia@gmail.com

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