• ​For Puppy Classes -  Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus vaccines must be up to date. We need to see your vaccination records at the first class.
   

• For Older dogs Vaccinations for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Rabies, must be up-to-date.
   

• We do recommend that dogs have been vaccinated for Bordatella (Kennel Cough).

 

• Only dogs in good health and free of parasites may attend classes. If your dog is feeling unwell, has diarrhea or other signs of potential illness please keep them home. You are welcome to come to class without your dog if they are under the weather.

 

• Females in heat may attend class at the instructor’s discretion and will need to wear a protective covering.

 

• If, in the opinion of the instructor, a dog is extremely unmanageable or stressed, or is unduly disturbing other dogs in the class, the instructor may ask that the dog leave the class. If a dog is asked to leave a class, fees paid may be used towards a private lesson(s).

 

• If you miss a lesson or wish to review, you may attend another class without your dog. Please contact Outside the Crate for information on an appropriate class. No dog may be transferred to another class without prior approval.

 

• Successful course completion requires not more than one absence.

 

• The owner or caregiver will handle their dog at all classes. Others are welcome to watch and will be invited to participate in specific family-oriented training exercises. The owner is solely responsible for his dog’s actions while attending class.

 

• Outside the Crate will set the time and location of each class. Every attempt will be made to hold one class per week at the same time and location.​

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Payment

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When you register for a course, you are placed on a waiting list until the class start date. Due to our pre-payment policy, spots in classes are not reserved until we receive payment. Spots are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis, with payment. You will lose your spot if someone on the waiting list confirms his/her registration before you. Once you have paid the course fee in full, your spot is reserved!

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Payment methods

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• You can send an Email Money Transfer to jayne@outsidethecrate.net

• You can pay by credit card or PayPal directly through the website.

• You can pay cash or debit in-person before classes start.

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Registration

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• You can register for a class online, in person, by email, or over the phone. 

• Please ensure that your dog meets all the requirements for the class. Class requirements are clearly stated in the class descriptions. Failure to meet all the class requirements will result in the cancellation of your class registration.

 

Refunds

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• We are dedicated to maintaining small classes with plenty of one-on-one interaction. For that reason, cancellations with less than a 5-business day notice from the class start date will not be eligible for a refund.  

• There will be no refunds given if cancellation happens once the class starts.

• Special circumstances for cancellation with less than a 5-business day notice or once the class starts:​ If your dog can no longer attend class due to health reasons, a note from your vet will be required for a refund. Illnesses for dogs include injuries and contagious diseases. It does not include spay/neuter. The request for a refund must be done within five business days of the vet visit. After five business days, we will not honour the request. The amount refunded will be the unused classes minus the $20 administration fee.

 

Transfer

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• Requests to move to a different class with less than a 5-business day notice from the class start date will not be eligible for a transfer. There will be no class transfer given if cancellation happens once the class starts.

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Cancellation

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We train rain or shine, but sometimes the weather may affect how safe, productive and effective we can be. If the weather threatens to impede safety and training, we will contact you regarding class cancellation via email in your client account as soon as possible before your class start time. If there is no email notification, it means the class will take place. Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date. When we cancel a class due to the weather, we will postpone the class graduation date.

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Dog suitability

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You are responsible for your dog’s health and behaviours during the class:

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• Dogs must be healthy and not be showing signs of illness including but not limited to diarrhea, coughing and injury.

• Dogs must be up to date on vaccines (we accept titer testing results: A titer test is a blood test that measures the level of immune system proteins called antibodies. When your dog gets a vaccination, their immune system responds by producing antibodies, which the body can use to fight off future infections).

• Dogs that exhibit fearful or reactive behaviours towards people or dogs should be seen by a Certified Behaviouralist. I can recommend qualified people who can help you with behavioural issues. I am not yet certified in this specialized area. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of your dog and your dog’s classmates (see below).

• If your dog has a bite history (people or dogs), classes are not for you but private training is.

 

Disruptive dogs

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• Disruptive behaviours include but are not limited to excessive barking, defecating/urinating, lunging and attempting to bite dogs or people. If you are unsure if classes are for your dog, please contact us prior to registration.

• Instructors reserve the right to remove disruptive dogs from classes.

• We will convert the remaining course fee towards private training.

 

Missed classes

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• When you register for class sessions, you must complete the class within six consecutive weeks. We do not provide class refunds or transfers for missed classes.

• If you are unable to show up, we encourage you to find a friend or family member to bring your puppy/dog to class.

• If your puppy/dog is unable to show up, you can come to class without him/her to audit and then practice at home.

• Illnesses for dogs include injuries and contagious diseases. It does not include spay/neuter. 

• We regret that personal issues (e.g., lack of transportation, schedule conflict, family matters, etc.) will not be accepted.​

 

Age

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Children are welcome to attend classes and must follow the Class Etiquette guidelines (see below). Dog Handlers must be at least 14 years old, unless a specific exception has been made. Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

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Class Etiquette

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1. Please arrive at least five minutes before class so that we can start the class on time. Dogs take awhile to settle down given the distracting environment. You may have to wait until the next lesson starts if you arrive more than 10 minutes late.

2. For safety reasons, please ensure that your children do not run, hug and touch other people’s dogs. Children under 14 years old must not participate in puppy playtime during classes.

3. Please keep your dog on a 6-foot flat leash (no flexi leashes) at all times and ask for permission from afar if you want your dog to greet other dogs.

4. If your dog is barking during class, you may wish to bring a chew toy such as a stuffed Kong, raw bone, etc. for the next class.

5. We do not condone the use of choke collars, prong/pinch collars, slip collars and electronic collars (shock/beep/vibrate/spray). You must remove these training tools when you are in my class.

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Photo & Video Release

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We may take graduation photos and/or videos for marketing purposes. You may choose not to have your photos and/or videos taken or published, by sending an email to: jayne@outsidethecrate.net

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