Introduction
These terms and conditions govern your use of the Head Start Dog Training website and all training services provided by us. By booking a service or using our website, you agree to be bound by these terms.
Please read these terms carefully before booking. If you have any questions, contact us at katya@headstartdogtraining.com.
About us
Head Start Dog Training is operated by Katya as a sole trader based in Edinburgh, EH13 0RB. We are an ABTC-certified (Animal Behaviour and Training Council) and PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers) member, committed to reward-based, force-free dog training.
Our services
We offer a range of dog training services including:
- Group puppy classes — socialisation and foundation skills for young puppies
- 1:1 private training — personalised sessions at your home or an agreed location
- Scentwork classes — enrichment-based scent detection for dogs of all ages
- Family dog training — whole-family programmes to build confidence and consistency
- New puppy programmes — support packages for first-time and experienced puppy owners
All training is 100% reward-based and force-free. We never use punishment, aversive tools, or intimidation. Services are subject to availability and may be paused or updated from time to time.
Booking and payment
How to book
You can book a service by:
- Submitting an enquiry through our contact form at headstartdogtraining.com/get-in-touch
- Calling us on 07366 464 040
- Emailing katya@headstartdogtraining.com
Free consultation
Your first consultation is always free and carries no obligation. This is a chance for us to understand your goals and for you to decide if we are the right fit.
Payment terms
- Payment is due as agreed at the time of booking
- Prices are as quoted and include VAT where applicable
- We accept bank transfer and other methods as confirmed at booking
- Full payment for multi-session programmes may be required in advance
Cancellation and refunds
Your cancellations
- We require at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling
- Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice may be charged at the full session rate
- Repeated no-shows without notice may result in the remaining sessions being forfeited
Our cancellations
- If we need to cancel a session (e.g. due to illness or severe weather), we will offer an alternative date at no extra cost
- If we are unable to deliver a programme you have paid for, a full or pro-rata refund will be provided
Group classes
- If a group class series is paused or discontinued mid-course, we will offer either a transfer to an alternative class or a pro-rata refund for the remaining sessions
- Refunds are not available for group sessions you have chosen not to attend
Your responsibilities
When using our services, you agree to:
- Ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations as required for the programme
- Disclose any known behavioural issues, bite history, or health conditions before the first session
- Remain responsible for your dog at all times during and outside of training sessions
- Follow the trainer’s safety instructions during all sessions
- Bring appropriate equipment as advised (lead, harness, treats, etc.)
- Practise the techniques and exercises recommended between sessions
Our responsibilities
We commit to:
- Providing professional, reward-based dog training to the best of our ability
- Maintaining current ABTC certification, PACT membership, and appropriate insurance
- Creating a safe and supportive training environment for you and your dog
- Communicating clearly about session content, expectations, and progress
- Reserving the right to refuse or discontinue service if we believe a dog or situation poses a safety risk to any person or animal
Health and safety
- Your dog must be healthy and fit to participate in training sessions
- Dogs showing signs of infectious illness (e.g. kennel cough, parvovirus) must not attend group sessions. Please inform us as soon as possible so we can rearrange
- We reserve the right to exclude any dog from a session if we believe they pose a risk to the safety or wellbeing of others
- Outdoor sessions may be rescheduled in the event of severe weather — we will notify you as soon as possible and offer an alternative date
Liability
- Head Start Dog Training holds appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance
- We are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused by your dog to any person, animal, or property
- Training outcomes are not guaranteed. Every dog is different, and results depend on many factors including consistency of practice, your dog’s temperament, and your home environment
- Our liability to you in any event shall not exceed the total fees you have paid for the relevant service
- Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law
- We may take photographs or videos during training sessions for use on our website, social media, or marketing materials
- We will always ask for your consent before taking or using any images
- You have the right to opt out at any time — simply let us know and we will remove any images featuring you or your dog
- Any images you share with us (e.g. progress photos) will only be used with your permission
Intellectual property
- All training materials, handouts, video content, and written resources provided by Head Start Dog Training are protected by copyright
- These materials are for your personal use only and may not be shared, reproduced, or distributed without our written permission
- The Head Start Dog Training name, logo, and branding are our intellectual property
Website terms
- The content on our website is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute professional veterinary or behavioural advice
- We make reasonable efforts to keep the information on our website accurate and up to date, but we do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy
- We reserve the right to update, modify, or remove any content on our website at any time without notice
- Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites
Changes to these terms
We may update these terms from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the “last updated” date at the top of this page. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
We encourage you to review these terms periodically.
Governing law
These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Scotland. Any disputes arising from these terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish courts.
If you have any questions about these terms, please get in touch: