OUR INTAKE PROCESS

1. Complete our intake form.

2. Read and sign our liability waiver.

3. Book and pay for your chosen services. 

If requested, we can book a free phone call to discuss what services and options are best for you and your Fantastic Fido. 

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PAYMENT

All of our services require pre-payment. 

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All payments must be paid by e-transfer or cheque and in full within 5 days of receiving the invoice (or before the commencement of services), unless otherwise agreed upon. Unpaid invoices are subject to a $20 fee, and services may be suspended until the invoice is paid.

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Our training walks services are subject to an additional 20% fee for services outside of 9:00am to 5:00pm, on weekends, and statutory holidays.

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TRAINING METHODS

We use a fear free, science-based training approach. We do not use any aversive methods including the use of pain, fear, and intimidation. If you are currently using aversive methods, we are happy to support you in transitioning to a fear free training method, but any use of aversives (in the past, at the commencement of services, or during working with us) must be disclosed. The ongoing and/or undisclosed use of aversives may result in termination of services.

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EQUIPMENT

For all of our services, dogs are required to wear a properly fitted harness or in cases of harness aversion, a flat collar. The use of shock collars, prong collars, slip leads, or choke chains is not permitted. Any aversive tools need to be removed for and during all services or may result in the immediate cancellation of that service. 

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Dogs may be required to wear muzzles during our services. The proper conditioning of muzzles is always required and something we can support dog guardians with. 

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We strongly recommend that clients bring and use a treat pouch for all services. 

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DOG HEALTH & SAFETY

For any services, dogs must:

• Not be sick for 14 days leading up to the service (or have clearance from a veterinarian to participate in services);

• Appear bright and healthy;

• Not currently have any cough, snot, or eye discharge;

• Be up to date with vaccinations and flea and tick medication.

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Everyone working for Fantastic Fidos Dog Training (FFDT) is trained in canine first aid through a recognized and accredited animal first aid program. First aid may be administered during services as needed and/or dogs may be transported to a veterinarian for medical treatment if necessary. Dog guardians and/or their emergency contact will be contacted and informed about any medical emergencies as soon as possible. Any incurred medical expenses or treatment are the responsibility of the dog guardian.

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During group based services, and occasionally during private services, dogs may interact and play with other dogs. All interactions and play is monitored for safety, however, nicks and scratches may occur due to the nature of dog play. The FFDT team will inform dog guardians of any injuries incurred during services. 

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Seatbelts and tethers are always used when we are transporting dogs for any reason during services. 

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STAFF SAFETY

For our safety, we may require a longer transition/introductory plan before dogs who are exhibiting fear or aggression towards people start services. This might look like ‘happy visits’, dog guardians joining walks and sessions or shorter and more frequent sessions until we deem the dog is comfortable and staff are safe. 

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Services may be cancelled or postponed if someone on FFDT team is in an unsafe situation during services including if dogs are exhibiting unsafe behaviours towards them or others. We may request that dogs are assessed by a veterinarian or veterinary behaviourist to rule out any underlying medical conditions, including pain, before starting or resuming services. 

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BEHAVIOUR

We require disclosure of all and any past, current, or sudden changes in behaviour including fear and/or aggression towards humans (‘stranger danger’) or dogs, leash reactivity, and resource guarding etc. 

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The behaviours (i.e. the cues and skills) that dogs are taught during our services need to be practiced by dog guardians outside, and after the completion, of our services in order for them to be maintained and generalised to everyday life. 

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CANCELLATION

For classes (including K9 Nose Work) all missed sessions are charged and are not reschedulable.

 

For all other services cancellations made within less than 24 hours will be charged. Services cancelled outside of this 24 hour period will be rescheduled at the first mutually available time for both Fantastic Fido staff and the dog guardian. Ongoing and consistent cancellations or rescheduling requests may result in Fantastic Fidos staff needing to reassess their ability to deliver effective services. 

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Services cancelled by FFDT, will either be rescheduled to the first mutually available time for both FFDT and the dog guardian or credited from the next invoice.  

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We kindly ask that dog guardians advise us of any vacation plans with as much notice as possible  so that we are able to schedule services as appropriate.

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WEATHER

During extreme and unsafe weather conditions (including heat waves, air quality warnings, and snow) FFDT may adjust the structure of services to ensure the dog’s safety. This may include indoor enrichment activities, shorter sessions, and varying service locations. 

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REMOTE CONSULTATIONS

As needed services may include consultations via remote video conferencing via Google Meet. Dog guardians are responsible for ensuring that they have the adequate equipment and software to support this and understand and assume any risks associated with the use of video conferencing. While we suggest Google Meet and can suggest how to use it, FFDT is not responsible for any related loss of privacy, disclosure of information, unauthorized access to dog guardian’s computer systems.  

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THE USE OF PHOTO AND VIDEO

During services photos and videos may be taken of dogs and used for social media, marketing (including website), and for staff training purposes, unless a dog guardian requests otherwise. 

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DOG GUARDIAN'S RIGHTS AND OUR RELATIONSHIP

• Dog guardians have the right to refuse to participate, or have their dog participate, in any part of FFDT’s services including assessment, classes, and training sessions. 

• Dog guardians are encouraged and have the right to communicate any concerns they have so we can adjust and make changes within the boundaries of FFDT’s training methods and policies. 

• Dog guardians are encouraged and have the right to seek clarification to any questions that arise during our services and have the right to fully understand all the relevant details of our services before and during the relationship.

• Dog guardians have the right to request that all or specific video and photos of them or their dog(s) be excluded from social media and marketing etc. 

• If dog guardians provide FFDT with keys, fobs and/or access codes so FFDT can provide services, we will keep those safe, secure and confidential throughout the duration of services and return them at the completion of services or upon request. 

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