German Shepherd sitting attentively
The GSD K9

Terms, Conditions and Training Policy

Please read the following terms carefully before engaging any training services with The GSD K9. By booking a session or program, you agree to these terms in full.

The German Shepherd K9 Training

Terms, Conditions and Training Policy

These Terms, Conditions and Training Policies apply to all services provided by The German Shepherd K9 Training, including private training sessions, behaviour consultations, board and train programs, training packages, follow-up sessions, and any other training-related service.

By booking, purchasing, attending, or participating in a service with The German Shepherd K9 Training, you agree to the terms outlined below.

Contents

1. Owner Responsibility and Disclosure
2. Veterinary Advice
3. Vaccination Requirements
4. Board and Train Services
5. Animal Welfare
6. Weather and Heat Safety
7. Safe Transport
8. Training Equipment
9. Electronic Collar Use
10. Behaviour Modification
11. Owner Participation
12. Public Safety
13. Liability Waiver
14. Payment Terms
15. Cancellation Policy
16. Late Arrival
17. Refunds
18. Refusal, Suspension, and Termination
19. Privacy
20. Agreement to Terms
1

Owner Responsibility and Disclosure

  • The owner or person responsible for the dog must provide accurate and complete information before training begins.
  • This includes any history of biting, nipping, mouthing, snapping, lunging, chasing, fighting, or aggressive behaviour toward people, children, dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, or other animals.
  • Failure to disclose relevant information may result in immediate suspension or termination of services without refund.
  • The owner agrees to actively participate in and reinforce training techniques as directed by the trainer.
2

Veterinary Advice

  • The GSD K9 does not provide veterinary advice. Any health concerns regarding your dog must be directed to a licensed veterinarian.
  • Training will not proceed if a dog appears unwell, injured, or is in physical distress.
  • It is the owner's responsibility to ensure their dog is medically cleared for training activities.
3

Vaccination Requirements

  • All dogs must be up to date with core vaccinations (C5 or equivalent) prior to commencing any program.
  • Proof of vaccination may be requested at any time.
  • Dogs that are not vaccinated will not be accepted into any group or board and train program.
  • Puppies must have completed at least their first two rounds of vaccinations before attending sessions outside the home environment.
4

Board and Train Services

  • Dogs enrolled in the board and train program will reside in the trainer's home for the duration of the program.
  • This is a live-in, home-based program — not a kennel environment.
  • Dogs are integrated into daily life and receive structured training throughout the day.
  • A deposit is required to secure placement. Remaining balance is due on the day of drop-off.
  • The owner must provide sufficient food, medication (if applicable), and any comfort items for the duration of the stay.
  • Weekly progress updates will be provided. Unscheduled visits during the program are not permitted as they can disrupt the training process.
  • The GSD K9 will exercise reasonable duty of care but is not liable for illness, injury, or death arising from unforeseen circumstances.
5

Animal Welfare

  • The GSD K9 is committed to the highest standards of animal welfare in all training programs.
  • We use balanced training methods tailored to the individual dog's needs, temperament, and history.
  • Any form of abuse, neglect, or inhumane treatment of a dog will not be tolerated — from trainers or owners — and will result in immediate termination of services.
  • Dogs showing signs of significant stress or fear will be given rest periods and adjusted training approaches as needed.
6

Weather and Heat Safety

  • Training sessions may be rescheduled or shortened during extreme heat or adverse weather conditions.
  • German Shepherds are susceptible to heat stress. Sessions conducted during warmer months will be scheduled in the early morning or evening where possible.
  • The trainer reserves the right to cancel or modify sessions without penalty when weather conditions pose a risk to the dog's safety or welfare.
7

Safe Transport

  • Owners are responsible for transporting their dog safely to and from any sessions held off their property.
  • Dogs must be secured appropriately during transport — either in a crate or with a seatbelt harness.
  • For board and train drop-off and pick-up, dogs must arrive in a calm and manageable state.
  • The GSD K9 accepts no liability for incidents occurring during owner-arranged transport.
8

Training Equipment

  • The GSD K9 may use a variety of training tools including flat collars, slip leads, and e-collars depending on the dog's program and needs.
  • All equipment is used humanely and in accordance with best-practice balanced training methodology.
  • Owners will be educated on the correct and safe use of any equipment used with their dog.
  • The trainer reserves the right to determine appropriate equipment on a case-by-case basis.
9

Electronic Collar Use

  • Electronic collars (e-collars) may be used as part of our training programs where appropriate and in line with the dog's level of training.
  • E-collars are never used as a punishment device. They are introduced carefully and used at low stimulation levels to communicate with the dog.
  • Owner consent is required prior to the use of an e-collar on any dog.
  • Misuse of an e-collar by an owner outside of trainer guidance is the sole responsibility of the owner.
10

Behaviour Modification

  • Behaviour modification programs are tailored to the individual dog and may require multiple sessions over an extended period.
  • Results are not guaranteed and depend heavily on owner participation, consistency, and the complexity of the behaviour being addressed.
  • Severe aggression or bite cases will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may require additional risk assessment before a program is offered.
11

Owner Participation

  • Training is a partnership. Owners are expected to practise techniques daily between sessions.
  • Lack of owner participation significantly reduces training outcomes and The GSD K9 accepts no responsibility for poor results arising from insufficient owner effort.
  • All household members who interact with the dog are encouraged to attend at least one session to ensure consistency of approach.
12

Public Safety

  • At no point during training will a dog be placed in a situation that poses an unreasonable risk to the public.
  • Owners must ensure their dog is appropriately restrained in public at all times, regardless of training progress.
  • The GSD K9 accepts no liability for incidents involving the owner's dog in public spaces outside of supervised training sessions.
13

Liability Waiver

  • By engaging The GSD K9's services, owners acknowledge and accept that dog training involves inherent risks, including but not limited to bites, injury to people or animals, and property damage.
  • The GSD K9 and its trainers are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage arising from training activities, whether on or off the trainer's premises.
  • The owner indemnifies The GSD K9 against any claims arising from their dog's behaviour during or after training.
14

Payment Terms

  • Payment is due prior to or on the day of each session unless a package or board and train deposit arrangement has been agreed upon.
  • Accepted payment methods will be confirmed at the time of booking.
  • Outstanding balances must be cleared before further sessions are conducted.
  • Invoices not paid within 7 days of the due date may incur a late payment fee.
15

Cancellation Policy

  • A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule a session without penalty.
  • Cancellations made within 48 hours of a scheduled session may incur a cancellation fee of up to 50% of the session cost.
  • Same-day cancellations or no-shows will be charged at the full session rate.
  • The GSD K9 reserves the right to cancel sessions due to illness, emergency, or circumstances outside our control. In such cases, full rescheduling or a credit will be offered.
16

Late Arrival

  • Sessions will commence at the scheduled time regardless of late arrival.
  • Late arrivals will not result in an extension of the session time.
  • If the owner arrives more than 15 minutes late without prior notice, the session may be forfeited and charged at the full rate.
17

Refunds

  • All payments for completed sessions are non-refundable.
  • Prepaid package sessions that have not been used may be refunded at the trainer's discretion, minus any administrative or session costs already incurred.
  • Board and train deposits are non-refundable once the program commencement date is within 14 days.
  • Refund requests must be submitted in writing and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
18

Refusal, Suspension, and Termination

  • The GSD K9 reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or terminate services at any time, for any reason, including but not limited to: aggressive or abusive behaviour by the owner, failure to follow trainer guidance, or a dog deemed too dangerous to safely manage.
  • In the event of termination for cause, no refund will be provided for unused sessions.
  • Owners who behave aggressively or disrespectfully toward the trainer will be immediately dismissed from all programs.
19

Privacy

  • The GSD K9 collects personal information (name, contact details, dog information) solely for the purpose of delivering training services.
  • We do not sell or share personal information with third parties without consent, except where required by law.
  • Photos or videos taken during training sessions may be used for educational or promotional purposes. If you do not consent to this use, please notify us in writing prior to your first session.
20

Agreement to Terms

  • By booking a session, enrolling in a program, or making payment to The GSD K9, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms, Conditions and Training Policy in full.
  • These terms apply to all training programs including but not limited to in-home sessions, board and train, puppy training, obedience training, behavioural correction, and protection training.
  • These terms are subject to change. The most current version will always be available on our website.

Last updated: May 2026

For questions regarding these terms, please contact The GSD K9 via the Book Online page.

The German Shepherd K9 Training