Terms & Conditions

Last updated: October 2026

These Terms & Conditions apply to services provided by Oak & Bramble Canine Training (“Oak & Bramble”, “we”, “us” or “our”).

They are designed to keep expectations clear and help us provide a safe, professional service for you and your dog.

By booking, purchasing or using our services, you confirm that you have had the opportunity to read and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Specific permissions, including off-lead exercise, transport and emergency veterinary treatment, may also be collected separately through our Client Registration & Consent Form.

1. About These Terms

These Terms & Conditions apply to all Oak & Bramble services where relevant, including:

Not every section will apply to every service. For example, home access terms will only apply where we are collecting a dog from or accessing a client's property.

Where a particular service has additional booking conditions, these will be made clear before booking.

2. Client & Dog Information

Clients must provide accurate and up-to-date information about themselves and their dog before services begin.

This includes any information that could reasonably affect the safety, welfare or suitability of a service, including:

There is no judgement attached to behavioural or medical information. Full disclosure simply allows us to make appropriate decisions and keep everyone safe.

Clients must inform Oak & Bramble if relevant information changes.

Failure to disclose important information may result in a service being changed, suspended or terminated where necessary for safety or welfare.

Clients are also responsible for keeping their contact details, emergency contact information and veterinary details up to date.

Identification & Microchipping

Clients are responsible for ensuring their dog is microchipped and appropriately identified in accordance with current legal requirements.

The dog's registered microchip details and associated owner contact information should be kept up to date.

3. Walking & Drop-In Services

Walks and drop-in visits will be adapted to the individual dog wherever reasonably possible.

The dog's welfare will always take priority over completing a particular route, distance or duration.

Walks may therefore occasionally be shortened, relocated or adapted because of weather, health, age, behaviour, environmental conditions or another welfare concern.

Collection and return times may be provided as a time window rather than an exact time. Traffic, previous collections, weather, emergencies and the needs of individual dogs can occasionally affect timings.

We will make reasonable efforts to inform clients of significant delays.

Dogs may naturally become wet, muddy or dirty during outdoor activities. Reasonable efforts will be made to return dogs in an appropriate condition, but we cannot guarantee that they will return completely clean or dry.

Clients are encouraged to leave suitable towels, coats or other equipment where required.

Where cleaning is necessary following a particularly muddy walk, a small amount of the booked service time may reasonably be used to clean and dry the dog before they are returned.

4. Group Walks & Off-Lead Exercise

Dogs joining group walks must be considered suitable for the group.

An assessment or introductory period may be required before a dog joins regular group walks.

Acceptance onto a group walk does not guarantee permanent group placement. Behaviour, confidence, relationships between dogs and group dynamics can change over time.

Oak & Bramble may change a dog's group, reduce group size, use a lead or long line, recommend a different service or remove a dog from group walks where this is considered appropriate for safety or welfare.

Off-Lead Exercise

Dogs will only be exercised off lead where:

Owner permission does not automatically mean that a dog will be exercised off lead.

Recall and behaviour may be assessed using a long line before off-lead exercise is introduced.

Oak & Bramble may return a dog to a lead or long line at any time if circumstances change.

Dogs are living animals and their behaviour cannot be predicted with absolute certainty. Reasonable precautions will always be taken to reduce the risk of escape, injury or other incidents.

5. Training Services

Training services may include one-to-one training, training walks, daycare training, group classes and virtual training.

Dog training is a collaborative process and specific results cannot be guaranteed.

Behaviour can be affected by many factors including genetics, learning history, health, environment, previous experiences and consistency outside training sessions.

Oak & Bramble will provide professional guidance and practical training based on the individual dog and circumstances.

Clients are responsible for implementing recommendations between sessions where appropriate.

Some behaviours may require ongoing training or management rather than being completely eliminated.

Training Without the Owner Present

Training walks and daycare training may take place without the owner present.

By booking these services, the client authorises Oak & Bramble to handle and train their dog independently during the booked session.

Training may involve appropriate exposure to everyday environments, people, dogs and distractions according to the dog's individual needs and training plan.

Sessions may be adapted if the dog's behaviour, environment, safety or welfare requires it.

Where daycare training is provided while a dog attends a third-party daycare facility, Oak & Bramble's Terms & Conditions apply to the training service itself. General daycare attendance and care remain subject to the daycare provider's own policies and terms.

Appointments & Classes

Clients should arrive on time for appointments and classes.

If a client arrives late, the session will normally still finish at the originally scheduled time where another booking or commitment follows.

If a dog is unwell, injured or otherwise unable to participate normally, clients should contact Oak & Bramble before attending a training appointment or class.

Where appropriate, a session may be adapted in the dog's best interests.

Dogs attending classes must be suitable for the class environment.

We may adapt exercises, increase distance from other dogs or recommend an alternative service where a group environment is not appropriate for an individual dog.

Dogs attending a class are not necessarily expected or required to interact directly with other dogs.

For virtual training, clients are responsible for having a suitable device and internet connection.

If a technical issue on our side prevents the service from being provided, the appointment will be rearranged or appropriately credited or refunded.

6. Training Methods, Equipment & Results

Training approaches are selected according to the individual dog, behaviour being addressed, environment and circumstances.

Where particular training equipment is recommended or introduced, its purpose and appropriate use will be explained where relevant.

Clients should not use equipment in a way that has not been demonstrated or recommended by Oak & Bramble.

For walking services, clients should provide safe, appropriately fitting equipment where required.

Oak & Bramble may use its own suitable equipment, including leads, long lines, harnesses or other appropriate walking or training equipment.

Equipment supplied by a client may not be used if it appears damaged, unsafe, poorly fitting or unsuitable for the planned service.

The welfare and safety of the dog remain central to decisions regarding training and equipment.

As dogs are individuals, Oak & Bramble cannot guarantee a particular behavioural outcome or timeframe.

7. Health, Medication & Infectious Illness

Clients must tell Oak & Bramble about relevant medical conditions, injuries, allergies, dietary restrictions, medication or veterinary exercise restrictions.

Services will be adapted where reasonably possible according to a dog's age, physical condition and individual needs.

Oak & Bramble may recommend veterinary assessment before continuing training or exercise where there are concerns about pain, mobility, health or a sudden behavioural change.

Illness

Clients must inform us if their dog is unwell or has recently experienced symptoms which could indicate an infectious illness, including vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing or unusual discharge.

Dogs with a known contagious illness or parasite infestation must not attend group services until it is appropriate for them to return.

We reserve the right to refuse or adapt a service if a dog appears unwell.

Clients remain responsible for maintaining appropriate veterinary care, vaccinations and preventative healthcare for their dog following veterinary advice.

Food & Allergies

Food and treats may be used during walking and training services.

Clients must disclose all known allergies, intolerances and dietary restrictions.

Clients who do not want their dog to receive food supplied by Oak & Bramble should tell us and may be asked to provide suitable treats.

Medication

Medication may be administered only where this has been agreed in advance.

Clear instructions must be provided and medication should be supplied in its original or clearly labelled packaging wherever reasonably possible.

Oak & Bramble may decline to administer medication where doing so falls outside a service we can safely provide.

Bitches in Season, Pregnancy & Entire Dogs

Clients must inform us if a bitch is in season or suspected to be coming into season.

Group services may need to be suspended or adapted during this period.

Entire dogs may participate where suitable, but group placement will depend on behaviour, compatibility and safety.

Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy must be disclosed before services take place.

8. Behaviour & Safety

The safety and welfare of dogs, clients, Oak & Bramble and members of the public are a priority.

Clients must disclose known behavioural concerns, including previous aggression, bites, attempted bites, resource guarding, reactivity or escape behaviour.

Having a behavioural concern does not automatically prevent a dog from working with Oak & Bramble. Honest information allows us to put appropriate management and training in place.

We reserve the right to adapt, stop or refuse a service where a dog's behaviour presents an unreasonable safety risk.

This may include removing a dog from group services or recommending an alternative service.

Serious or undisclosed behaviour which places people or animals at risk may result in immediate suspension or termination of services.

Damage or Injury Caused by a Dog

Clients remain responsible for providing accurate information about their dog's known behaviour and risks.

Where a dog causes injury to another animal or person, or damage to property, the circumstances of the incident will be considered individually.

Where injury, damage or associated costs arise from a known risk which the client failed to disclose, or from circumstances for which the client is legally responsible, the client may be responsible for reasonable resulting costs, subject to applicable law.

Nothing within this section removes Oak & Bramble's responsibility where an incident results from our own negligence or where liability cannot legally be excluded.

9. Veterinary Emergencies & Injuries

Reasonable care will be taken when handling, exercising, transporting and training dogs.

However, everyday activities such as walking, running, playing and interacting with the environment naturally carry some risk.

Minor scratches, grazes, strains or similar incidents may occasionally occur despite appropriate supervision and reasonable care.

Veterinary Emergencies

Where we reasonably believe veterinary attention is required, we will attempt to contact the client as soon as reasonably possible.

If the client cannot be reached, we will attempt to contact their nominated emergency contact.

Where neither can be reached and delaying treatment could compromise the dog's welfare, Oak & Bramble may take the dog to their registered veterinary practice or another suitable veterinary practice and authorise reasonably necessary emergency treatment where the client has provided appropriate consent.

Unless costs arise because of negligence for which Oak & Bramble is legally responsible, veterinary fees remain the responsibility of the dog's owner.

Clients agree to reimburse reasonable veterinary costs paid by Oak & Bramble on their behalf.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits liability where it would be unlawful to do so.

10. Weather & Welfare

Weather and environmental conditions will be considered when deciding whether a booked service can safely proceed as planned.

During hot weather, walks may be moved to a cooler time, shortened, changed to a shaded or lower-intensity activity, replaced with an appropriate drop-in or enrichment service or rescheduled where appropriate.

Decisions will not be based on temperature alone. The individual dog's breed, age, health and fitness, along with humidity, shade, surface temperature and the planned activity, may all be considered.

Services may also be adapted or cancelled during storms, snow, ice, flooding, unsafe road conditions or other circumstances which could compromise safety.

A dog's welfare will take priority over completing the originally planned service.

11. Transport

Where transport forms part of a booked service, clients consent to their dog being transported by Oak & Bramble where this permission has been provided through the Client Registration & Consent Form.

Dogs will be transported using suitable restraint or containment appropriate to the vehicle and individual dog.

Dogs may travel with other suitable dogs where this forms part of the service.

Reasonable steps will be taken to maintain a safe and comfortable environment during transport.

Journey times may vary because of collections, drop-offs, traffic or other circumstances.

Where appropriate consent has been provided, dogs may also be transported to a veterinary practice in an emergency.

12. Keys, Home Access & Property

Where Oak & Bramble is provided with a key, keysafe code or other property access information, it will be handled with reasonable care.

Keys will not be labelled with a full home address or unnecessary identifying information.

Clients are responsible for ensuring that keys, locks and keysafes are functioning correctly and must notify us of changes to access codes, alarms or security arrangements.

Clear instructions must be provided for alarm or security systems.

Clients authorise Oak & Bramble to enter the agreed property where necessary to provide a booked service.

Please inform us where another person, contractor, cleaner, family member or dog professional may be accessing the property during our visit where this could affect the service.

Oak & Bramble cannot be responsible for the actions of other people who have access to the property.

Reasonable care will be taken to leave the property secure and in substantially the condition in which it was found.

Access Problems

If we cannot gain access because a client-provided key, keysafe, alarm or access arrangement fails, the booked service may still be charged.

If we cannot safely return or leave a dog at the agreed property, we will attempt to contact the client or their emergency contact to arrange an alternative.

Reasonable additional costs resulting from circumstances outside Oak & Bramble's control may be charged to the client.

If a key held by Oak & Bramble is lost or stolen, the client will be informed promptly and appropriate next steps will be discussed.

Keys will be returned by an agreed method when they are no longer required.

13. Lost Dogs & Emergencies

If a dog becomes missing while in our care, searching will begin immediately while ensuring any other dogs in our care are safely secured.

The owner will be contacted as soon as reasonably practicable.

Depending on the circumstances, Oak & Bramble may also contact:

Public or social-media appeals may be made where reasonably necessary to assist in locating a missing dog.

A record will be kept of significant incidents.

In other emergencies affecting the delivery of a service, Oak & Bramble will take reasonable steps to protect the welfare of dogs in our care and contact affected clients as soon as practicable.

14. Bookings, Payments & Cancellations

Prices applicable to services will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Prices may change from time to time. Existing clients will receive reasonable notice of changes affecting regular ongoing bookings.

Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due according to the instructions provided with the booking or invoice.

Oak & Bramble may require payment in advance for particular services.

Outstanding payments may result in future services being suspended until the account is brought up to date.

Cancellations

We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or rearrange a booking, please give as much notice as possible.

Unless different conditions were clearly stated when booking:

More than 24 hours' notice: No cancellation charge.

Less than 24 hours' notice: 50% of the booked service will be charged.

Same-day cancellation or failure to attend: 100% of the booked service will be charged.

For regular walking clients, repeated cancellations may affect the availability of a reserved regular slot.

Prepaid classes, blocks or packages may have separate cancellation, refund or transfer conditions which will be made clear at the time of purchase.

Exceptional circumstances will always be considered reasonably.

Cancellations by Oak & Bramble

Occasionally we may need to cancel, reschedule or adapt a service because of illness, emergencies, extreme weather, unsafe conditions or circumstances outside our reasonable control.

Clients will be informed as soon as reasonably possible.

Where Oak & Bramble cancels a prepaid service which cannot reasonably be rearranged or provided, the affected service will be credited or refunded as appropriate.

15. Photos, Communication & Privacy

Photos and videos may be taken during services for client updates, record keeping and, where permission has been given, promotional purposes.

Clients can choose whether images of their dog may be used publicly on Oak & Bramble's website, social media or marketing materials.

Declining promotional photography will not affect the service provided.

Oak & Bramble may communicate with clients by email, telephone or WhatsApp as appropriate.

Clients are responsible for ensuring their contact information remains accurate.

Personal Information

Oak & Bramble processes personal information where required to manage enquiries and bookings, communicate with clients, provide services, maintain appropriate records and meet relevant business or legal obligations.

Further information about how personal information is collected, used, stored and shared is provided in the Oak & Bramble Privacy Notice.

16. Liability, Ending Services & General Terms

Clients remain responsible for providing accurate information about their dog and any known risks.

Where injury, damage or loss results from a known risk which the client failed to disclose, the client may be responsible for resulting reasonable losses or costs, subject to applicable law.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions removes or limits Oak & Bramble's responsibility where loss or injury results from our negligence or where liability cannot legally be excluded.

Ending Services

Either the client or Oak & Bramble may end an ongoing service arrangement.

Oak & Bramble may suspend or terminate services immediately where reasonably necessary because of:

Where appropriate, concerns will be discussed with the client before services are ended.

Complaints & Concerns

If you are unhappy with any aspect of your service, please contact Oak & Bramble as soon as possible so that we have the opportunity to understand and address your concern.

We aim to resolve concerns fairly and reasonably.

Circumstances Outside Our Control

Oak & Bramble will not be responsible for failure or delay in providing a service where this is caused by circumstances outside our reasonable control.

This may include severe weather, road closures, vehicle breakdown, emergencies, illness or other unexpected events.

Where this occurs, we will communicate with affected clients and make reasonable efforts to rearrange the service or provide an appropriate alternative.

Changes to These Terms

These Terms & Conditions may occasionally be updated to reflect changes to our services, business practices or legal requirements.

Where a significant change affects an existing ongoing service, clients will receive reasonable notice.

The latest version of these Terms & Conditions will be made available through our website.

Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Nothing within these Terms & Conditions affects a client's statutory consumer rights.

Acceptance

By booking, purchasing or using Oak & Bramble services, the client confirms that they have been given the opportunity to read these Terms & Conditions and agrees to be bound by them.

Specific permissions including off-lead exercise, transport, emergency veterinary treatment and promotional photography may be collected separately through the Oak & Bramble Client Registration & Consent Form.

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