Terms of Service

Wildshaped – Canine Behaviour and Training Services

Last updated: 24 April 2025

These Terms of Service govern all services provided by Wildshaped, operated by Heather Mortley, Head Trainer and Behaviour Specialist. By booking a session, you agree to these terms, which are designed to ensure a professional, safe, and supportive experience for both you and your dog.

1. Services Provided

Wildshaped offers ethical, force-free, science-based dog training and behaviour support. Services include (but are not limited to):

  • Puppy training

  • Behaviour consultations

  • Group classes

  • 1-to-1 private sessions

  • Online training

2. Client Responsibilities

By booking a service, you agree to:

  • Provide accurate and honest information about your dog’s behaviour, health, and history.

  • Follow training guidance and recommendations to the best of your ability.

  • Use only force-free, positive reinforcement techniques as advised.

  • Keep your dog on a lead unless otherwise directed during training.

  • Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations (where applicable).

  • Inform Wildshaped of any health or behavioural concerns that may impact training or safety.

You confirm that you are the legal owner of the dog or have the legal authority to act on behalf of the owner in booking and participating in training services.

Your full participation is essential for training to be successful. This includes regular practice, using recommended equipment, and discontinuing use of any equipment or techniques deemed unsafe or inappropriate by Heather.

Please note that every dog is an individual with their own history and temperament. While Wildshaped is committed to supporting you in reaching your training goals, results cannot be guaranteed. If you have concerns about your dog’s progress, we encourage you to contact Heather for further support.

Client Disclosure and Honesty

By engaging the services of Wildshaped, you agree that all information provided regarding your animal’s behaviour, history, and any relevant circumstances is truthful, accurate, and complete to the best of your knowledge. 

You acknowledge that withholding, misrepresenting, or failing to disclose pertinent details, such as previous aggression, medical conditions, or behavioural concerns, may pose a significant risk to the safety of the practitioner, yourself, the animal, and others.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, all animal owners and keepers have a legal duty of care to ensure the welfare of their animals and to prevent harm to others. In the case of dogs, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and related legislation impose additional responsibilities to prevent a dog from being dangerously out of control. Failure to provide full and honest disclosure may result in the immediate termination of services without refund, and Wildshaped shall not be held liable for any consequences arising from such omissions. You accept full responsibility for any legal repercussions that may arise from undisclosed behavioural issues or other relevant factors.

3. Payment, Bookings & Subscriptions

3.1 One-Off Bookings and Packages
Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise agreed in writing. Sessions cancelled with more than 72 hours’ notice are eligible for a refund, subject to a 2% administrative fee. Cancellations with less notice are subject to the terms in Section 4.

Packages and prepaid sessions must be used within six (6) months of purchase. Refunds for unused prepaid sessions are available if cancelled with more than 72 hours’ notice, also subject to a 2% administrative fee.

3.2 Subscription Payments
 Monthly subscription options are available and are subject to a minimum initial commitment of three (3) full consecutive months. Subscriptions are billed monthly in advance using the payment method provided at registration.

By subscribing, you agree to commit to the service for a minimum of three months. Early cancellation during this initial term is not permitted, except where required under UK consumer law (e.g. during the 14-day cooling-off period or if services are not delivered as described).

At the end of the 3-month term, subscriptions will automatically expire and will not renew unless the client actively re-subscribes. If you wish to continue using the service beyond the initial period, you must manually subscribe again before the next billing cycle.

3.3 Refunds
Refunds for individual or package sessions are available when cancellations are made with more than 72 hours’ notice and will incur a 2% administrative fee. Refunds are not available for no-shows or late cancellations (see Section 4).

For subscriptions, monthly fees are non-refundable once payment has been processed, except:

  • during the 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, provided no services have been accessed, or

  • where a statutory right to refund applies.

4. Cancellations & Rescheduling

4.1 Individual Sessions
 Cancellations made with more than 72 hours’ notice are eligible for a refund, subject to a 2% administrative fee. Cancellations made with less than 72 hours’ notice may be charged in full. Sessions may be rescheduled once at no extra charge if 72 or more hours’ notice is given. No-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled.

4.2 Subscription Sessions
 Subscribers are responsible for booking and attending sessions within their billing cycle. Missed or unused sessions will not be refunded or carried over unless cancelled with more than 72 hours’ notice and in accordance with these terms. Refunds for cancelled subscription sessions are subject to a 2% administrative fee.

4.3 Courses and Classes
 By enrolling in a course or class, you agree to attend all scheduled sessions. Missed classes are non-refundable. If a session is missed and it is essential to meet learning objectives or certificate criteria, a 1-to-1 make-up session may be recommended at additional cost, subject to availability and assessed on a case-by-case basis.

5. Safety, Liability & Conduct

5.1 General Safety

  • Clients are responsible for their own dog, personal belongings, and any accompanying persons during sessions.

  • Wildshaped is not liable for loss, injury, or damage to persons, dogs, or property during or after training.

  • Clients must clean up after their dogs during all sessions.

5.2 Venues

Wildshaped occasionally hires third-party venues. You agree to abide by the venue’s rules, which will be shared with you upon booking. If you prefer not to use a specific venue, you must inform us in writing before booking. You will be responsible for any damage or penalties caused by you, your dog, or your guests.

5.3 Dog Requirements

  • Dogs must be kept on lead at all times during and around training sessions unless instructed otherwise.

  • Dogs showing signs of illness, contagious disease, or severe behavioural issues may be asked to postpone attendance.

  • Female dogs in season must not attend group sessions without prior approval from Heather.

  • Unvaccinated dogs may not attend group classes unless an exemption is agreed in writing.

Failure to follow these rules may result in immediate termination of services without a refund.

5.4 Handlers and Children

  • A maximum of two handlers may attend each session when these sessions are held outside of your private residence, unless prior written consent is given.

  • Children under 8 years are not permitted if training takes place outside of your private residence, unless prior written consent is given. Children 8+ may attend with the main handler and must be well-supervised.

  • No one under 18 may be the main handler of the dog.

  • Wildshaped reserves the right to exclude any participant—adult or child—if their behaviour is disruptive, unsafe, or negatively affects the training environment.

You are responsible for your own and your dog's safety during training. If you or your dog are not fit for training, please inform us before the session begins.

6. Ethical Training & Welfare

Wildshaped adheres strictly to force-free, ethical training methods. Use of the following is not permitted:

  • E-collars, prong collars, choke chains, Slip leads 

  • Tools or methods designed to cause pain, fear, or intimidation

  • Physical corrections, shouting, or punitive handling

Wildshaped reserves the right to cancel or refuse service at any time if aversive methods are used or if any animal is treated in a way that is deemed abusive, negligent, or contrary to our welfare standards.

7. Data Protection & Confidentiality

  • Your data is processed in accordance with the UK GDPR.

  • Personal information is used only for administrative, communication, and service delivery purposes.

  • Data will not be shared with third parties unless legally required or with your express consent.

  • We store data securely and only retain it for as long as necessary to fulfil our services or as required by law.

8. Media Consent

Photos and videos of dogs and humans may be taken during training for educational or promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be included, please inform us in writing or by indicating in your intake form before your session.

9. Complaints

We aim to provide a professional and positive experience. If you have any concerns, please contact us in writing so we can resolve the issue. Complaints will be handled fairly and confidentially.

10. Legal & Governing Law

These terms are governed by English law. Any disputes arising will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

11. Changes to These Terms

Wildshaped reserves the right to amend these Terms of Service. The latest version will be published on our website and available upon request. Continued use of our services indicates acceptance of the latest terms.

By booking a service with Wildshaped, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.