1. Booking and Payment Policy

Clare Dog Training Ireland operates a strict advance-booking and payment policy.

All bookings are arranged following an initial consultation, during which the nature of the service, appointment arrangements and agreed pricing are explained.

Once the client agrees to proceed, payment is required to secure and confirm the appointment. No appointment is guaranteed, reserved or confirmed until the required payment has been received.

Upon confirmation, the agreed appointment date and professional time are allocated specifically to the client. Administration, scheduling, individual case preparation and training planning may commence immediately, and other appointments and business commitments may be organised around the confirmed booking.

Confirmed Bookings and Cancellation Conditions

All confirmed bookings are subject to our strict Cancellation and Refund Policy in Section 3, our Rescheduling Policy in Section 2 and the fixed-date booking provisions in Section 7.

Client-initiated cancellations are subject to these contractual policies, including applicable non-refundable booking conditions, to the extent permitted by Irish consumer law.

Terms and Conditions – Client Acceptance

Our Terms and Conditions, including advance-payment requirements, cancellation conditions and rescheduling arrangements, are published on our official website and made available to clients before payment.

The relevant booking and cancellation conditions are specifically brought to the client's attention before the appointment is confirmed.

By proceeding with payment following agreement on the service, price, appointment and applicable contractual conditions, the client accepts the agreed booking terms, subject to their statutory rights under Irish law.

Clare Dog Training Ireland reserves the right to enforce its booking, payment, cancellation and rescheduling policies in accordance with applicable Irish law.

Nothing in this policy excludes or restricts mandatory statutory consumer rights.

2. Rescheduling Policy

Clare Dog Training Ireland permits clients to reschedule a confirmed appointment on one occasion only, provided the rearranged appointment takes place within one month of the original appointment date.

All rescheduling requests are subject to mutual agreement and appointment availability.

Requests to reschedule outside the permitted one-month period will be treated as client-initiated cancellations and will be subject to our strict Cancellation and Refund Policy in Section 3.

Any outstanding balance must be paid in full before a rescheduled appointment can be confirmed. Payment must be completed no later than the day the rescheduling arrangement is agreed.

Once an appointment has been rescheduled, no further rescheduling will be permitted under this policy.

Failure to attend a confirmed or rescheduled appointment without an agreed alternative arrangement will be treated as a client-initiated cancellation and will be subject to the cancellation conditions in Section 3.

Clare Dog Training Ireland reserves the right to enforce these rescheduling conditions, including applicable cancellation charges or retention of payments, to the extent permitted by Irish consumer law.

Nothing in this policy excludes or restricts mandatory statutory consumer rights.

3. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Clare Dog Training Ireland operates a strict no-refund policy for client-initiated cancellations, subject to applicable Irish consumer law and mandatory statutory consumer rights.

Once a booking has been confirmed and payment received, dedicated professional time and appointment availability are reserved specifically for the client.

Administration, individual case preparation, training planning, scheduling and other professional arrangements may commence immediately following confirmation. Other appointments and business commitments may also be arranged around the confirmed booking.

Client-initiated cancellations, including changes of mind, personal circumstances, client or dog illness, scheduling conflicts or decisions not to proceed with the agreed service, do not automatically entitle the client to a refund.

Where no statutory cancellation right applies, Clare Dog Training Ireland reserves the right to enforce its agreed cancellation conditions and retain payments or apply cancellation charges to the extent permitted by Irish law.

In determining any lawful cancellation charge or payment retention, relevant considerations may include professional services already supplied, reasonable administration and preparation costs, reserved appointment capacity, the ability to secure replacement bookings and reasonable losses directly attributable to the cancellation.

Any payment retained must be consistent with applicable Irish consumer law and the requirements governing fair contractual terms.

This policy protects the legitimate commercial interests of Clare Dog Training Ireland while respecting the statutory rights of consumers.

Appointment Delays, Rescheduling and Client-Side Cancellation

Clare Dog Training Ireland makes every reasonable effort to attend all confirmed appointments at the agreed date and time.

Unforeseen circumstances may occasionally result in delays, including sudden illness, veterinary emergencies, technical difficulties, traffic incidents, adverse weather or poor road conditions.

Where such circumstances arise, the client will be informed as early as reasonably practicable.

Where appropriate, Clare Dog Training Ireland will make reasonable arrangements to provide the agreed service within a suitable period or offer a mutually agreed alternative appointment without additional appointment charges.

Where a client independently decides not to proceed for reasons unrelated to a failure by Clare Dog Training Ireland to meet its contractual or statutory obligations, the cancellation remains subject to our strict Cancellation and Refund Policy.

A reasonable delay does not automatically constitute a failure to deliver the agreed service. However, all circumstances will be assessed in accordance with the contract and applicable Irish consumer law.

Nothing in this policy excludes or restricts the client's statutory rights where Clare Dog Training Ireland fails to supply the agreed service or otherwise fails to comply with its legal obligations.

All cancellation and refund arrangements are governed by the Consumer Rights Act 2022 and applicable Irish consumer and contract law.

4. Client Responsibility and Participation

You are required to follow all instructions, guidance, and safety procedures provided by Clare Dog Training Ireland.

Clients are also responsible for ensuring their dog is in suitable health, free from illness, and able to participate in training.

If a client refuses to follow guidance or fails to meet safety and participation standards, Clare Dog Training Ireland reserves the right to terminate services.

5. Legal Basis and Commercial Protection

Clare Dog Training Ireland operates as an independent sole trader business within the Republic of Ireland.

Our services, contractual agreements, booking arrangements and cancellation policies are governed by applicable Irish legislation, including:

• Consumer Rights Act 2022
• Consumer Protection Act 2007
• Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980, where applicable
• Applicable Irish contract law

Clare Dog Training Ireland maintains a strict advance-payment and cancellation policy to protect its legitimate commercial interests, professional time and limited appointment availability.

Each confirmed booking involves the reservation of professional time specifically for the client. Administration, individual case preparation, training planning, scheduling and other professional arrangements may commence immediately following confirmation.

Our business operates through individually arranged appointments rather than unrestricted or continuously available services. Confirmed bookings may affect the availability of appointments for other clients.

Under Section 111(q)(v) of the Consumer Rights Act 2022, qualifying fixed-date services related to leisure activities are excluded from the standard statutory cancellation provisions.

Clare Dog Training Ireland relies upon this exemption where applicable to qualifying fixed-date dog training activities, as further explained in Section 7 of these Terms and Conditions.

Irish law permits businesses to establish and enforce contractual booking and cancellation conditions, provided those conditions comply with applicable consumer protection requirements, including fairness and transparency.

Our Terms and Conditions, including advance-payment requirements, cancellation conditions and rescheduling arrangements, are published on our official website and made available to clients before booking.

The relevant payment and cancellation conditions are specifically brought to the client's attention before payment is accepted.

Clare Dog Training Ireland reserves the right to enforce its contractual booking, payment, cancellation and rescheduling conditions to the fullest extent permitted by Irish law.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes, restricts or overrides mandatory statutory consumer rights.

6. Agreement and Acceptance

Before confirming an appointment, clients are provided with the opportunity to review the Terms and Conditions of Clare Dog Training Ireland, including our Booking and Payment Policy, Rescheduling Policy and Cancellation and Refund Policy.

Our Terms and Conditions are published on our official website and made available before payment is accepted.

The relevant financial obligations, strict cancellation conditions and rescheduling requirements are specifically brought to the client's attention before the booking is confirmed.

By proceeding with payment following agreement on the service, price, appointment date and applicable contractual conditions, the client confirms acceptance of the agreed booking arrangements, subject to applicable Irish consumer law.

Clients acknowledge that:

• Payment is required to secure and confirm an appointment.
• Confirmed bookings reserve dedicated professional time and appointment availability.
• Client-initiated cancellations are subject to our strict Cancellation and Refund Policy in Section 3.
• Rescheduling is permitted on one occasion only, within the conditions and timeframe specified in Section 2.
• The applicable Terms and Conditions are made available before the booking is concluded.

Following confirmation, Clare Dog Training Ireland will provide the applicable contractual information in a durable written or electronic format in accordance with Irish consumer information requirements.

Clare Dog Training Ireland reserves the right to enforce its agreed booking, payment, cancellation and rescheduling conditions in accordance with applicable Irish law.

Nothing in this agreement excludes or restricts mandatory statutory consumer rights.

7. Cancellation Exemption – Fixed-Date Bookings

Legal Basis for Exemption

Clare Dog Training Ireland operates in accordance with Irish and European Union consumer protection legislation.

Under Section 111(q)(v) of the Consumer Rights Act 2022 and Article 16(l) of EU Directive 2011/83/EU, the standard statutory 14-day cancellation right does not apply to qualifying contracts for services related to leisure activities where the contract provides for a specific date or period of performance.

Fixed-Date Dog Training Sessions and Activities

Clare Dog Training Ireland provides individually booked dog training sessions, practical training activities and private training appointments scheduled for specific agreed dates and times.

We regard our fixed-date dog training sessions and classes as leisure-related services and rely upon the statutory exemption where the particular booking falls within its legal scope.

Each confirmed appointment reserves dedicated professional time and availability specifically for the client. Administration, individual case preparation, training planning and scheduling may commence immediately following confirmation, and other appointments and business commitments may be arranged around the reserved booking.

No Automatic Statutory Right to Cancel

Where the fixed-date leisure-services exemption applies, clients do not have an automatic statutory right to cancel within the standard 14-day cooling-off period merely because the booking was completed by telephone, online or through electronic communication.

Client-initiated cancellations, including changes of mind, personal circumstances, illness, scheduling conflicts or a decision not to proceed, remain subject to our published strict Cancellation and Refund Policy in Section 3.

Payments and any cancellation charges are governed by the agreed contractual conditions and applicable Irish consumer law.

Terms and Conditions – Booking Confirmation and Acceptance

Our Terms and Conditions, including our advance-payment requirements, strict cancellation policy and rescheduling arrangements, are published on our official website and made available to clients before booking.

The relevant booking and cancellation conditions are brought to the client's attention before payment is accepted.

Once the service, appointment, price and applicable conditions have been agreed and payment received, the appointment is confirmed and professional time is reserved.

Clare Dog Training Ireland reserves the right to enforce its contractual booking, payment, cancellation and rescheduling policies in accordance with Irish law.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or restricts mandatory statutory consumer rights.

8. Defamation and Professional Reputation

At Clare Dog Training Ireland, we operate under the protections of the Defamation Act 2009 (No. 31 of 2009) — the governing law in Ireland which safeguards individuals and businesses from false accusations, misleading claims, and both slander (spoken) and libel (written or published). Any attempt to damage our professional reputation through the publication or communication of false, misleading, or malicious statements — whether online, in print, in person, or via social media — will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to false online reviews, fabricated allegations, misleading commentary, or any content designed to harm our credibility, integrity, or standing within the community.

Such actions are taken extremely seriously under Irish civil law. Where necessary, legal proceedings may be initiated to protect our name, reputation, and the integrity of our business. We are committed to maintaining the highest professional standards, and we expect the same level of respect and fairness in any public or private commentary relating to our services. While we are always open to resolving concerns directly and amicably with the parties involved, under the Defamation Act 2009 we reserve the right to pursue damages, legal costs, and any other remedies available to us in law for the protection of our professional name.

9. Booking & Payment

All bookings with Clare Dog Training Ireland are made following a phone consultation, during which the full service, visit details, and agreed goals will be clearly explained. Once agreed, payment is required to secure your booking. We do not cold call or randomly contact dog owners — all clients must initiate contact directly with Clare Dog Training Ireland.

Service Scope & Delivery

Our service consists of a one-off, one-to-one private visit to your home, tailored to your specific needs and the agreed training objectives. This visit is non-hurried, and we will not leave until you are fully aware of what to do and your puppy or dog is already responding and fitting into the plan. Clare Dog Training Ireland holds full Pet Business Insurance and Public Liability Insurance to ensure both you and your dog are protected at all times.

Following the first visit, lifetime support is available by phone consultation only. Revisits are offered solely at the discretion of Clare Dog Training Ireland, based on the gravity of the case or ongoing struggle. In most situations, a phone conversation is sufficient to put you back on track after the comprehensive initial session.

Communication & Third Parties

Communication is welcomed as part of lifetime support but should be kept to short messages for arranging calls, followed by a phone conversation. Long or repeated text messages will not be entertained as a substitute for direct discussion.

Clare Dog Training Ireland will not accept calls, messages, or queries from third parties who were not present during the consultation. This includes individuals attempting to question the session, training methods, or pricing after the fact. All communication must be between Clare Dog Training Ireland and the person who booked the service and was present during the consultation.

Client Requirements

You must be a minimum of 25 years of age, of sound mind, and capable of making informed decisions regarding your dog’s care and training. Clare Dog Training Ireland cannot assume knowledge of any medical or psychological history unless disclosed before booking. If you are considered a vulnerable person, an immediate family member must be present throughout the consultation to ensure clarity and mutual understanding.

Professional Standards & Animal Welfare

Clare Dog Training Ireland decides how the service is provided, ensuring that all clients are treated fairly and all puppies and dogs receive the utmost care in line with animal welfare standards. All training is carried out with the sole aim of improving the dog’s well-being. Any changes to the agreed training programme must be discussed with Clare Dog Training Ireland; changes made outside of our guidance will not be supported if they are found to compromise the dog’s rehabilitation or welfare.

10. Assessment, Evaluation, Client Responsibility, Consultation Duration, and Professional Integrity

All services provided by Clare Dog Training Ireland are grounded in professional assessment, evaluation, and animal welfare. The purpose of any consultation or visit is to assess the dogs presented, evaluate the environment, management, history, conditioning, risk factors, and current application of training, and to work with the client to develop a plan that is fair, respectful, humane, realistic, and safe.

No programme is issued loosely or without due consideration. All recommendations are designed to prioritise safety, stability, and welfare at all times. Clare Dog Training Ireland does not leave situations unmanaged, uncontrolled, or dangerous, and does not recommend or support practices that would expose dogs, owners, or third parties to unnecessary risk.

The planning process involves professional judgement, clear explanation, and client discussion. Recommendations are based on what is appropriate for the dogs’ current behavioural state and capabilities, not on aspirational or unrealistic expectations. Where behavioural issues, emotional instability, or aggression are present, structured management and gradual progression are essential and non-negotiable.

Clare Dog Training Ireland does not advertise, offer, or guarantee that dogs presenting with behavioural, emotional, psychological, or aggression-related issues will be resolved within a single session, visit, or day. Behavioural modification is a process and requires correct implementation, consistency, time, and client participation.

Clare Dog Training Ireland will not alter, dilute, or misrepresent professional advice to meet expectations that are incompatible with canine welfare or safety. No plan will ever place dogs under undue pressure, force performance beyond capability, or prioritise owner expectations over welfare considerations.

For the avoidance of doubt, Clare Dog Training Ireland is not responsible for outcomes where a client chooses not to implement, partially implement, or discontinue the recommended management or training plan following consultation. A decision not to commit to the work required does not constitute a failure of service and does not permit retrospective reinterpretation or misrepresentation of the advice provided.

The duration and structure of consultations are clearly explained during the initial consultation process and are publicly outlined on our website. Consultations are conducted based on professional judgement and the work required, not on arbitrary time guarantees. Clare Dog Training Ireland does not under-stay or over-stay visits. A consultation concludes when the agreed assessment, evaluation, explanation, and planning work has been completed to a professional standard and when responsibility appropriately transfers to the owner to apply and implement the guidance provided. Extending a visit beyond this point does not improve outcomes and is not in the interests of animal welfare, clarity, or effective learning.

Clare Dog Training Ireland does not accept any misinterpretation, distortion, rewording, or falsification of the services provided. The scope, rationale, limitations, and professional basis of all services are clearly explained during consultation, reinforced during the visit, and supported by written documentation and publicly available Terms & Conditions.

Any statement, claim, or representation — whether made privately or publicly, verbally, in writing, online, or via third parties — that inaccurately portrays the nature of the service provided, attributes outcomes or guarantees that were not offered, or otherwise misrepresents the professional work carried out is not accepted.

Clare Dog Training Ireland expressly reserves the right to rely on its Terms & Conditions relating to professional integrity, reputation, and defamation, including those referencing the Defamation Act 2009. Any false, misleading, or defamatory statements that materially misrepresent the service or damage professional reputation are treated as serious matters and addressed accordingly.