Policies

Liabilities - The client is responsible for their actions as well as their dog(s) AT ALL TIMES. If the Field Trainer as well as any human is bitten or harmed, it is the client’s responsibility to provide and pay for appropriate, diligent medical aid. Client hereby indemnifies and holds harmless Learning to Lead and its agents regarding all advice, and training suggestions, as well understands the application of information is voluntary and Learning to Lead and its agents are not responsible for injury or any expenses to another human, personal property or animal at any time, even if Learning to Lead and its agents are not present.

Privacy - All information gathered by Learning to Lead, and its agents, is for the purpose of creating and sustaining a relationship between the client and Learning to Lead only. All information given to Learning to Lead and its agents is voluntary by the client. No personal information, partial or whole, is given, sold, or traded to anyone other than Learning to Lead and its agents at any time.

Exotic Animals - Exotic animals may need to be enclosed and away during the time of training. Some examples may include but not limited to are snakes, reptiles, spiders, pigs, monkeys. Please inform Learning to Lead and its agents if you feel you may have an exotic animal.

Media Release - Client grants to Learning to Lead and its nominees, assigns and agents a non-exclusive, unlimited, royalty free license to use, publish, republish, and share with media, partners, and sponsors’ the copyrighted material (such as photograph, audio, video, text or written material, hereafter the materials) described, which includes, but is not limited to the ability to display, reproduce, distribute for public or internal use, and prepare derivative work from the materials. Field Trainers may have a video capturing device on them for their safety as well as for quality and training purposes.

The client understands they are not allowed to record live or remote sessions for the purpose of distribution. The client understands that these sessions are uniquely tailored and not available for general public use. All media material that is obtained by Learning to Lead and its agents has been granted and created for use by Learning to Lead.

Scheduling - Client understands they are the primary party responsible for maintaining all schedule changes to ensure completion of ACTIVE TRAINING and ON-CALL TRAININGdescribed within this document. Learning to Lead and its agents are not financially responsible for incomplete ACTIVE TRAINING or ON-CALL TRAINING sessions.

Medical

Conditions - Client agrees to inform Learning to Lead and its agents of any medical conditions they or their dog may have incurred, e.g., COVID, kennel cough, fleas, etc., prior to any visit so the Field Trainer will not transfer any conditions to other dogs or humans by direct or indirect contact.

COVID - All Learning to Lead Field Trainers have the choice to become vaccinated and is not mandatory by Learning to Lead. All Field Trainers are aware that this may affect the client’s selection process. A client may not request a copy of any Field Trainers’ shot record to verify.

Operational Guidelines

Field Trainers - All Learning to Lead Field Trainers are identifiable by a Learning to Lead logo on their shirt or blouse or badge if asked. All Learning to Lead Field Trainers are professional by nature and appearance and have passed all proprietary training methods as well as on the job field training prior to becoming certified with Learning to Lead. Field Trainers may have a video capturing device on them for their safety as well as for quality and training purposes. If you feel for any reason that you are unsatisfied with your current Field Trainer, another will be reassigned to you. Only one reassignment is permitted.

Types of Services – Our services include but are not limited to are detailed below.

1. Obedience – Client understands that obedience training by definition is command-based instruction. Learning to Lead may require an evaluation to be performed prior to any training. If it is also determined that your dog has behavioral issues that could hinder the obedience training process, there may be additional training needed before obedience can start. All classes are done according to proficiency levels of the dog. An Obedience Chart is provided as an addendum within this document. One of Learning to Lead’s core beliefs is that behavioral training takes priority over many other training processes and is the very foundation to a well behaved, structured, calm dog.

2. Behavioral – Client understands that behavioral training focuses on “nuisance” issues and is by its nature, more complex than obedience training. After the evaluation is complete, a Field Trainer may, with the client’s approval, recreate a more accurate list of issues. All behavioral training is performed in the parameters outlined in the ACTIVE TRAINING guidelines, located within this document.

3. Therapy & Service Dog – Both Therapy and Service Dog training has an additional contract that works in tandem with this contract.

Provisions – The following are methods in which Learning to Lead provides services to the general public. Clients understand that they must follow all federal, state, and local laws pertaining to dogs in public spaces. Safety is paramount for both the dog as well as all humans. All duties are outlined in the LIABILITIESportion within this document.

1. Board & Train has an additional contract that works in tandem with this contract. This is performed within the Field Trainer’s home or at a local facility when available. An evaluation must be carried out prior to this service. After completion, a turnover session will be performed with the client to ensure all training is complete.

2. Certifications are courses of study that require a more in-depth understanding than that of an online course. It is the action or process of providing someone or something with an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement.

3. Corporate Training are classes designed to provide corporations’ employees with a service approved by their HR department. Locations and exact services are determined upon contract.

4. Facilities are buildings with the Learning to Lead logo present on or in the building. Each facility operates under the guidance of Learning to Lead “C Corporation” and its provisions.

5. Full Immersion is when a Field Trainer is present in your home until your issues are complete. This is a one-on-one direct approach of all your issues.

6. Group Training are classes that have 2 or more dogs present. Locations can vary and there will be a signup process to ensure the size and quality of the class. Learning to Lead must determine behavioral issues prior to any training that may interrupt the natural course of the obedience class. Safety is paramount. All owners are asked to wear a ribbon associated with their dog’s current level of training. If you forgot to bring one or don’t have one, one will be provided for you. People with higher ribbon levels are encouraged to help others during class if requested by the instructor.

7. Online Courses are on topics that provide specific information of interest to the public and can be reviewed at your own time. They can be accessed on our website. Some courses may offer certifications while others are informational only.

8. On-Site is understood as any location of your choice, such as but not limited to at home, public park, public buildings, or facilities that allow animals on their premises.

9. Remote Sessions are classified as any one-on-one communication that involves both the Field Trainer and the client actively communicating in real time by using a cellphone or cellphone apps like, but not limited to Zoom meetings, Kakao Talk and video calls from any device on a computer or cellphone. Payments are made in advance, prior to any training.

10. Video Submissions are acceptable forms for an evaluation on a case-by-case basis, if requested by Learning to Lead. Be advised that an ON-SITE visit may be requested subsequently if videos do not provide the information required to obtain a proper evaluation. Video submissions are also required during the ACTIVE TRAINING to ensure the training is developing properly.

11. Webinars are similar to workshops with the difference being all webinars are viewed over the internet in real time and are scheduled with no limit to the number of attendants.

12. Workshops are designed to operate by giving general instructions to the public on topics of interest, such as but not limited to loose-leash walking, not jumping on visitors etc. Locations can vary and there will be a signup process to ensure the size and quality of the class.

Multiple Dog Environments – Include but not limited to Group Training, and Workshops.

1. One adult per dog

2. No dogs in heat

3. All classes are approximately an hour long.

4. No children under 18 unless supervised by a legal guardian other than the adult taking the class.

5. Socialization or play time is always done at the end of each class. We ask that you are courteous to others and ask others prior to just letting your dog socialize.

6. Items necessary for class.

a. Water bowl

b. Treats (high value)

c. Cleaning supplies (paper towels, antiseptic wipes and/or spray)

d. Flat buckle or Martingale collar (no prong or choker collars. Harnesses are acceptable, but not preferred)

e. 5 to 10-foot leash or lead

7. Ceremonies are performed when your dog has earned its next level. All certifications are earned, not guaranteed.

Training Procedures

Tailored Training – All training is unique and specialized according to both owner and their dog. We expect the owner to be coherent, objective and willing to accept that the training might start with the owner and their deficiencies as well as the dog. Owner understands that we may have to identify those deficiencies prior or during training in order to give the owner the results they wish to achieve.

Averse Tools -Learning to Lead may at times request the need to introduce and use such tools as well as “physical steering” to maintain control of the dog and the training regimen. This is done with deliberate consideration and mutual agreement regarding the dog with both owner and Field Trainer. The owner agrees to make the best effort to fade away from these methods and master control by which only vocal commands and/or hand signals as well as body language are given at a low, relaxed level state of presence.

Evaluations - All evaluations are performed by a certified Field Trainer from Learning to Lead. All evaluations are performed prior to any training unless deemed unnecessary by Learning to Lead during the consultation. Learning to Lead does not accept evaluations performed by other agencies or trainers. On-Site evaluations are performed on average for two hours or more. All participants involved must be present and must be able to demonstrate in a safe manner the concerns that need to be addressed by the Field Trainer. The client understands they are responsible for providing opportunities that will give the Field Trainer the most complete assessment possible.

Video Submissions are acceptable forms for an evaluation on a case-by-case basis, if requested by Learning to Lead. Be advised that an ON-SITE visit may be requested subsequently if videos do not provide the information required to obtain a proper evaluation.

Due to the nature of training partial payments are not accepted. Payments are made in full prior to any training.

Active Training (Phase 1) -Client understands that training is a “building block” process for both the owner and their dog. Clients will need to understand and duplicate the basics of both human & dog body language, dog psychology as well as the principles of timing and other proprietary methods developed solely by Learning to Lead for the training to evolve. The failure of the client or the dog to apply these methods is not the fault of Learning to Lead or its agents and may result in the cancellation of all contracts and services. The client also understands they are paying solely for the Field Trainer’s expertise only regarding their concerns addressed in both the phone consultation and the on-site evaluation. All issues addressed are to be worked on until the owner is able to duplicate the Field Trainer’s level of success without assistance from the Field Trainer, while the Field Trainer is present. It is at that time active training is considered complete and the client has progressed to the ON-CALL TRAINING stage outlined within this document. Any other concerns or complexities not listed during the evaluation are considered additional and may be subject to additional fees. If Learning to Lead finds it necessary to have the Field Trainer physically revisit the issues previously outlined even after considered complete, a subsequent visit is performed and may be charged an additional fee.

The client understands that the time it takes to complete all issues by moving forward to the ON-CALL TRAINING stage varies and may take as few as an hour or even one visit or up to weeks or even months. The client understands they are not paying for the time or expectations involved towards completion.

Learning to Lead will actively request progress updates by phone, text, or video submission prior to the Field Trainer’s next visit in order to ensure the training process evolves.

The client understands that they will be asked to sign when ACTIVE TRAINING is considered complete. Not signing does not elongate your ACTIVE TRAINING.

On-Call Training (Phase 2) -Client understands that after issues are completed outlined in ACTIVE TRAINING, they agree to duplicate the proprietary methods developed by Learning to Lead for their training to evolve on their own time. The client also understands that failure to follow up by phone, text, or video submission etc. as well as failure to apply these methods in the absence of the Field Trainer is not the fault of Learning to Lead or its agents. If Learning to Lead finds it necessary to have the Field Trainer physically revisit the issues previously outlined even after considered complete by the guidelines outlined in ACTIVE TRAINING within this document, a subsequent visit is performed and may be charged. This specific service is offered for the lifetime of the dog; restrictions apply. (See Status of Ownership for details.)

Service Exceptions

Learning to Lead and its agents reserve the right to cancel services AT ANY TIME as well as seek legal advice and/or compensation under the following conditions:

1. Personal Safety.

a. Learning to Lead and its agents are in fear for their general safety, due to client’s private property, dog(s), other human(s), or surrounding environment.

2. Diligent Animal Care. Inability or unwillingness by the client to provide adequate emotional, physical, and medical care for their animals. In which case the appropriate authorities may be called.

a. Seclusion from human interaction for large periods of time or placed in a room or crate without appropriate supervisory breaks.

b. Dogs being tethered outside and/or dogs living in an enclosure such as but not limited to dog houses, sheds, or barns. (Exceptions on case-by-case basis. i.e., sheepdogs living in heated barns)

c. Animals that show signs of medical or nutritional neglect or show signs of physical mistreatment or abuse.

d. Any local, county, state or federal laws or regulations that are not adhered to are subject to immediate cancellation as well as reporting all findings to the appropriate authorities.

3. Medical Conditions.

a. Clients have not informed Learning to Lead or its agents of any medical conditions their dog may or may not have that can be transferred to other dogs or humans by direct or indirect contact such as but not limited to fleas, Parvo, Kennel Cough, etc.

b. Client has not informed Learning to Lead or its agents of any contagious or potentially contagious medical conditions that humans may or may not have that can be transferred to other humans by direct or indirect contact such as but not limited to influenza, COVID etc.

4. Sanitary Conditions.

a. Cleanliness of the home in which there is found to be blood, vomiting, urine, or fecal matter that is made visible as well as any pungent odors deriving from these substances.

5. Training Environment.

a. The inability to provide an alternate environment, if needed, is conducive to the training needs of Learning to Lead and its agents.

1) Having rooms with high value items that may be at risk of damage.

2) Remodeling or construction of rooms or homes.

3) Ease of movement within the home includes, but not limited to hoarding or what perceives to be by a Field Trainer, moving boxes obstructing the training environment.

b. Excessive distractions such as but not limited to:

1) In home or onsite businesses where people are coming and going.

2) Domestic disputes or signs of human-to-human abuse or neglect.

3) Unsupervised children.

4) Other animals

6. Training Process.

a. Client ignores the Field Trainer’s advice by attempting to progress too quickly.

b. Client attempts to control the training by severely limiting the Field Trainer’s methods.

c. Client elongates the training process by becoming “recreational”, in which little progress is found by the Field Trainer.

d. Learning to Lead or its agents feel the client may be untrainable by our standards.

e. Client’s rescheduling, moving, postponing, or cancelling appointments more than three consecutive times.

f. Client falls out of contact with Learning to Lead during the ACTIVE TRAINING or ON-CALL TRAINING phase in spite of Learning to Lead’s attempts to connect.

g. Client’s inability to keep in contact with Learning to Lead or its agents by providing videos, text messages or phone calls in order to ensure progress is being maintained.

h. Client’s unwillingness to sign any or all portions of this document.

7. Status of Ownership. Learning to Lead reserves the right to not continue under the following scenarios.

a. Client transfers ownership of the dog.

b. Death or disability of both owner and/or dog.

8. Negative Behavior. Learning to Lead and its agents have a zero-tolerance policy regarding negative behavior in any form and is grounds for immediate termination with prejudice. In doing so, Learning to Lead has the authority to “Blacklist” any person or agency at any time and may also follow through with legal action.

a. Inappropriate.

1) Client uses social media or any other platform to discredit or defame Learning to Lead and its agents. This includes but not limited to “mob-like” or “vigilante style” activities as well as inciting a riot using social media or any other platform against Learning to Lead and its agents.

2) Client leaves a negative review on multiple platforms. This is considered vindictive and excessive in nature.

3) Use of a condescending tone, gestures, or attitude at any time as well as threatening statements to manipulate Learning to Lead or its agents in an attempt to control.

4) Any sexual statements, gestures, or misconduct demonstrated by the client that the Field Trainer is made to feel uncomfortable.

b. Deceitful.

1) Client breaches confidentiality by distributing personal data of Learning to Lead or its agents without consent from either party.

2) To believe or claim Learning to Lead’s proprietary information is the property of anyone or agency other than Learning to Lead as well as taking Learning to Lead’s proprietary information to benefit another agency or person.

3) To start your own business using Learning to Lead’s proprietary information.

4) A deliberate unwillingness to provide all required documentation if requested by the Field Trainer.

5) Falsifying statements or documents given to Learning to Lead and its agents.

6) Manipulating or copying Learning to Lead’s documentation without the approval of Learning to Lead or its agents.

7) The client bypasses Learning to Lead procedures and utilizes the expertise of the Field Trainer directly.