Free Dog Training Contract Template

What is a dog training contract or agreement? 

A dog training contract is a legally binding document that outlines the terms of the relationship between a trainer, a dog and the dog's owner(s).

The contract typically covers the scope of services being provided, any liabilities, the payment methods, the schedule and duration of the sessions, and any other pertinent details.

Why do you need a dog training contract?

When dealing in services that involve living animals, there are a many reasons why you would want a contract in place. Here are a few: 

1. Clarity and Transparency: The contract provides clarity on the terms and expectations of the training services being offered. This ensures that both the dog owner and the trainer have a clear understanding of the scope of work and the payment terms.
2. Legal Protection: A written contract can serve as legal evidence in case of a dispute or disagreement between the parties. It helps to protect the rights and interests of both the trainer and the dog owner.
3. Establishing Trust: Having a clear and formal agreement in place helps to establish trust between the trainer and the dog owner. It shows that both parties are committed to the training process and take the responsibility seriously.
4. Ensuring Compliance: The contract can include provisions to ensure that both parties comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as those related to animal welfare.

Things happen in life, and if you're looking after or training a lot of dogs, either at once or over a long career, it's likely that you'll run into some less than ideal situations. In those situations, you'll be glad that you had a contract in place.

What to include in a dog training agreement? 

Generally speaking, you want to include an outline of the tutoring services being provided. Here are some details that you'll want to include in your tutoring agreement:

1. Description of the training services: This should include a detailed description of the scope of the training services being provided, the goals and objectives of the training, and any specific techniques or methods to be used.
2. Payment Terms: The contract should specify the payment amount, due dates, and methods of payment. It should also include any payment incentives or bonuses that may be offered.
3. Schedule and Duration of Sessions: The contract should specify the dates and times of the training sessions, as well as the expected duration of each session.
4. Responsibilities of the Trainer and Owner: The contract should specify the responsibilities of the trainer and the dog owner, including who is responsible for providing equipment, supplies, and treats.
5. Confidentiality Clause: The contract may include a confidentiality clause that requires the trainer to maintain the confidentiality of the dog owner's personal information and training information.
6. Termination Clause: The contract should include provisions for terminating the agreement, including the conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement and the consequences of termination.
7. Liability and Insurance: The contract should specify the liabilities of both the trainer and the dog owner, and may include provisions for insurance coverage.
8. Dispute Resolution: The contract should include a dispute resolution clause that outlines the process for resolving any disputes that may arise between the parties.
9. It's important to note that the specific terms and clauses included in a dog training agreement may vary depending on local laws and regulations, and it may be wise to consult with a legal professional to ensure that the agreement complies with relevant laws.

These are just a high level overview and starting point. This is not legal advice and would recommend consulting with an attorney for legal advice.

What is a good cancellation policy for dog trainers? 

Depending on the types of services you offer as a dog trainer, you'll want to customize your cancellation policy. This is an outline that you can start from: 

1. Clients must provide at least 24 hours' notice if they need to cancel or reschedule a training session.
2. If less than 24 hours' notice is given, the client will be charged the 50% of the session fee.
3. If the trainer needs to cancel a session due to unforeseen circumstances, they will give the client as much notice as possible and reschedule the session at a time that is convenient for both parties.
4. If the trainer is unable to reschedule the session, the client will receive a full refund for the cancelled session.
5. In case of emergency situations like severe weather conditions, natural disasters, or personal emergencies of the trainer or the client, the cancellation policy will be waived at the discretion of the trainer.

How can you sign a contract or agreement? 

There are a few different methods of signing a contract or agreement, both digital and traditional. A few options include:

1. Physical signature: A classic way to sign a document is to write your signature using a pen, either in person or by mailing, faxing, or emailing the document.
2. Electronic signature: Another convenient method is to sign a document using an electronic signature service, such as HelloSign or DocuSign. This often involves simply checking a box next to a statement acknowledging that you agree to the terms of the document.
3. Handwritten signature: If you cannot physically or digitally sign a document, you may be able to provide a handwritten signature by writing your name on the document and then scanning or photographing it.

The best contract template for dog trainers

It can be a headache to try and draft your own dog training contract, especially when you're a business of one. To save you some time, our lawyers drafted a legally vetted contract template for any trainer to use with their clients.