Service Agreement – 847-836-2111

  • 1. Services. A. Nature of Services: Dog Training Now (DTN) agrees to provide professional training and care services ("Services") for your Pet for the duration of the scheduled term. You acknowledge that you are purchasing a specific block of time and the professional expertise of our trainers, rather than a specific behavioral outcome or "guaranteed result". B. Professional Judgment: DTN will exercise reasonable professional judgment in providing Services. However, because animal behavior is inherently unpredictable and influenced by numerous factors—including the Pet’s temperament, previous history, and the Pet Owner’s consistency in following instructions—DTN cannot and does not guarantee specific training results or that the Pet’s behavior will remain modified after the conclusion of the training term. C. Success and Maintenance: You understand that the success of the training is heavily dependent on your continued reinforcement of the training techniques at home. Failure to follow DTN’s recommended protocols does not entitle the Pet Owner to a refund or the right to initiate a chargeback. D. Definition of "Progress" vs. "Fully Trained": You acknowledge that dog training is a lifelong process of communication and reinforcement, not a one-time "fix." The Services provided by DTN are intended to establish a foundation of behaviors and provide you with the tools to continue your Pet's education. You understand and agree that: 1) No "Finished" Product: Your Pet will not be "fully trained" or "perfect" at the end of the program. 2) Variable Outcomes: Every dog learns at a different pace. Success is dependent on the Pet’s age, breed, temperament, and previous history. 3) Owner's Role: The behaviors taught during the program will degrade or disappear if not consistently reinforced by you at home. 4) No Basis for Dispute: A perceived lack of "completion" or "full training" at the end of the term shall not constitute a failure of service and is not a valid basis for a refund or chargeback.
  • 2. Payment for Services. A. Payment Obligations: You agree to pay Dog Training Now (DTN) for all services at the rates specified in your "Agreement" or current rate sheet. Prices are subject to change without notice, and seasonal rates may apply. Full payment of any remaining balance is due by 12:00 PM (noon) on the first scheduled day of service. If your payment is declined or not paid in full by this deadline, DTN reserves the right to refuse service and return your Pet at the time of checkout. B. Non-Refundable Deposits and Balances: All deposits required to secure a booking are strictly non-refundable. Once the service term begins, the remaining balance is also strictly non-refundable , as DTN has reserved a specific time slot and staff resources for your Pet. Any refunds or credits issued are solely at the absolute discretion of DTN. C. Payment Authorization: You explicitly authorize DTN to charge the credit card, debit card, or bank account provided for all services, including deposits, remaining balances, late fees, unplanned boarding, and medical treatments as outlined in this Agreement. You agree to keep a valid method of payment on file at all times. D. Chargeback Waiver and Dispute Resolution: By signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that the services provided are "as described" and "received" upon the commencement of the training term. You agree to waive any right to dispute or "chargeback" any valid charges with your financial institution for services rendered, missed sessions, or non-refundable deposits. You agree that any dissatisfaction or billing dispute shall be resolved exclusively through the internal dispute process or the arbitration provisions set forth in Section 13 of this Agreement. E. Collections: You remain liable for all charges incurred during your Pet’s stay, including extended stays or penalties. In the event of non-payment, you agree to be responsible for all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs, and collection agency fees.
    3. Rescheduling Policy. A. Reserved Capacity: Because our training spaces are limited and in high demand, all scheduled sessions represent a reservation of DTN’s staff, facility, and time. Consequently, once a service is scheduled, it is not eligible to be rescheduled or canceled by the Pet Owner. B. Mandatory Attendance & Check-in: Clients must attend the first day of their scheduled appointment. If you do not arrive for the first day of service, fail to notify DTN of your status in writing, or fail to pay the remaining balance by 12:00 PM (noon) on that day, your entire training program will be immediately cancelled. C. Forfeiture of Space: In the event of a "no-show" or late cancellation as described in 3B, DTN will offer your reserved space to other clients on our waiting list. You will not be eligible to return for any remaining days of that term, and all payments made will be forfeited. D. Finality of Fees: No refunds, credits, or rescheduling will be offered for missed sessions, late arrivals, or early departures, without exception. Any decision to make an exception to this policy is at the absolute and sole discretion of DTN management and does not constitute a waiver of this policy for future instances.
    4. Late Pickup/No Show Policy. Our studio closes at 6:00pm each weekday. You are responsible for picking up your dog by that time. We will allow one penalty-free late pickup provided the dog is picked up by 6:30pm. At 6:30pm, even on first late pickup, we will board your dog in one of our trainers’ homes, and the fee will be $300/night for un-planned boarding. After your first late pickup, a fee of $5/minute will be applied after 6:00pm, and at 6:30pm, you will also be charged the $300/night un-planned boarding fee. If a method of payment is on file, it will be charged at that time.
  • 5. Training Philosophy. A. Balanced Training Philosophy: You acknowledge that DTN utilizes a "balanced" training philosophy. This means we use a variety of techniques including positive reinforcement (rewards, treats, praise) and fair corrections to communicate clearly with the Pet. You understand that this approach is chosen at the professional discretion of our trainers based on your Pet's specific needs. B. Authorization to Use Training Tools: You explicitly authorize DTN trainers to use any tools they deem necessary for the safe and effective training of your Pet. These tools may include, but are not limited to: flat collars, slip leads, martingales, prong collars, remote electronic collars (e-collars), head halters, bark collars and long lines. C. Assumption of Risk for Tool Use: You understand that while DTN uses all tools humanely and professionally, any training tool carries a minor risk of superficial skin irritation or discomfort if the Pet resists or has sensitive skin. You agree that the use of these tools, as authorized herein, does not constitute "harm", “mismanagement”, or “abuse”. D. Client Education: DTN agrees to provide instruction to the Pet Owner on the proper use of these tools. You agree that if you have any moral or personal objections to a specific tool, you must notify DTN in writing prior to the start of the training term. Failure to do so constitutes full acceptance of our methods.
    6. Pet Health, Behavior, and Socialization Risks A. Health & Vaccination Requirements: You represent that your Pet is healthy and current on all DTN-required vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Bordetella). DTN reserves the absolute right to refuse any Pet that appears sick, injured, or whose behavior may jeopardize safety. If your Pet has been treated for a contagious illness, we require a veterinarian’s "statement of health" at least two (2) weeks after treatment. B. Disclosure of Aggression: You must disclose any history of aggression, biting, or "dog reactivity." You acknowledge that DTN may contact appropriate authorities if your Pet bites a person or another animal. C. Contact with Other Pets & Assumption of Risk: You understand that DTN is a social environment where Pets may interact. You specifically authorize your Pet to be in the presence of and/or interact with other dogs and staff. You acknowledge and agree that: Inherent Risks: Interactions between animals are inherently unpredictable. Even under professional supervision, there is a risk of illness (e.g., "kennel cough") or injury (e.g., nicks, scratches, or bites) during play or training. Assumption of Liability: You voluntarily assume all risks associated with your Pet’s interaction with other animals.
    7. Medical Emergencies and Absolute Financial Responsibility A. Authorization for Treatment: If your Pet becomes ill or injured, DTN will attempt to contact you. If you are unreachable, you authorize DTN to seek veterinary care at its sole discretion. B. Responsibility for Costs: You are solely and exclusively responsible for the payment of all veterinary expenses incurred for your Pet, including those arising from interactions with other dogs. C. Direct Payment/Reimbursement: You authorize DTN to charge your payment method on file for any medical costs paid by DTN on your behalf. You agree to hold DTN harmless for any medical outcomes and waive any claim that DTN is responsible for these bills.
    8. Offsite Training, Transportation, and In-Home Boarding A. Authorization & Environment: You authorize DTN to provide Services at offsite locations, including public parks, retail stores, and the private residences of DTN staff ("In-Home Boarding"). You acknowledge that these are non-commercial environments with inherent risks (e.g., household hazards, interactions with a trainer's family/pets) and agree that DTN is not liable for incidents arising from the nature of these settings. B. Transportation & Escape Risk: You authorize DTN to transport your Pet in private or commercial vehicles. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with transport and offsite activity, including motor vehicle accidents and the risk of the Pet fleeing or escaping despite professional supervision. You agree to hold DTN and its individual staff members harmless for any injury, loss, or death of the Pet during these activities. C. Voluntary Assumption of Risk: You agree that any accident, injury, or escape occurring offsite or during transport is an inherent risk of the service you have authorized. Such occurrences shall not constitute a "failure of service".
  • 9. Graduation and Final Acceptance of Services A. Graduation Review: On the final day of the training term ("Graduation Day"), DTN will demonstrate, tutor, or answer any questions pertaining to training. It is the Pet Owner’s responsibility to evaluate the results at this time. B. Requirement to Report Dissatisfaction: If you believe the Services provided were not as described or that DTN failed to meet its contractual obligations, you must notify DTN in writing prior to removing the Pet from the premises on Graduation Day. C. Final Acceptance: By taking possession of your Pet and departing the DTN facility on Graduation Day without filing a written complaint, you explicitly acknowledge and agree that: 1) The Services have been fully rendered and received to your satisfaction. 2) The Pet’s progress is acceptable based on the foundational nature of the program. 3) You waive any future claim that the Services were "not as described" or "incomplete”.
    10. Miscellaneous and Legal Provisions A. Entire Agreement: This document constitutes the entire agreement. No oral promises or "results guarantees" made by staff are binding. Any modifications must be in writing. B. Governing Law: This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. You agree that the courts of Illinois have exclusive jurisdiction over any litigation. C. Mandatory Arbitration: DTN reserves the exclusive right to require that any dispute be settled through binding arbitration. You agree to waive your right to a jury trial. D. Likeness & Media: You grant DTN an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to use the likeness and names of you, your family, and your Pet in any promotional or commercial media, including social media, without compensation.
  • By signing, I agree to all terms contained in the preceding pages of this Agreement.
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