Terms of Service

01 — Training Services

All dog training rests upon the owner’s cooperation and consistent practice between sessions. While every effort is made to achieve the desired results, behavioral outcomes cannot be strictly guaranteed owing to the independent nature of animals.

02 — Safety & Health

Dogs must be current on age-appropriate vaccinations — Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella — prior to beginning in-person training. Any history of aggression or biting must be fully disclosed during consultation.

03 — Cancellations

A minimum of twenty-four hours’ notice is required to reschedule or cancel a private training session, so that the appointment may be offered to another client. Notice given later may result in forfeiture of the session fee.

04 — Mandatory Initial Assessment

Legal context · Establishes the baseline for training and ensures safe service provision.

Every new client must complete a mandatory initial assessment before beginning any training program. This allows us to evaluate the dog’s behavior, temperament, and the owner’s goals, ensuring a customized and safe training plan.

05 — Liability & Safety

Legal context · Defines owner responsibility and limits trainer liability.

While every precaution is taken for the safety of the dog and owner, the owner remains legally responsible for any damage or injury caused by their dog. Lexi the Dog Coach is not liable for incidents occurring during or after training sessions.

06 — Owner Right of Refusal

Legal context · Reserves case selection in the interest of professional integrity and safety.

Lexi the Dog Coach reserves the right to decline service or terminate a training agreement should a dog pose an unmanageable safety risk, or should the owner fail to comply with established safety protocols.

07 — Payment Terms

Legal context · Establishes a clear financial agreement to prevent billing disputes.

Payment for training sessions or packages is due in full at the time of booking. Cancellations made within twenty-four hours of the scheduled session may be subject to a cancellation fee.

08 — Data Disclaimer

Legal context · Addresses the handling of client information in accordance with privacy best practices.

Any data or progress notes collected during training are used solely to improve the dog’s performance. Your personal information will never be sold or shared with third parties without your explicit consent.

09 — Professional Boundaries

Legal context · Maintains the trainer–client relationship as a strictly professional agreement.

The relationship between Lexi the Dog Coach and the client is strictly professional. Communication should be limited to business hours and focused upon the training objectives of the dog.

10 — Training Results

Legal context · Manages expectations and clarifies the variable influences upon animal behavior.

While professional methods are employed to improve behavior, Lexi the Dog Coach does not guarantee specific results. Success depends substantially upon the owner’s consistency and follow-through with the training plan.

11 — Medical Fitness

Legal context · Ensures training aligns with physical health and any existing medical conditions.

Owners must disclose any known medical issues or physical limitations of the dog. Training will proceed only when the dog is physically fit for the activities requested.

12 — Media Release

Legal context · Covers the legal right to use photographs and video for marketing or education.

Lexi the Dog Coach may photograph or record video of the dog for training documentation or marketing. Should you prefer your dog not be featured on social media or the website, please submit a written request.

13 — Public Space Compliance

Legal context · Ensures training in public adheres to local Portland laws and ordinances.

When training in public parks or spaces, all local leash laws and ordinances must be observed. Owners are responsible for any fines incurred through non-compliance.

14 — Public Transit Protocols

Legal context · Outlines the rules for training sessions conducted on TriMet or public transport.

Training on public transit requires the dog to remain under strict control at all times. The owner is responsible for ensuring the dog meets all transit agency requirements for behavior and safety.

15 — Scope of Practice

Legal context · Clarifies that a dog coach is neither a veterinarian nor a certified behaviorist.

Lexi the Dog Coach provides training and coaching services. We do not offer veterinary medical advice or formal psychological diagnoses for animals.

16 — Mutual Confidentiality

Legal context · Protects the privacy of both client and trainer.

Both parties agree to keep all personal and proprietary information shared during training sessions confidential, including sensitive household details and specific training methodologies.

17 — Allergy Disclosure

Legal context · A safety measure for trainer and dog regarding food and environmental items.

Owners must disclose any known allergies — human or canine — before the first session, particularly those concerning the use of training treats or environmental allergens.

18 — Recording Policy

Legal context · Protects trainer privacy and consent upon private property.

Clients must disclose the presence and location of any active recording devices — audio or video, including nanny cams or Ring doorbells — on the property where training occurs. Recording the trainer without prior verbal or written consent is prohibited.

19 — Health & Medication Disclosure

Legal context · Ensures safe care and protects against liability for pre-existing conditions.

Owners must provide a full written disclosure of the dog’s medical history, including current medications, chronic conditions (e.g., seizures, arthritis, allergies), or recent surgeries. Should the dog require medication during a session, the owner must provide clear, written instructions. Lexi the Dog Coach reserves the right to adjust or pause training should a medical issue appear to affect the dog’s welfare or behavior.

20 — Veterinary Care Authorization

Legal context · Grants permission to seek emergency care and establishes financial responsibility.

In the event of a medical emergency in which the owner is unreachable, the owner authorizes Lexi the Dog Coach to seek veterinary care. All costs associated with emergency medical treatment — including transportation and clinic fees — are the sole responsibility of the owner.