Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Sit Happens. By accessing our website, browsing our website or making bookings from our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and fully accept our terms and conditions.

The following Terms and Conditions are for the interest of safety, responsibility and welfare of our clients. We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will take immediate effect and it is the responsibility of our clients to read these.

Our Methods

As a member of reputable organisations including the Association of Pet Dog Trainers New Zealand and in accordance with membership Code of Ethics, we practise kind, fair and effective techniques avoiding the need to use physical correction of any type. Harsh handling of dogs is wholeheartedly discouraged and the use of check chains and other coercive or punitive methods, including lead jerking, shouting or smacking, is not permitted.

You may not use any gadget or device in class that we consider aversive, such as slip leads, pinch collars, spray collars, compressed air canisters, rattle cans or water squirters, or any other device, or method, that has potential to cause injury, pain or fear. Any owner who continues to use harsh methods when asked not to, will be asked to leave our classes and not return.

1. Group Classes

Bookings

Payment is required in full before attendance to a class and guarantees a place on our courses. Confirmation of your booking will be forwarded by email. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they arrive at the right venue and at the correct time.

We limit the number of dogs in our classes to provide the appropriate trainer to dog ratio.

We cannot guarantee a place on a course unless prior payment has been made via our online booking and payment system, or confirmation of receipt of bank transfer. If you request a place on a course without paying, there is no assurance a space will be available on commencement of the course. We will endeavour to contact you when places are limited.

You must not knowingly book a dog that shows aggression or nervousness onto a training course, unless it is specific course that is intended to address these issues. We reserve the right to excuse dogs that are aggressive in class. If you do not advise us of potential problems and your dog shows aggression in class you will not be entitled to a refund. Contact us if you are not sure whether a class is suitable for your dog. If you are unsure about the suitability of your dog in class and have not asked us to assess your dog before your attendance, you will not be refunded if your dog is unsuitable for the class you have booked. If we have agreed to your dog attending but the dog is not suited to the class environment, we will offer you alternative arrangements, such as working with you on a one-to-one basis.

Group Class Start times

Please arrive in time for each class as latecomers can be disruptive to the other dogs in class. Dogs arriving late can experience stress if barked at by the other dogs. If you are late and we are working dogs off lead, for safety reasons the doors will be locked. Please wait for a convenient moment and we will open the door for you.

Dogs unfit for class

Welfare and safety of all dogs is paramount to us. Dogs in an unfit state of health due to illness, disease or injury cannot be brought to class. Do not bring your dog to class if they have been in contact with an infectious disease, such as kennel cough or conjunctivitis. If you are unsure as to whether your dog is well enough to attend, please refer to your vet. If your dog is unable to attend you are encouraged to attend the class without your dog so you can maintain continuity of training.

Dogs must be adequately protected by vaccination as advised by your vet and verification may be requested (titer tests are a valid confirmation of immunity). Puppies can attend our classes from one week after their first vaccination has been administered by a vet. Puppies not having completed their vaccination programme are advised not to walk on the ground outside of the venue.

Bitches in season are not permitted to attend a class. Please notify us if you consider your bitch may come into season during a course. Refunds are not given though we may offer alternative arrangements, such as deferring to another course.

Cancellations

Find our Cancellation Policy here.

PUPPY FUN & FOCUS CLASSES

Puppies classes are for puppies up to 18 weeks old unless prior arrangements have been made with Sit Happens directly. By enrolling in our puppy classes, you are confirming your puppy will be 18 weeks or less at the time of the first class. Puppies must have their first vaccination before attending Sit Happens puppy classes. By enrolling in our puppy class, you are confirming your pup will have their first vaccination before the first training at location.

PUPPY SOCIALISATION SESSIONS

Puppy Socialisation is for puppies up to 18 weeks old unless prior arrangements have been made with Sit Happens directly. By enrolling in our puppy socialisation sessions, you are confirming your puppy will be 18 weeks or less at the time of the session. Puppies must have their first vaccination before attending Sit Happens puppy socialisation sessions. By enrolling in our puppy socialisation session, you are confirming your pup will have their first vaccination one week before the first session.

FUN & FOCUS LEVEL 2 CLASSES

Fun & Focus Level 2 classes are intended for dogs who have had previous training. We reserve the right to assess new Sit Happens clients (that have not graduated from Sit Happens Fun & Focus Level 2 Classes) for their suitability in our Fun & Focus Level 2 Class. At least a half hour session must be booked before a place in Level 2 will be considered. We reserve the right to not permit attendance in Level 2 Classes for previous Sit Happens clients if their dog is not suitable. Contact us if you are not sure whether a class is suitable for your dog. If you are unsure about the suitability of your dog in class and have not asked us to assess your dog before your attendance, you will not be refunded if your dog is unsuitable for the class you have booked. If we have agreed to your dog attending but the dog is not suited to the class environment, we will offer you alternative arrangements, such as working with you on a one-to-one basis.

2. Private Training sessions

Private training is one on one training with your dog and a Sit Happens Trainer. Training session can be scheduled at one of our locations, at your home, or at a suitable agreed location. Training taking place away from our locations will incur an additional travel charge based on your location as outlined on our website. Private Package Trainings must be paid in full prior to your first appointment and all sessions must be taken within 18 months of that date. Trainings that are not part of a package will be invoiced shortly before or after your training. Fees must be paid in full 7 days after the invoice is received or by the due date stated on the invoice.

For Health and Safety purposes a dog’s reactivity to other dogs or to humans must be disclosed at the time of booking. All reasonable measures need to be taken to keep Sit Happens staff and public safe.

Cancellations

Find our Cancellation Policy here.

3. Private Behaviour Trainings

Behaviour consultations are conducted by a qualified trainer. Occasionally there may be someone accompanying the trainer on home visits, however you will be asked to approve this beforehand.

Cancellations

Find our Cancellation Policy here.

At Location Behaviour Trainings

Besides the rules outlined in the section “6. Considerations for at Location Trainings”, it is crucial for dogs with behavioural issues towards dogs or people to wait in your car until the trainer is ready for the appointment. This will allow the previous dog/s to leave without interactions between the reactive dog and another dog or person. If you feel your dog will get distressed seeing the previous clients leave, it is advised to park on a distance that allows for the dog to stay calm.

About the consultation

Behaviour consultations are conducted by a qualified trainer. Occasionally there may be someone accompanying the trainer. Please advice if you wish for the trainee not to be there.

Before the consultation

A behavioural consultation helps to identify the underlying motivation for any unwanted behaviour. A programme will be devised for your needs based on our behavioural diagnosis and specific to your requirements to help you manage and modify this behaviour. Behavioural issues are often complex having taken time to develop. Therefore, before proceeding it is necessary that any potential underlying medical condition or potential cause of pain that could be contributing to your pet’s behaviour is ruled out. Prior to your appointment you will be required to complete and forward the following:

A Behaviour Questionnaire will be sent to you prior to your appointment. It is important that the Questionnaire be completed and emailed back to Sit Happens at least 48 hours before your scheduled private training session. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your training session and the cancellation fee being charged. By completing the Questionnaire you acknowledge that all information is true and correct and that all information has been disclosed to Sit Happens including your dog’s reactivity to dogs and/or humans.

After the consultation

You will receive an extensive personalised training plan after your first training. Sit Happens aims to forward the training plan to you within 7 days, but occasionally it may take up to 14 days. Aftercare support is provided regarding the specific problem by email as long as the questions can be answered without seeing the dog and the time to answer all the questions in total does not exceed 2 hours. In these cases, an appointment needs to be booked to solve further issues. You are encouraged to liaise with the trainer after the visit for ongoing support.

It may be necessary for the more complex issues, such as aggression, multiple behaviour problems, or for where there are multi-dog households, that follow-up visits are required. Any follow-up visits, should they be required, will be charged accordingly and you will be advised in advance to the cost.

Disclaimer

Animal aggression can cause injury, including fatal injury, to other animals and people. Treatment for aggression is not a guarantee of success and modifying behaviour does not assure that the aggression will be successfully controlled. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their pet does not harm in the future. Precautions may involve, but are not limited to, keeping a dog on lead, the use of muzzle, informing others of the dog’s aggressive tendencies, not mixing with certain types of people or other dogs, or confinement behind fencing and doors. Owners remain responsible for their dogs at all times and are advised they have adequate pet or household insurance cover for liability in the unlikely event of damage or injury caused by their dog to property or to a third party. It is strongly recommended that your dog is insured for third party liability with or without vet cover.

4. Group Dog Walks

Sit Happens Group Dog Walks have a maximum of 5 dogs per dog walker. Dogs will be picked up, walked for approximately 1 hour and dropped off at your home. Dog walks are invoiced fortnightly, unless other arrangements have been made. Payment is due 7 days after the last invoiced dog walk or the due date on the invoice, whichever is sooner. We reserve the right to cancel walks for non-payment.

We reserve the right to terminate a dog walk early in exceptional circumstances. This could be due to, a dog becoming ill or injured, a dog becoming distressed or distressing other dogs. The safety of the dogs in our care are priority at all times and a walk will only be terminated before completion if absolutely necessary.
All dogs must have a harness provided by the owner.
All dogs must be up to date with their full course of vaccinations (titer testing is a valid form of showing full immunity).
All dogs are put into the group that is most suitable for them. These groups may change and we cannot guarantee a spot in the original day or time that was scheduled. We will do our very best to accommodate your request. However, the day and time requested may not be the best group for your dog.
We use Instagram Stories to keep you updated on your dog’s group walk. By booking into our Group Walks you are automatically agreeing to having your dog featured online.

Behaviour

Clients are to disclose any behaviour problems with their dog in the initial enquiry form. This includes fears, anxieties and aggression or reactivity. If any behaviours change after the enquiry form has been completed the owner must notify Sit Happens immediately.
We use food as positive reinforcement. Clients must disclose any issues surrounding food, whether that be allergies or aggressive behaviour. We cannot cater for dogs with nut allergies.
We reserve the right to refuse to walk certain dogs that are perceived to be dangerous or unpredictable.
If a dog’s behaviour on their walks become increasingly challenging, a one on one walk or private training may be needed before the dog re-joining the Group Walks is considered.
We reserve the right to walk dogs on-lead if their behaviour is not considered appropriate off-lead. Sometimes this may just be the dragging of a long line.
Group walks are reserved to clients who commit to a minimum of one walk a week in the group most suitable for them. This is so they become more familiar with the dog walker, the dogs in their group. and the walking environment and allows us to plan the groups ahead.
We aim to keep groups of dogs away from other dogs where possible and work hard to ensure group compatibility. We strive to keep group excitement levels low and do not walk aggressive or over bearing dogs. However, clients must be aware of the risk of dogs being walked in groups as we cannot 100% prevent injury being caused through play, the environment (brambles/sticks/stones), nor by dogs getting into a conflict, either with a member of their group or a member of the public’s dog.
In the event of injury that does not require vet attention we will report to the client and where applicable apply canine first aid.

In the event of an emergency

Customers are required to give an emergency contact number as well as the preferred veterinary practice on their enquiry form. The customer must update Sit Happens if this information changes.
If you are away on holiday it is strongly recommended that you provide the phone number for someone who is easily contactable and who you trust to make a decision on your behalf. If you cannot be contacted then a voicemail message will be left, a text message and email will also be sent.
In an absolute emergency the pet will be taken to the nearest veterinary practice.
In a non-emergency the pet will be taken to your specified vet.
You must agree to pay all vets bills if the pet is injured or falls ill while in our care, unless we are directly responsible for injury or illness. Pet insurance is always recommended for peace of mind.
In the event of a dog going missing, clients will be notified and advised to come and help with a search, should the dog be missing for longer than 30 minutes. (Thankfully this has never happened!). Members of the team will be able to come and help with the search as soon as convenient.

Cancellations

Find our Cancellation Policy here.

5. Day Visits

On Day Visits our staff aims to provide training on pre-arranged topics. The trainability of the dog will depend on their mood, health, exercise and other factors on the day. We will always provide the best training we can under the given circumstances.

If we take the dog out, we aim to keep away from other dogs where possible. We strive to keep excitement levels low, however, clients must be aware of the risk of dogs being walked in public as we cannot 100% prevent injury being caused through play, the environment (brambles/sticks/stones) nor by dogs getting into a conflict, either with a member of their group (dog from the same family) or a member of the public’s dog.

In the event of injury that does not require vet attention we will report to the client and where applicable apply canine first aid.

In the event of an emergency

In an absolute emergency the pet will be taken to the nearest veterinary practice.
In a non-emergency the pet will be taken to your specified vet.
You must agree to pay all vets bills if the pet is injured or falls ill while in our care, unless we are directly responsible for injury or illness. Pet insurance is always recommended for peace of mind.
In the event of a dog going missing clients will be notified and advised to come and help with a search, should the dog be missing for longer than 30 minutes. (Thankfully this has never happened!). Members of the team will be able to come and help with the search as soon as convenient.

6. Considerations for at Location Trainings

It is possible that the trainer will have another class or training scheduled before your class. We ask that you either wait in your car or away from the doors to the venue when arriving for class so that previous clients can leave without dogs meeting. The trainer will waive you in when they are ready for your class or training to begin. If you are waiting outside at the venue we ask that you please avoid meeting the other dogs on lead. Not all dogs like to be near other dogs when restrained on lead and may react as a consequence. Please allow plenty of room for a dog to enter and exit the venue without coming in contact with each other. Do not allow dogs to play together outside the venue before a class, as this can cause excitement and a lack of attention during the session.

If your dog is reactive to dogs and/or humans we ask that you please have your dog wait in your car until all other clients have left the location. The trainer will waive you in when they are ready for you.

A toilet break before each class will ensure your puppy is empty and comfortable. Please be a responsible dog owner and always clean up after your dog. There are bins that you can use the dispose of the bags. Ask staff if you cannot locate these. If accidents happen inside, please pick up poos and dispose of in an outside bin, but do not attempt to clean up further yourself. Please inform staff as soon as possible as they will know the correct way of cleaning for the given surface.

What to wear

Our training involves practical handling, therefore appropriate shoes and clothing is recommended. Please wear comfortable flat shoes for safety reasons, as you will be moving about. You will be required during training to get down on the ground therefore suitable attire is recommended.

Welfare and safety

Please keep to areas of the building designated only for our training purposes. All dogs must be kept under the owner’s control and on a lead, except where specifically instructed by our instructors. You are responsible for the conduct of your dog at all times. Dogs in class must not lunge or bark at other dogs present.

We provide as safe and secure of an environment as practicably reasonable and endeavour to apply good practices with all our training services. We endeavour to run all classes in as safe and professional manner as possible. Sit Happens also takes all reasonable precautions when providing behavioural services to minimise the risk of injury from being bitten. However, dog training is not without risk and therefore participation in training and behaviour services is at the owner’s risk. Sit Happens or any of its individual assistants, or helpers, will not accept responsibility for any loss, injury or damage to any person, or dog attending a course, or to their property howsoever caused during the provision of dog training activities.

All training provided will be by instructors who have been trained by Sit Happens and have been deemed by Sit Happens to have the necessary experience and skills.

Owners are advised to have appropriate pet insurance cover that includes third party liability insurance. Sit Happens has public liability and relevant business insurance to run classes and provide behavioural counselling, providing adequate cover for our business liabilities.

Sit Happens will not take responsibility for misinterpretation of advice. Whilst we hope you find the information and guidance given interesting, informative and useful, the contents are for general information only. We believe the contents to be true and accurate as at the date of the session but can give no assurances or warranty regarding the accuracy, currency or applicability of any of the contents in relation to specific situations and particular circumstances. In addition, none of the content of the session will form any part of any contract between us or constitutes an offer by us. Specific disclaimers may apply in addition to certain content or parts of the session.

Children

We encourage anyone involved in the puppy’s/dog’s life to attend classes. Children are welcome to participate. However, we ask that if children attend, that they participate in the training or occupy themselves in a quiet manner. It is distracting to other puppies and owners attending the class if they are playing, screaming, running or throwing around objects in the venues. Children are encouraged to behave appropriately in the presence of unfamiliar dogs and need to be supervised at all times. For safety reasons it is advisable all children are educated in how to approach an unfamiliar dog. We do provide instruction on how to interact with an unfamiliar dog here.

7. Website

Intellectual property rights

Sit Happens website and its content, including without limitation the design, text, graphics and all software and source codes connected with the website and its services, are protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights and legislation. In accessing the website, you agree that you will access the contents solely for your personal, non-commercial use. None of the content may be downloaded, copied, reproduced, transmitted or distributed without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. For downloadable handouts and factsheets, permission is granted for one copy to be printed per owner for personal use. Handouts and factsheets cannot be altered, modified or reworded for further distribution. Photographs, video or any graphics cannot be used without the accompanying text or without obtaining the permission of the copyright holder. Material from this website is for personal use only and is not to be redistributed. To our knowledge the products and services sold or promoted via this website are to promote only kind, fair and effective methods. We do not intend to endorse any material that advocates the use of punishment or harsh methods. Opinions and advice given through this website via these materials may not reflect those of Sit Happens!

External links

Any external link via this website is provided for convenience. Use of links or their content is at your own risk. We are happy to link to other websites however please contact us first before linking to this website.

Products

We make every effort to display as accurately as possible the colours, features, specifications, and details of the products available on the site. However, we do not guarantee that the colours, features, specifications, and details of the products will be accurate, complete, reliable, current, or free of other errors, and your electronic display may not accurately reflect the actual colours and details of the products.

All products are subject to availability, and we cannot guarantee that an item will be in stock. We reserve the right to discontinue any products at any time for any reason. Prices for all products are subject to change.

Purchases and Payment

We accept the following forms of payment: Credit Card and Bank Transfer. You agree to provide current, complete, and accurate purchase and account information for all purchases made via the site. You further agree to promptly update account and payment information, including email address, payment method, and payment card expiration date, so that we can complete your transactions and contact you as needed. GST is included in the price of the product. We may change prices at any time. All payments shall be in New Zealand dollars.

You agree to pay all charges at the prices then in effect for your purchases and any applicable shipping fees, and you authorise us to charge your chosen payment provider for any such amounts upon placing your order.

If you choose to pay via Bank Transfer, please contact us, so we can issue and invoice. The order will be processed once payment is received.

We reserve the right to refuse any order placed through the site. We may, in our sole discretion, limit or cancel quantities purchased per person, per household, or per order. These restrictions may include orders placed by or under the same customer account, the same payment method, and/or orders that use the same billing or shipping address. We reserve the right to limit or prohibit orders that, in our sole judgment, appear to be placed by dealers, resellers, or distributors.

Return/Refunds Policy

We do not have to give a refund if you change your mind about a purchase — so please choose carefully.

If the product you have bought is faulty, we will provide a remedy as required by the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Planet Dog 100% Guarantee Terms & Conditions

Sit Happens will replace any Planet Dog Product purchased through Sit Happens. If the product is unrated or rated lower than 5 out of 5 on the chew-o-meter scale, we will replace it with a 5 out of 5 product. If the price of the replacement product is higher than the original purchase, the customer is to pay the difference. If a 5 out of 5 product has been destroyed twice or the customer does not wish to replace the destroyed item, we will arrange for a refund. The destroyed product must be returned to Sit Happens to forward to Planet Dog. This guarantee is valid for 90 days from date of purchase. Customers will be responsible to bare the shipping cost for the exchange items.

7. Photo Release

We love to share knowledge and lessons learned from each client experience. By engaging in our programs, products and services including our program materials and our social media pages, you agree to give us the consent to use text, videos, audio, email questions, photographs, etc. that may contain information as it relates to our services and programs. In addition, you give us the right to use such materials as part of our marketing, promotion, and training purposes. Sit Happens will retain exclusive and perpetual worldwide rights to such content. You release all claims against Sit Happens with respect to privacy rights, publicity rights, copyright ownership and publication, including any claim for compensation related to use of the materials.

Find our Cancellation Policy here.