General conditions

Our clients are requested to carefully read the general conditions set out below. Since they are posted on our website, we assume that you are already familiar with them.

Owner’s personal investment

  • Training an animal takes time and requires commitment and consistency from owners.
  • HAPPY DOGS emphasizes the importance of admitting only those motivated by positive reinforcement learning and willing to apply at home what they have learned during classes.
  • HAPPY DOGS cannot guarantee specific results as they depend on the owner’s ability and commitment to implementing the advice given, as well as the unpredictable reactions of the animal.
  • HAPPY DOGS cannot be held responsible for any behavioral issues or lack of progress in the dog, especially in cases of irregular attendance by the owner and/or lack of practice between sessions.

Rates & cancelation policy

  • The rates listed in the “Classes & Rates” section apply to courses given in the Canton of Geneva. Outside Geneva, travel fees (mileage allowances) may be applicable.
  • The initial assessment appointment is mandatory before any practical courses. Payment for this appointment is due at the time of booking.
  • Hourly packages do not include the initial assessment appointment.
  • Hourly packages are time-based. The time spent during each lesson is deducted from the total package time.
  • The 5-hour package is valid for a duration of 4 months. The 10-hour package is valid for a duration of 8 months.
  • Payment for individual lessons and/or packages is due at the time of booking or latest 72 hours before the first lesson.
  • Appointments that have not been paid 72 hours in advance are considered unconfirmed and will be canceled.
  • Any cancellations must be made in writing at least 48 hours before the lesson. Failure to do so will result in the lesson being charged or deducted from the package (1 hour).
  • Once started, all packages are non-refundable and payment is due regardless of the reason for early termination.
  • Advice and communications via email and/or WhatsApp are only included in the packages and only during the duration of the package. Outside of an active package, the rate applied is CHF 70 per hour.

Ethics & methodology

  • HAPPY DOGS does not practice any selection based on the breed or age of dogs for enrollment in courses.
  • After each session, HAPPY DOGS sends a written summary via email and/or technical sheets. These documents are exclusively intended for HAPPY DOGS clients and may not be shared with third parties. Non-compliance with this clause will result in legal consequences.
  • ANY TRAINING BASED ON FEAR AND/OR PAIN INFLICTED ON THE DOG IS PROHIBITED. Disregard for the animal or this clause will immediately terminate the contract between HAPPY DOGS and the dog owner, with no possibility of refund.
  • THE USE OF CHOKE, PRONG, ELECTRIC COLLARS, OR ANY OTHER DEVICE THAT MAY INFLICT PAIN ON THE DOG IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Disregard for the animal or this clause will immediately terminate the contract between HAPPY DOGS and the dog owner, with no possibility of refund.

Dog management & owner’s liablity

  • The dog must be up to date with mandatory vaccinations in the Canton of Geneva at the time of the courses.
  • Ill dogs are not fit to attend classes.
  • The dog owner must hold a private liability insurance policy covering bodily injury, material, and immaterial damages caused to third parties by domestic animals, as well as reimbursement of veterinary expenses and the cost of certificates required in case of a bite.
  • HAPPY DOGS cannot be held responsible for any incidents or accidents occurring to the dog owner or other individuals present at the site during or after the course sessions.
  • If the animal were to pass away or get injured during a session or thereafter, neither the facility nor the instructor can be held accountable.
  • In case of damage to provided equipment, the person responsible for the animal during the session must cover the costs.
  • Minors are allowed to attend classes under the supervision and responsibility of their parents or a legal guardian.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash during outdoor classes, except during off-leash exercises, starting from the moment they exit the vehicle.