Dog Training contract template
A signed agreement matters more for dog training than for most services on this site because behavior work carries a real risk of dog-on-person or dog-on-dog injury during sessions, and because training outcomes can never be guaranteed the way a completed cleaning or a tuned piano can.
Scope of services and training approach
State the number of sessions, session length, training goals being targeted, and the training methods/tools you'll use (positive-reinforcement-only vs balanced methods using e-collars or prong collars) so the client knows what to expect before the first session.
No guarantee of outcome
Explicitly state that behavior change depends on owner follow-through between sessions and the dog's individual temperament, and that no specific result (e.g. "cured" reactivity, a passed test) is guaranteed — this is standard in the industry and protects against disputes over subjective results.
Liability, injury, and animal bailee coverage
Disclose your insurance coverage (including whether it covers a dog injured while in your direct control during a session) and clarify responsibility for bites, property damage, or injury to other animals/people during training, especially relevant for aggression cases and off-leash work.
Cancellation and no-show policy
Set a cancellation-notice window and a no-show/late-cancellation fee — behavior training slots are hard to backfill on short notice the same way a single dog-walking route slot is.
Health, vaccination, and vet disclosure
Require current vaccination records and disclosure of any bite history, medical conditions, or medications that could affect training (e.g. pain-driven reactivity) before the first session.
Payment terms
Specify per-session rate or package price, payment schedule (many trainers require package payment upfront or after session one), and refund/credit policy if a package is discontinued early.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Consider having a local attorney review your final agreement.