Alliance Service Dogs is dedicated to maintaining high standards in dog training methodology. We use humane, ethical, and science-backed methods to train without pain, discomfort, or intimidation. Any students using punitive methodology with their dogs enrolled in the Program will have to be released from the Program, and any branded gear will be repossessed.
Statement on Ethical Training
Alliance Service Dogs endeavours to maintain an inclusive and safe community for all. No harassment or discrimination will be tolerated from any employees, students, or potential students. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, creed, and disability. Values of respect and dignity must be upheld during interactions between all parties, including staff.
Nondiscrimination Policy
Upon completion of the Meet & Greet and signing of the contract, students enter into a 12-week Trial Period. Students attend one private lesson per week, for 12 consecutive weeks (barring holidays or instructor absences). Upon completion of the Trial Period, the team attends an Entrance Exam. Students are not eligible for group classes, day training, board & train, or branded vest usage until the Entrance Exam has been passed.
Trial Period Policy
Payment is completed in packages throughout the duration of the program. The Trial Period is paid for in full at the onset of training (12 lesson package). Further training is paid for in packages of 6 or 12. Packages are valid for 6 months from date of payment. Installment payments are available upon request.
Cancellations and rescheduling will be accommodated with at least 48 hours notice. Lessons can not be refunded or rescheduled within 48 hours. Instructors may choose to offer a day training lesson instead of a private lesson if the student is unable to attend the lesson due to disability-related reasons. If cancellations and reschedulings are a recurrent issue, the attendance policy may be reviewed with the student.
Payment, Cancellation, & Expiration Policy
Students must be enrolled in private lessons on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This ensures the fluency and progression of training within the program. Day training and group classes may be booked in addition to private lessons, but may not take their place. If a student fails to meet the two-week minimum booking requirement 3 times, a discussion may be had with their instructor and/or Claire Kilburn regarding the suitability of the given student for the program.
Attendance Policy
Continuous Evaluation & Re-Evaluation Policy
Acceptance into the Program does not guarantee graduation. Dogs with fear, reactivity, or aggression issues are not suitable service dog prospects. Some dogs who are deemed unsuitable for public access might still be able to task for their handler at home. For the safety and wellbeing of all parties, any concerning behaviours will result in the dog being retired from public access and/or service work. Dogs are continuously evaluated throughout the training process and may be retired from the Program at any time. Handlers with retired dogs must return any branded Alliance Service Dogs gear.
Graduation letters, vests, and certificates are valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. Service dog and handler teams must be re-evaluated every 2 years to maintain graduation status within the program. This process is designed to ensure the team is working well together on a long term basis, and to address any training regressions that may occur over time.
