Assessment Period Policy

If the student is accepted into the program, the first stage of training will be the six-month assessment period. The purpose of the assessment period is to allow students to demonstrate their dedication to the training process, and for our instructors to get a better understanding of the student’s dog or puppy prospect, what phase of training they are currently in, and what the final training goal might be for the dog-handler team.

Payment for the assessment period is due before training begins, and covers 25 weekly private sessions over six months. After the assessment period is completed, students may continue to book sessions on a weekly or bi-weekly basis with their instructor to continue their program training. Students may decide at any point to drop out of the program if they feel it is not the right fit for them, however, payment for the assessment period is non-refundable.

​

Cancellation & Expiration Policy

During the Assessment Period, if a student needs to miss a lesson due to a disability reason, they may choose to forfeit the lesson or change the lesson to a Day Training Session. No refunds will be given for forfeited lessons. A student may forfeit or opt for a Day Training Session up to three times during the assessment period. Any additional lessons missed will result in the removal of the student from the program.

After the Assessment Period, students may cancel and re-book a lesson, or change the lesson to a Day Training session, if they give at least 48 hours notice. Canceled lessons must be re-booked for a time within 7 days of the original lesson. After the 48-hour mark, lessons are forfeit, and can not be refunded or rescheduled. Exceptions are granted on an individual basis for illness & emergencies.

Lessons and Day Training sessions are valid for 2 weeks from the date of payment. Packages are valid for 6 months from the date of payment. Any lessons left unused after the expiration date are forfeit without refund.

Minimum Booking Requirements

Students accepted into the program must commit to weekly lessons, in-person with their instructor, during the six-month Assessment Period.

After the Assessment Period is successfully completed, 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

​

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.

​

Nondiscrimination Policy

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.

​

Statement on Ethical Training
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.