What we are doing

We have been monitoring and reviewing the development of Coronavirus and COVID-19 and trying to do our best to help keep everyone safe.

Current guidelines emphasize social distancing as well as following the handwashing and cleaning advice when meeting with others. During this lockdown period we cannot hold classes and may only meet with one person per household outside whilst maintaining social distance.

We will therefore be taking the following precautions:

Classes

Classes will re-commence in person as restrictions allow. We also offer live online classes. We have a number of different venues which have their own restrictions and terms of use. There will be protocols for entry and exit of the venues as well as for during class. These are specific to the venue and class and so will be sent to attendees when they sign up for a class.

Please inform us and do not come to class if:

• You or anyone in your household is particularly vulnerable e.g. elderly, suffering with pre-existing health conditions, immuno-suppressed.
• You or anyone in your household are experiencing symptoms  of COVID-19 (a high temperature and/or a new, continuous cough). Current guidelines say you should self isolate and remain home for 14 days with these symptoms.
• You think you have been in contact with anyone who has experienced symptoms of COVID-19 and/or is known to have contracted the virus.

When attending class:

Please wash your hands (or use hand sanitiser) when you arrive and leave. There are facilities provided in all our venues (including our outdoor venue at Life off the Lead) and we will have hand sanitiser available but encourage you to bring you own if you have it.

Maintain at least 2m distance between yourself, your trainer and other clients. Classes are set up to allow everyone space and this should be maintained as much as possible.

Please bring a face mask or covering with you to class in case circumstances change and 2m can no longer be maintained.

Your trainer will avoid handling your dog or equipment unless in an emergency.

For the time being there will be no communal treat supply so please make sure you bring enough treats with you to complete a class. We will also bring to class sealed treats as usual for you to purchase.

Be aware that hand sanitiser tastes bitter, so your dog may be reluctant to take treats from your hands. Rinsing with water after sanitising may help or alternatively dropping treats to the floor instead (as we do in many exercises).

Avoid touching your face, eating or drinking until you have washed your hands.

If we have to cancel classes, fees for sessions not taken will be refunded.

Private Training and Behaviour Sessions

Where possible coaching will be undertaken remotely using video conferencing software (Zoom or Google Meet), or other means like FaceTime. All initial behaviour consults will be conducted in this way regardless location.

Any in-person coaching will take place outdoors only where social distance can be maintained.

Please inform us immediately if:

• You or anyone in your household is particularly vulnerable e.g. elderly, suffering with pre-existing health conditions, immuno-suppressed.
• You or anyone in your household are experiencing symptoms  of COVID-19 (a high temperature and/or a new, continuous cough). Current guidelines say you should self isolate and remain home for 14 days with these symptoms.
• You think you have been in contact with anyone who has experienced symptoms of COVID-19 and/or is known to have contracted the virus.

In these situations, private training sessions and behaviour consults will be moved to one of our remote options, or if you cannot do this they will be postponed and rescheduled for a later date.

Please help us by giving us as much notice as possible.

Normal terms and conditions apply for cancellations outside of these reasons.

When attending private training or behaviour sessions in person:

• Please wash/sanitise your hands before and after the session. Your trainer will do the same.
• Your trainer will try to maintain at least 2m distance from you and avoid all non-essential contact with you, your dog or equipment, unless there is an emergency.
• Please clean any equipment touched by your trainer after the session.
• Avoid touching your face, eating or drinking until you have washed your hands.

More information

NHS Coronavirus advice

Government Coronavirus action plan