A current vaccination certificate must be provided for each dog at the start of each new course.

If one is not sighted by a Beacon staff member, the dog will not be permitted into class.

All persons present on our grounds must be wearing fully enclosed, non-slip footwear. This policy includes children of any age if their feet will be touching the ground.

Unacceptable footwear includes thongs, high heels, sandals, ballet flats that leave the top of the client’s feet uncovered, or any shoe where the heel is not enclosed.

All clients should aim to arrive to our facility at least 10 minutes before class is due to start, to get their dog settled and in case of any unexpected delays.

Late arrivals can disrupt the class and unsettle the other dogs, making training more difficult for the latecomer’s classmates. We want everyone to have the best experience possible during their lessons, and get the most out of each session.

Where possible, free catch up classes will be offered to any clients who miss a class due to running late, and homework sheets provided so that they can practise throughout the week. Please note that all catch up classes are attended without dogs.

Clients must keep their dogs on leash at all times on our grounds, unless specifically instructed otherwise by a Beacon staff member. At all times, dogs must be wearing a well fitted, standard, flat collar that they cannot wriggle out of. Their leash may be attached to a harness or head-collar, but they must also be wearing a flat collar.

This is so that a dog can be more easily and safely restrained in an emergency, or if they escape from their harness or head collar.

Do not bring your dog to class wearing a check/choke chain, prong collar or citronella/shock collar.

Clients must not allow their dog to reach another dog at any times on our grounds, unless specifically instructed otherwise by a Beacon staff member.

Clients should ensure they and their dog give the other dogs present a sufficient amount of space to ensure no contact occurs.

This policy applies even if the two dogs know each other, or are from the same family. If two dogs arrive in the same vehicle they should be brought into class separately by their handlers.

This policy is critical for the safety of all dogs and people present on our grounds. It helps to reduce the risk of spreading illness, keeps the dogs focused on their owners during classes, and ensures that fearful dogs are not pressured into defending themselves.

Sick or injured dogs should not be brought to class. If they can be safely left at home, their owner should attend without them so that they do not miss out on the lesson.

Female dogs in heat should also be left at home.

Humans without a dog may ask an owner for permission to greet their dog, but must not approach or touch the dog without first gaining permission.

For safety and insurance purposes, the person holding the leash of all dogs must be 18 years of age or older. Children and teenagers are welcomed and encouraged to take part in training their dog, but must be accompanied by an adult who is holding the leash at all times.

Beacon Dog Training welcomes children of all ages and encourages them to participate in the lesson. All children must adhere to all of Beacon Dog Trainings safety polices at all times.

Children under 7 years of age must be accompanied by an adult dedicated to their supervision and in addition to the adult handling the dog.

Children and teenagers between 7 and 18 years old do not need a second supervising adult, but cannot hold the end of the dog’s leash on their own, as per our 18+ handler policy.

While many children love participating in class, there will be some sections of each lesson where the instructor will be going through theoretical content. If you think your child may struggle to sit quietly during class it may be a good idea to bring a quiet activity along for them to occupy them during this time.

Please ensure that children do not run, climb on benches or fences, or engage in any activity that involves fast movement or noise, such as bouncing balls, riding skateboards or bikes etc. This is very important for their safety, as some dogs can be frightened by any of these actions and could act aggressively in defence.

Clients must not bring any dog, other than the enrolled dog, onto the grounds, including the car park. Classes are strictly limited to enrolled dogs only.