Rules and Policies

Please email any questions to carly@4pillarsdogtraining.com. Phone calls will not be answered unless a pre-scheduled appointment is made.

At 4 Pillars Dog Training, we are committed to positive, science-based, and dog-friendly training. Our mission is to help dogs and their humans build confidence, capability, communication, and control through supportive and ethical training methods.

Please review the following policies carefully before enrolling in any of our programs. By registering for any lesson, class, or private session, you acknowledge and agree to follow these guidelines.

🐾 Training Philosophy & Tools Policy

We are a positive, science-based, dog-friendly training school. That means:

• No aversive tools or methods are permitted on school grounds, including:

  • Prong collars (including "hidden" prongs)

  • Choke chains

  • Electronic/shock collars

  • Leash pops or physical corrections

• Students who arrive using aversive equipment will not be permitted to participate and will not receive a refund.

Our goal is a safe, fun, and supportive learning space for dogs and humans alike.

📚 General School Policies

• All students must read and agree to our policies prior to committing to any class or lesson.

• Tuition must be paid in full before your spot is confirmed. We currently accept Cash, Venmo, or mail-in check.

• Refunds will only be considered if your spot can be filled by another student. Once class has started, no refunds will be given unless we can replace your spot.

• Dogs showing aggression toward dogs or people are not permitted in group classes. If you enroll in a group class, and your dog exhibits aggressive behavior you will be excused and NO refund will be issued. Safety is the chief priority. 

• Only one handler per dog is allowed in foundation-level classes. 2 additional family members welcome to observe. Handlers may swtich off between exercises. 

• We love junior handlers! However, no child under the age of 13 may hold the leash or train independently. 

• Only dogs enrolled in a class may crated inside the building. If you have back-to-back lessons, crate your dog in your car or the designated area—not the training arena.

• Owners must clean up after their dogs promptly. Waste disposal bags and bins are provided on-site.

• Personal belongings and training equipment should be kept organized and out of walkways to prevent accidents.

• Respect for other clients and dogs is expected at all times.

🧾 Cancellations & Missed Classes

Group Classes

• Refunds: No refunds will be given within 7 days of a class start date. Transfers will be given on a case-by-case basis if your spot can be filled. Special situations (such as actual emergencies) will be considered for a refund on an individual basis and by the instructor's discretion.  

• Instructor-Canceled Individual Classes: If your class is canceled for any reason (poor weather, sick instructor, act of God, etc) there are no refunds. One class will be added on after the session or special accommodations to join other classes will be made.  Instructor will reach out directly to cancel classes via call and email and let students knows their options. 

• Student Missed Classes: If you are absent for ANY reason there are NO credits or refunds for the missed class. Missed classes may possibly be made up on another day, in another class, with the instructor's permission. This is a courtesy granted to you by your instructor, and there is no guarantee a make-up opportunity will become available for you.

Private Lessons and Rentals

• Cancel more than 24 hours in advance: No penalty. However, please be considerate and not take advantage of this. 

• Cancel less than 24 hours in advance: You’re responsible for the full lesson/rental fee unless someone else can fill your time slot.

• No-call / no-show: You will be charged 100% of the lesson/rental fee and will not be able to schedule again until it’s paid.

• Exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.
  
  
  

🏠 Facility Guidelines

 All training lessons take place at:
4 Pillars Dog Training
946 Masters Street

Beloit, WI 53511

Entry

• Please use the front entrance only to the training building. Wait outside before class begins to avoid running into other students and dogs! Do NOT enter the house or detached garage.
  
  

Parking

• Park in the gravel lot in front of the detached garage or in front of the training building. Please do NOT park on the grass or in the ditch. NOTE: Our driveway is close to our neighbor's. Dogs MUST be leashed outside of the facility and we must stay on our property. Thank you for your cooperation!

🌱 Turf Rules

• Potty your dog(s) before entering and take them out at any time during class. A $30 fine will be issued per incident to cover cleaning and maintenance. No exceptions. 

• Dogs who frequently soil inside are required to wear a diaper or belly band.

• Bitches in season are welcome, but must wear a diaper while on-site.

• Clean, dry shoes only on the turf indoors. No cleats, dirty, or wet footwear. 

🐶 Dog Rules

• Dogs must be leashed at all times unless actively working. You are responsible for maintaining control of your dog at all times. 

• Leashes are mandatory when entering or exiting your vehicle. No Flexi leashes (even locked) are permitted on site. 

• Only potty dogs in the designated areas. Clean up after your dog. Remember, this is someone's home!

• Do not allow your dog to potty in landscaped areas.

Vaccinations & Health Requirements

• All dogs must be current on age-appropriate vaccinations, including:

  • Rabies

  • Distemper/Parvovirus

  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

• Proof of vaccination or valid titer testing may be required prior to participation.

• Dogs showing signs of illness such as coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, or skin infections are not permitted on-site until fully recovered. 

• Safety equipment such as crates or safety gates may be used as needed.

🎒 What to Bring to Class

1. 4'-6' leash (no flexi/retractable leashes).

2. Flat buckle collar, head halter, or harness (no back clip harnesses for manners classes). No aversive gear.

3. Poop bags

4. Treats (soft, high value, visible—no crumbs in the turf). We recommend St. Rocco's treats, freeze dried treats, cut up hotdogs, or cubed cheese. No crunchy/dry treats permitted.  

5. Toys - a treat hugger can be used for dogs who are not toy motivated. 

6. Water for both you and your dog (bowls not provided).

7. Quiet Enrichment -  an edible chew or food toy like a KONG, LickiMat,  Toppl, Pupsicle, etc. No continuous barking is allowed- we have neighbors! Crates are available on a first-serve basis. 

8. Optional: Notebook, camera (for personal use only)

🐾 How Our Classes Run

We aim to create a calm, focused learning space. Here's what to expect:

🔢 Small Class Sizes – Max of 6 students per class/workshop means plenty of working time!

🪫 Quiet Environment – Barking disrupts learning. Bring enrichment items for downtime. Dogs who can’t settle may be asked to leave.

🚫 No On-Leash Greetings – Maintain space and safety for all dogs. Not all dogs are comfortable with close interactions, and we want everyone to feel safe and supported.

⛔ Off-Leash Only with Instructor Approval – For safety and structure. This policy keeps all dogs safe and focused — and helps avoid unexpected interactions.

🔹 Space Awareness – Keep a comfortable distance from others.

🐶 Crating & Resting – When not working, dogs must rest in a crate or on a mat.

🛇 Chairs Available – Use and return chairs as needed.

👥 Be Ready to Work & Have Fun – Sessions are interactive and latent learning with short, focused turns with rest breaks in between

We’re here to support your progress, celebrate your wins, and help you and your dog become a stronger team — one pillar at a time.

4 Pillars Dog Training Liability Waiver & Release Form

By enrolling in services with 4 Pillars Dog Training (hereinafter referred to as “the Trainer”), the client (hereinafter referred to as “the Owner”) agrees to the following terms and conditions:

1. Assumption of Risk

The Owner acknowledges that participation in dog training involves inherent risks, including but not limited to injury to themselves, their dog(s), or others. The Owner voluntarily assumes all risks associated with participation.

2. Health and Behavior Disclosure

The Owner agrees to disclose any known medical or behavioral concerns related to their dog(s), including prior incidents of aggression, fear, reactivity, or injury. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in cancellation of services.

3. Vaccinations & Health

All dogs must be current on age-appropriate vaccinations or have documented titer testing. The Owner certifies that their dog is in good health and free from contagious disease or parasites.

4. Liability Release

The Owner agrees to release, hold harmless, and indemnify 4 Pillars Dog Training and its representatives from any and all claims, actions, damages, or liabilities arising from participation in training sessions, nail trims, or other services, whether conducted on-site, in-home, or at a third-party location. In the event of an injury or emergency, 4 Pillars Dog Training staff will provide first aid as appropriate and contact emergency veterinary services if needed. Owners are responsible for any veterinary costs incurred.

5. Dog Handling

The Trainer reserves the right to use muzzles, crates, or safety equipment as needed to prevent injury to people or animals. The Trainer may refuse or discontinue services if a dog’s behavior poses a safety risk.

6. Photos & Media

The Owner consents to the use of photos or videos of their dog(s) for educational or promotional purposes unless otherwise requested in writing.

By booking services with 4 Pillars Dog Training, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the above terms.