If your new to the dog training industry you will invariably come across some services advertising guarantees that may seem appealing at first glance but often come with significant limitations. It's essential to understand the implications of these promises to make an informed decision. Remember you will be paying a premium for a "guarantee" you may not use.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEES
This type of guarantee often states that if you’re not satisfied by the end of the session, you don’t have to pay. While this might sound reassuring, owners may find that the immediate results achieved during the session didn't translate into long-term improvements. When issues resurface the next day, attempting to claim a refund will be problematic, as the decision to pay is typically required at the session’s conclusion. Furthermore, the nature of in-person interactions can make it challenging to express dissatisfaction, even if results don’t meet expectations.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLE
To illustrate the risks, consider the experience of a dog owner who reached out to us after working with another dog behaviourist who guaranteed results. Unfortunately, the promised improvements didn’t last. Despite assurances that the behaviour wouldn't return after the session, it actually worsened. When the owner sought help, she was brushed off, leaving her frustrated and without a solution.
Unfortunately the dog's unwanted behaviour was unknowingly somehow being reinforced by the owner after the visit, making the issue worse. If reinforcement is happening, the problem won’t resolve on its own (despite what the behaviourist said)—it will only escalate. Scheduling a phone or video consultation at an appropriate time could of have helped identify why the behaviour was worsening and what needed to change, but instead, the owner was left feeling misled and unsupported.
This situation is a cautionary tale about end-of-session satisfaction guarantees. While they might seem comforting, they often do little to ensure real, lasting results for you and your dog. When choosing a trainer, look beyond marketing promises and focus on proven, ethical training methods that truly set you and your dog up for long-term success.
The names below have been redacted with the exception of mine (Mark) to whom this lady reached out to.