10/15/2026
Nine Realms Canine Training – Lesson Policies & Important Reminders
As our training schedule continues to fill, I want to take a moment to review our lesson policies with both new and existing clients.
These policies are in place to ensure fairness, consistency, and respect for everyone’s time. When you schedule a private lesson, that appointment is reserved specifically for you and your dog. Last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and late arrivals affect not only my schedule but also other clients who may have wanted that appointment.
I understand that unexpected situations arise, but as a small business owner, I have to maintain policies that allow me to operate efficiently and continue providing quality training.
Payment & Lesson Packages
• All first-time clients are required to pay for their initial lesson or evaluation before an appointment will be scheduled. This policy was implemented due to previous no-shows and unpaid appointments.
• Clients purchasing a lesson package must pay the full package balance at their first lesson to receive the discounted package rate.
• All lesson and evaluation purchases are final and nonrefundable, except for qualifying cancellations of initial appointments as outlined below.
24-Hour Cancellation Policy
• All private lessons and evaluations require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for cancellation or rescheduling.
• Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, as well as no-shows, will be charged the full appointment fee.
• This policy applies to all clients, including first-time appointments. There are no exceptions.
• First-time clients who cancel their initial lesson or evaluation with at least 24 hours’ notice will receive a refund of their prepaid appointment fee or they may reschedule the appointment.
Why do we have this policy?
When an appointment is scheduled, I reserve that time exclusively for you. If someone cancels at the last minute, it is generally not possible to fill that opening with another client. The cancellation fee is not a punishment; it covers time that was reserved and is no longer available to other clients.
Scheduling & Package Expiration
• Clients are responsible for scheduling and completing all purchased lessons within two months of purchase.
• Unused lessons expire after two months and are forfeited without refund.
• Exceptions to package expiration may be made for trainer travel, major emergencies, or health-related issues involving the dog or handler.
• It is the client’s responsibility to contact me to schedule their remaining lessons. I do not automatically schedule or send reminders for unused lessons.
Lesson Length & Arrival Times
• Private lessons are generally scheduled in one-hour appointment blocks.
• If you arrive late, your lesson will still end at its originally scheduled time.
• Training is goal-based rather than strictly time-based. Some lessons may finish earlier when training objectives are met, while others may run slightly longer.
• Lessons extending more than 15 minutes beyond the scheduled appointment may incur an additional fee.
• Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This allows the previous client to finish their lesson without interruption and gives me time to prepare for the next appointment.
A Final Reminder
I genuinely appreciate every client who chooses Nine Realms Canine Training and trusts me with their dog’s training.
My time, just like yours, is valuable. These policies allow me to give each client my full attention while maintaining a manageable and reliable schedule.
Moving forward, I will also be making sure that all new clients receive these policies directly before booking so expectations are clear from the beginning.
Thank you to everyone who respects these policies and continues to support my small business!
Karin Wagemann
Nine Realms Canine Training
Medical Lake, Washington
