Canine Hydrotherapy

A question about : Canine Hydrotherapy

I have been paying for hydrotherapy for my dog for 7 months. For the first 6 months the qualified hydrotherapist and owner took the session. Recently a trainee has been taking the session and my dog appears very nervous and anxious now and in my opinion does not get as much from the 20 minute session. I have raised concerns recently with the qualified hydrotherapist stating that I thought the animal was losing confidence. They started to take the session again and I saw an immediate change in that my dog was swimming freely again and obviously enjoying the session. The trainee has started the session again and immediately I have seen the anxiety and nervousness in the animal. As I am paying for the service and I do not feel getting the service that is advertised (swimming under the control of a qualified hydrotherapist) am I entitled to say something about how the service is being delivered

Best answers:

• Surely you are not paying the same amount for the sessions with the trainee?
  If so, then imho you should be entitled to a partial refund as that's just bang out of order
  Also, if you don't want your dog to have sessions with the trainee (you can say this is because the dog appears nervous and doesn't enjoy these) then the qualified instructor should take them
• Just say you want the qualified person to run the session for your dog or you will take the dog somewhere else.
  No way would I ever pay anyone if my dog was stressed in their care.
• Well within your rights to ask, and don't feel like it's an awkward conversation. It's essential your dog feels at ease in the pool as if it's nervous is unlikely to go willingly and therefore your not getting the benefit.
  Just make it a constructive conversation. Just remember, the trainee is just a trainee. This is part of their learning so can be a constructive conversation. Learning how to deal with nervous dogs is an essential part of the job so it's an opportunity for them to get better.
• Yes - you are paying for the services of a qualified person - otherwise you may as well just go down the river or the beach.
  insist on the qualified hydrotherapist or take your custom elsewhere.
  and while I know trainees have to get practical experience surely she should be supervised? perhaps she is nervous herself and communicating that to your dog? because you didn't have a nervous dog when the qualified person was taking the sessions.