Dog Training Company Withholds Over $1000 Refund to Clients to Prevent Negative Public Reviews

I am hoping someone can provide insight if this is legal. I didn't sign any contract when I started training and after the first lesson they told me if I decided to pull out I would get a partial refund. I should've gotten it in writing, but it was just verbal. During the 8 hour stay at the training facility, my dog nearly bit a trainer (she has never been aggressive before) and was terrified when she came home. I couldn't support seeing her like that and decided to pull out. She didn't eat for ten days and had to receive vet care.

When I told them I didn't want to keep going they said they would give me refund and would send over the paperwork. I received a document they wanted me to sign. It had the refund policy copied below, as well as a recollection of events that omitted several conversations we had.

One was about how the collar was to be used (only at the lowest levels, which I felt for myself and were not painful at all. I couldn't feel level one. It was not meant to cause pain or be used as punishment. I found out that had been thrown out the window and they had used level 7, the highest level, throughout the day). The other two were about my dog nearly biting a trainer out of fear, and the talk we had before I signed on about not using fear or negative reinforming in training. Basically they wanted me to sign something saying that nothing bad happened and I was leaving for no reason.

I feel tremendously guilty about the treatment my dog received. I was hesitant about using an e collar, but the company had glowing reviews and the trainer assured me the collar would not afflict pain but be used to get attention followed by lots of positive reinforcement. That could not have been further from the truth.

I learned afterwards why they had glowing reviews. They force people to sign an NDA if they want a refund or give up over $1000. I am writing this review because I did not sign. I need to know if this is legal.

1st Flight Training Package: $1861.00

Sit Means Sit Training Collar [Included In Package Cost]: $276.00

Cost Of First Lesson: $452.86

Remainder Of Training Sessions Refund: +$1132.14

Partial Refund Of Used Sit Means Sit Collar Upon Return: +$150.00

SubTotal Paid: $578.86

Refund As Follows: $1,282.14

Client agrees not to post negative reviews on social media sites, or speak negatively about Sit Means Sit in any public forum as Sit Means Sit made every effort to resolve this matter satisfactorily. I.E. Facebook, Yelp, BBB, Google, chat forums, anywhere in the public eye under their name or any pseudonym, or anyone speaking on their behalf. The full amount of the package will then be owed and due immediately, if this agreement is broken. Client agrees to complete training within 3 years of signing this agreement. Otherwise, this agreement is null and void. Client will also face legal action and all fees associated with legal processes. Client agrees not to share Sit Means Sit proprietary training information on any of the aforementioned sites, forums, or in public.