Your Pets Daily - XL Bullies

I'm a dog behaviourist - with the right training XL bullies can thrive under the ban

Katie Court — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

The recent legislation banning XL Bullies in the UK has sparked heated debate across the country and has left many owners feeling frustrated and confused. Viral dog behaviourist, Will Atherton has shared his positive advice and solutions to help owners move forward and regain some control during this difficult situation.

Although controversial, the rationale behind banning certain breeds stems from fears over public safety. Nevertheless, any dog, regardless of its breed, can exhibit aggressive tendencies if they're not properly socialised and trained. An outright ban unfairly penalises responsible owners and dogs that have never demonstrated aggression. However, with the ban in place, the one thing owners do have control over is ensuring they and their dogs become guiding examples of just how good these breeds can be with the right training and safeguarding measures in place.

As a behaviourist, Will doesn't differentiate by breed, he simply addresses behaviours through loving leadership based training methods. With thoughtful training and management, even dogs predisposed to aggression can become safe, controlled companions.

The key is differentiating between aggressive behaviour and a dog with an innate aggressive personality. Even the friendliest dog may react with aggression in certain situations, while a dog predisposed to aggression may never show it with proper management.

As we all know, you can't necessarily train a dog's inherent personality. However, you can train behaviours and use strategies to prevent aggression from surfacing. With an emphasis on implementing effective training, focusing on obedience training, muzzle training, and setting clear boundaries.

Obedience Training

Teaching them to sit and stay patiently is a fundamental skill every dog should know. It allows them to be safe and the people around them to feel comfortable. As always, communication is important between owners and their dogs - they should always be looking to you for guidance.

If your dog tends to pull on the lead, it's important to involve loose lead training. It allows you to be in control and show others that your dog isn't threatening. This is a vital piece of training because banned or aggressive dogs shouldn't be off the lead, so it allows them to move freely and calmly while still enjoying the benefits of a walk and the outdoors.

Muzzle Training

As of the start of this month, it's illegal in the UK to walk an XL Bully type dog without a muzzle. There are safe and positive ways to incorporate muzzle training and make it a fun experience for your dog. Introducing them to the muzzle through treats and getting them used to wearing it, makes walkies that much easier.

Will offers a complimentary, comprehensive online course on positive muzzle training for all breeds, you can find further information here.

Clear Boundaries

You need to show your XL bully or aggressive dog that you are in control. As the owner, you have a duty of care to your dog and those around you.

Use the "four on the floor" method - praise your dog when all four paws are on the floor and interrupt the jumping behaviour.

If your dog is prone to problem behaviours like jumping up at other people, Will utilises his 3-step process of interrupting the bad behaviour, so it doesn't become further established or get worse - then redirecting them to a desirable behaviour we want them to display, such as sitting nicely when they see someone. You can then reward that desirable behaviour with treats or the attention they were looking for in the first place, so that the next time they see a new person they know what not to do, and what they should do instead - and doing the right thing will be amazing!

If your dog reacts to other dogs by barking or lunging, it can scare people. This is especially true for banned breeds due to unfair stereotypes. Start at home by rewarding your dog for focusing on you instead of zoning out onto distractions. This will allow you both to better enjoy walks and have peace of mind for others.

These training tips don't just apply to XL Bullies. Any dog displaying aggressive tendencies should follow these tips to ensure future dogs aren't subjected to banning laws. You can begin training from your living room or garden, however, if you're struggling it's advised to reach out to a trainer for peace of mind.

As for XL Bullies, they tend to be powerful, muscular dogs that need extensive socialisation and training. With proper handling, they can make wonderful companions. Will has worked with many XL Bullies and their dedicated owners who prioritise controlling their dogs in public spaces.

Instead of stigmatising specific breeds, Will thinks that legislation should target irresponsible owners. He encourages the XL Bully community to lead by example, being advocates for proper training and management to show what the breed is capable of with the right care and guidance.

For further guidance and training on XL Bullies or concerns regarding dog aggression, readers are encouraged to refer to Will's video on the subject here.

British College of Canine Studies announces a free online course aimed at dog owners

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

As the Government faces a huge backlash from XL Bully owners and Anti Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) campaigners, the British College of Canine Studies announces a free online course aimed at dog owners.

The online course provider has specialised in courses for canine professionals since 2010. Students include Vet Nurses, Trainers, Behaviourists, every major rescue organisation in the UK, Groomers, Dog Walkers, and even Police and Military Dog Handlers. And their 3500 students are worldwide.

Founder, James Conroy (50), speaking from the College's Headquarters in the Cotswolds, says "According to news reports, the Metropolitan police are dealing with at least one dangerous dog every day. We know MPs are calling for ministers to introduce new laws to stop vicious dog attacks. We recently attended a meeting in Parliament, organised by APDAWG, an organisation supposedly advising the Government, but it seems the advice is not being taken. Instead of scrapping BSL, they've just added another breed to it. It's not the way forward.

"It was the German Shepherd when I was a young man. Then it was the Rottweiler. The Doberman got its turn as the devil dog. Followed by the American Staffordshire (Pitbull). This has been going on for 50 years now. I don't know when people are going to realise it's not the breed, it's the owners and very individual and often badly treated dogs.

"Yes of course there will always be strong, powerful breeds, that if out of control, are far more dangerous than say an out-of-control Chihuahua for example. But that does not mean every dog that is a particular breed, is dangerous.

"It means, especially where large and powerful breeds are concerned, that we need better owners, more responsible, and crucially, more accountable owners. We need the average dog owner to know far more about dogs, dog training and dog behaviour. We need education in schools for primary age children about basic dog body language, how to properly say hello to a dog, and when to leave dogs alone.

"We created the RDO course because none of us at BCCS can stand to see another tragic headline involving an out-of-control dog. The course is 6 short units you can study from home at your own speed, and you can email your work when ready. There's even a digital Certificate provided on completion. You don't even have to do the course! Just read the info. If it helps avoid one single incident, it will have been worth our time and effort."

Police data shows the force seized 479 out-of-control dogs last year under the Dangerous Dogs Act – up from 333 in 2021 and 336 in 2019. As of the start of May this year the Met police had already seized 154 dogs.

The figures – released under freedom of information laws – show that seizures of some breeds, most notably the American bully, have become increasingly common in the last few years.

The Met has seized 44 American bullies so far this year – almost three times the next most common breed, the Staffordshire bull terrier crossbreed, of which 16 have been seized.

The College creator also called into question, advice being handed out by some of the biggest animal charities in the UK, including Dogs Trust and the RSPCA.

"I adopted a dog from Dogs Trust. I sat through a video. There's a popular phrase being given as advice for those adopting from these charities, and handed out by trainers: ignore the good, reward the bad. It's great advice for dog training, where we literally ignore all other behaviours, and reward the behaviour we want to encourage. But the advice has led to a generation of dog owners who now ignore everything unwanted. I personally feel there's a difference between a dog training session, and life in general with dogs day to day. I'm delighted to see dog training become so positive reinforcement based, but there are dog owners out there who have been made to feel like they cannot and should not disagree with unwanted behaviour in any way, shape or form.

"Some trainers feel very strongly about disagreeing with anything at all. Dog behaviour and dog training are very different. In dog behaviour, dogs disagree with unwanted behaviour all the time. Dogs bark, growl, bite, snarl, use visible and biological cues like bared teeth and hackles, all warning signs to stop. Ears back, tail down. They give us so much information via body language. I don't see anything wrong with coming at situations and problem behaviours using methods far more natural to the dog. But extreme characters like Cesar Milan, made such approaches completely unacceptable. He was too physical and used force. But I feel the industry has gone too far the other way now. You can't even use an 'ah!' to stop unwanted behaviour, without being judged and condemned by some modern dog trainers today. Our courses maintain some balance and some common sense. This is hard to find these days."

The British College of Canine Studies offers home study courses on everything dog related, from behaviour to health and nutrition. They offer accredited, CPD and even Ofqual regulated qualifications. Anyone interested in the free Responsible Dog Owner Course, usually £9.99, can visit dogcourses.co.uk and add the RDO to cart. Use code RDOFREE at checkout for 100% discount. The code will not work with any other course.

Your Pets Daily - XL Bullies

I'm a dog behaviourist - with the right training XL bullies can thrive under the ban

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British College of Canine Studies announces a free online course aimed at dog owners

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