Barrington Lodge Vet Clinic

29/01/2025

This announcement about reality TV personality Jack Fincham being jailed after his dog was dangerously out of control in public is a timely reminder that, as we come up to the anniversary of the XL Bully ban, the Dangerous Dogs Act covers much more than just banned breeds.

Any dog can be judged as dangerously out of control, they don't have to bite someone, a person only needs to be concerned about their behaviour to report them and this can be both in public and private spaces.

In many cases, like Jack's was initially, owners are offered guidance and support and given rules they must follow for with their dogs, particularly when they are out and about.

Elvis was imported and apparently is a trained protection dog. Ideally, of course, you would hope this training would mean he was able to be controlled while on walks but unfortunately, in my opinion, it probably just make dogs reactive and potentially more likely to cause problems.

He is also cropped and docked, which Jack and I have discussed before when he has shown him off on social media, and this painful and unnecessary procedure may well have made Elvis even more fearful and prone to lashing out.

One thing I would like the government to do now they have, in their opinion, solved the XL Bully problem, is to look into the industry around these so called 'Protection Dogs'. What is essentially happening is these dogs are being trained attack and then being sold to the general public. Which seems like a recipe for disaster to me and I am concerned with this case, I have been proved right.

Read more about the Dangerous Dogs Act here; https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/contents

Read the Independent story featured here; https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/jack-fincham-love-island-jailed-dangerous-dog-b2688340.html

29/01/2025

If you would like our current opening times please check our website, unfortunately Google is not always accurate with our open clinic times

22/01/2025

Frances ❤️
Frances is a staff favourite here at the practice, she visits us every month for her injection and she is always happy to see us 🥰

22/01/2025

Found!!!😊
Zaki has been missing from his home since 5am this morning (Wednesday 22nd January)
He is completely white with a pink nose and ears. He is not wearing a collar, but is microchipped.
Missing around Stamford Brook area of West Timperley.
Please call us on 0161 928 0101 for any sightings/ info!
Please share :)

21/01/2025

20/01/2025

We spayed the adorable Oreo last week, how cute is she 😍

16/01/2025

Yogi ❤️
Yogi is such a sweet dog, he was in this week for a dental. We found an old puppy picture of Yogi from the same kennel when he was a pup and needed IV fluids, how cute 🥰

15/01/2025

“What’s the hardest part about having a dog?” they asked, their tone casual, like it was just another question.

I glanced at the worn leash hanging by the door, my chest tightening. “Letting them go,” I said quietly.

They frowned a little, waiting for me to explain. “They come into your life like they were always meant to be there,” I said, trying to find the words. “They make everything better—simpler, brighter. And you think it’s always going to be that way. But it’s not. One day, they’re gone, and you’re left with all the space they used to fill.”

They nodded, but I wasn’t sure they understood. “It’s not the messes they made or the routines you have to let go of,” I continued. “It’s the absence. You walk into the house, and it feels... wrong. The quiet is heavier. The mornings don’t feel the same without them nudging you awake.”

“So why do it?” they asked, their voice softer this time.

I sighed, glancing down at my hands. “Because the love they give you is worth every bit of the heartache. They teach you how to love without holding back, even when you know it’s going to hurt in the end. And you keep choosing that love because you know it’s one of the best things you’ll ever feel.”

R.M. Drake 🐶 from the book ' Dog People'

Artist Credit : Iain Welch

15/01/2025

One of the most successful training techniques when working with collies with behaviour problems, is to focus on what your collie is doing right, rather than what they are doing wrong.

Living with a Border Collie often means managing behaviours like not being able to settle, wanting to play all the time, watching for passers-by, cats, birds, or ever shadows. But don’t forget to praise the good moments too!

When your collie settles quietly, pauses their barking, or chooses to relax instead of being hypervigilant or chasing the cat, let them know they’ve done well! This could be gentle praise, stopping to give them some fuss, or dropping a low value treat between their front paws. People I am working with say that this is often the method that leads to the biggest improvement with their collie's behaviour.

Focusing on what they’re doing right not only builds their confidence but also strengthens your bond. Remember, praise goes a long way in shaping a calmer, happier Border Collie.

Take 30 pieces of kibble out of your collie's daily ration, or take 30 very small treats, and aim to use them all up each day by giving them calmly and quietly to your dog whenever he or she is doing something you like. You will be surprised at the difference that this makes to their behaviour, as well as their bond with you. 🙂

15/01/2025

Wesley ❤️
Before and after castration 🤣
He was such a good boy when he was in for his operation, the cutest!

15/01/2025

14/01/2025

Did you know, 2025 is the year for dog industry regulation? Big things are coming, and there is a significant movement happening towards formal accreditation for both trainers and behaviourists. There are 2 main organisations that you can currently qualify with, the head one being ABTC, and the APBC. There are a few dog training providers that are member organisations of both of these organisations. The industry standard is about to change! Would you send your child to school without qualified teachers? No? So why are you educating your dog without a fully qualified, ethical and welfare focused specialist?
You can view my credentials here 👇
www.abtc.org.uk

14/01/2025

Dorothea ❤️
She was such a good girl yesterday when she was in to be spayed, how cute does she look in her medical pet shirt and enjoying a cuddle post operation 😂😍