DOGability

10/05/2024

Summer Social Walks are back! 6.30pm Tuesdays in Pishiobury Park and 10am Saturdays. Our Walks are a fabulous way to access help from our qualified trainers without committing to a weekly group class. A mix of a social get-together and ‘class on the go’, not a free for all, means you get to help your dog relax around others and enjoy their company, whilst still fully engaging with you in the great outdoors. Join us for a training top up, to get advice on issues, encourage calmness around others or help increase focus on you - and any age of dog can join, from puppies to oldies. They are also very effective at helping reactive dogs relax in their environment. Walks are £15 each and are booked as and when you want to come along. If you are a current or previous client call 07881 552559 or email [email protected] to book. If you are new to DOGability please call Adrienne on 07881 552559, before booking, to chat about your dog and what you want help with so we can ensure this is the right place to start your journey with us.

22/03/2024

If your dog is seriously injured on a walk you need to head straight to your vet - but a decent first aid kit, with the knowledge of how to use it correctly - can give you the time to get there and save your dog’s life. For minor injuries picked up on a walk a first aid kit means you can immediately clean a wound, remove any splinters or thorns and properly wrap or cover any cuts to keep them clean until you get home.

15/03/2024

If you and your dog would love a collection of scent toys and equipment (and which dog wouldn’t?) head over to Scentdog.co.uk to enter their latest competition. I’m actually hoping not too many of you do this because I - and my dogs - want those goodies for ourselves!

COMPETITION TIME
Great lot of accessories to add to your scentwork kit.
3 Easy Steps…
1- Love this post!
2- Like the page
3- Share this post!

This competition is not affiliated with facebook.
Ensure all steps are completed

Good luck 👍🏻

09/03/2024

GREAT NEWS FOR XL BULLY OWNERS: Agria are offering full, lifetime insurance for XL Bullies - including veterinary care!! This means that exempted dogs can now have proper health cover, well done Agria! If you currently have your third party cover (essential if you have ANY breed of dog) via membership of Dogs Trust it might be worth keeping that for the £25 a year it costs, you’ll be helping out so many rescue dogs, and sticking by a charity that did not abandon XL Bully owners in their hour of need. Check out the Agria press release here:

Agria Pet Insurance has today announced its commitment to all dog owners, taking a stance to support American XL Bullies and their owners by providing lifetime veterinary fee cover for both existing and new policy holders.

31/01/2024

Scentwork!
We have 2 spaces available on our Introduction to Scentwork 6 week course starting the 11th February.
Scentwork, nosework or scent detection is a growing sport designed to harness your dogs super powers of sniffing out a particular scent that has been hidden!
Sometimes the scent is no bigger than grain of rice.
Lessons are fun and informative and we cater for all breeds and ages.
Fancy coming along to test your dogs abilities?
We always finish the course with a scenario based theme which the trainers take very seriously and often come in character 🤪
Based at our Dogability site in spellbrook
Time is 12pm
Please comment below if you’d like to find out more.
Next scent intro class is the April 7th.

26/01/2024

Winter Social Walks are back! 12am Tuesdays in Pishiobury Park and 10am Saturdays. Our Walks are a fabulous way to access help from our qualified trainers without committing to a weekly group class. A mix of a social get-together and ‘class on the go’, not a free for all, means you get to help your dog relax around others and enjoy their company, whilst still fully engaging with you in the great outdoors. Join us for a training top up, to get advice on issues, encourage calmness around others or help increase focus on you - and any age of dog can join, from puppies to oldies. They are also very effective at helping reactive dogs relax in their environment. Walks are £15 each and are booked as and when you want to come along. If you are a current or previous client call 07881 552559 or email [email protected] to book. If you are new to DOGability please call Adrienne on 07881 552559, before booking, to chat about your dog and what you want help with so we can ensure this is the right place to start your journey with us.

09/12/2023

Saturday 9 December: We have taken the decision to cancel classes today due to the heavy rain and poor ground conditions. We’re really sorry as it was supposed to be your Christmas Party before we break up for the holidays. Saturday lessons will therefore resume on 6th January. To all our Saturday clients have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sundays classes will be going ahead as usual.

14/11/2023

Sarge in his raincoat.

14/11/2023

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog

Use this service to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep XL Bully dogs.

10/11/2023

Do you, and your dog, want to enjoy your walks together more? Do you wish they didn’t:

 Feel so disconnected from you when they’re on their lead?
 Pull so much?
 Choke themselves in their hurry to reach the park?

Then our LOOSE LEAD WALKING MASTERCLASS is for you! We will show you how to:

 Increase engagement and focus
 Help your dog to choose you over all the distractions around them
 Teach them that walking with you is one of the most enjoyable things they can do!

This 4 lesson course is focused solely on creating good on-lead manners so that you can have the walks you always dreamed of when you chose to add a dog to your family. Building week on week we’ll give you the skills to help your dog understand what you want from them, to respond to your cues and to cope with distractions. Places are limited to only 4 dogs per course to ensure maximum one to one attention from our qualified and accredited IMDT trainers. The Masterclass is £60 and takes place at our private training ground in Spellbrook, CM23 4AT.

The next course starts on Saturday 18th November at 2pm to reserve your place email: [email protected], call Terri on 07890 547282, Adrienne on 07881 552559 or message the DOGability page.

Watch this 2 minute video to see what 20 minutes training with DOGability can do for you and yout dog.

02/11/2023

Statement from Trevor Cooper Dog Law regarding the latest on XL Bullies being added to the banned list, what it will mean for owners and their dogs, what constitutes an XL Bully and what you need to do to prepare for the ban. Trevor Cooper will be doing another live webinar via Zoom with updated information, probably on Sunday 19th November, and if you want to be kept up to date by the legal experts then apply to join their mailing list by emailing [email protected].
XL BULLY BAN: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
When and where will the ban come into force
The ban is being introduced in stages. The first thing to know is that you should STOP any plans you may have for breeding from an XL Bully, as by the time the puppies are born it will be illegal to sell the puppies (or even give them away).

31st December 2023 : This is the date when Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is officially amended. It will then be a criminal offence to:-

• Breed or breed from the dog

• Sell or exchange the dog

• Give the dog away

• Allow the dog to be in a public place without being muzzled and kept on a lead

• Abandon the dog or allow it to stray

A public place includes the inside of a motor vehicle if it is in a public place at the time

The muzzle must be sufficient to prevent the dog from biting a person

The lead must be held securely by a person at least 16 years old

These offences will apply to:-

• an owner

• someone who has possession of someone else’s dog

• a rescue

31st January 2024 : This is the deadline by which the dog must be exempted from the ban ie there must be a Certificate of Exemption issued. So far, we don’t know the process for applying but will give further details when they are announced. The DEFRA fee will be £92.40. The dog must have third party liability insurance (currently costing £25 via Dogs Trust membership – half that if you’re over 60). The dog will have to be kept in secure condition so it can’t escape. There will be other conditions which we can confirm once the full exemption scheme is announced.

DEFRA is currently suggesting that a rescue may be allowed to get a Certificate of Exemption for a dog in their care. However, they may struggle to get insurance and, in any event, they would generally not be able to rehome the dog.

Neutering : The dog must be neutered, but there is not going to be a requirement for this to be done by 31st January 2024 as the deadline will depend on the age of the dog. If the dog is at least 1 year old on 31st January 2024 then it must be neutered by 30th June 2024, whereas if it is less than 1 year old on 31st January 2024 then you will have until 31st December 2024 to get it neutered. However, please don’t leave it too long as vets are likely to get extremely busy.

Compensation : If an owner chooses to have their dog put down rather than go through the exemption scheme, the Government says in due course they will offer compensation of £200 per dog (or £100 if it is a rescue). No details have yet been provided for how this scheme will operate.

Where will the ban apply : This law will apply in England & Wales, but there is a possibility that it could also be brought into force in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Which dogs will the ban apply to?

The wording of the Statutory Instrument makes it clear that the ban applies to “the type of dog known as the XL Bully”. If the Courts interpret this definition in the same way that they do for Pit Bull Terrier types, it means that it will be sufficient if a dog’s physical characteristics ‘substantially’ conform to a breed standard for the XL Bully. The temperament of the dog is likely to be regarded as relevant but not conclusive.

There will be a presumption that once the Police say a dog is an XL Bully type, then that’s what it is unless the owner can prove that they are wrong.

DEFRA has published what it says is the “Official definition of an XL Bully dog” and it summarises what they regard as the main features. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog

However, this definition could well apply to many other types of dog so owners need to make their own decision on whether their particular dog comes within this definition. Our advice is that if in doubt then you should apply for the exemption otherwise once the cut-off date has passed you’re risking the dog being seized, detained for potentially months, a criminal Court case, punishment and a presumption that the dog shall be destroyed. On conviction it is likely that the owner will have to prove:-

• The dog would not constitute a danger to public safety, and

• There was good reason why the dog hadn’t been exempted by the cut off date

What to do now

DEFRA has published a document called “Prepare for the ban on XL Bull dogs” and you can read that here : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs -if-your-dog-is-an-xl-bully-dog

If you want to be put on our mailing list so we notify you with updates on the ban please email [email protected]. There is no charge for this service.

Save the date

We are aiming to run another live webinar via Zoom, which will probably be on Sunday 19th November 2023, so keep the date free. In due course we’ll let you know how to register.

This summary was produced on 2nd November 2023 but this is a fast changing situation so you must not rely on it as legal advice.

What XL Bully dog owners, vets and rehoming centres need to do to prepare for the ban.

31/10/2023

For anyone thinking of participating in Passionate About Pets Animal Physiotherapy Strong Dog Programme (which I highly recommend having taken the course myself) you have a special Halloween treat! Sign up today for the spookily good price of £150. What's included:
This programme will improve your dog's core strength, flexibility, and stability, all whilst improving your BOND with your dog.
⭐ 6 months of support
⭐ Access to a private group
⭐ 2x live Q&A sessions each month
⭐ Receive tips and tricks from the group
⭐ Access to over 20 exercises
⭐ Pay in full or monthly
EVERY dog deserves to be pain free, comfortable and able to enjoy life without anything holding them back. Issues with mobility should always be addressed, regardless of age, breed or fitness level. This programme isn’t just reserved for dogs who are mega active, competing or working. Every dog can benefit from being stronger and more flexible.

31/10/2023

Copied from another page:

Important Update on the news today about the XLBully ban

By the 31st December2023 it will be iLLEGAL to
Breed
sell
Advertise
Rehome
Abandon

From the 1st February 2024
It will be illegal to
Own an XL Bully unless it is registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs

Owners who wish to keep their dogs will have until the 31st January 2024 to register their dog for exemption

The dog must be neutered and microchipped, muzzled and on a lead at all times in a public place and not in the hands of a minor.

And a description has been published on the gov.uk site:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog?fbclid=IwAR1e8wfKjFky8en8nNRx3-ffoliUm9YDouE8LacnuKY3QkEN34GVpkJG7J4_aem_AfPotaNP3CmFzlhOTJj1O2-BPFB9qwYHKdSTSBThfVH_DSA_DAlClYPifbc-d8D529M

GOV.UK - The place to find government services and information - simpler, clearer, faster.

11/10/2023

We must never stop learning! The more we know, the better we are for our dogs - and it's even better when that knowledge comes without a price tag. The Border Collie Summit (16 / 18 October) is a FREE online event with a truly amazing line up of speakers covering everything from reactivity, noise sensitivity and understanding adolescence to loose lead walking, recall and finding your dog's off switch (check out the full content via the link below). Whatever breed you have I guarantee there will be something here to interest you, it's not just for Collies - although there is very definitely something here for you! https://courses.dingbattdogtraining.co.uk/the-border-collie-summit-registration-fb?fbclid=IwAR3-pKdhXYc_zkmhflW9FNbfyLfYZhoHQ7RE75hfCFwU1c2wqxUEkZrfWTA

Your FREE summit pass includes recorded trainings, live panel interviews, a community to meet the Border Collie experts and chat to the speakers, along with lots of training resources.

09/10/2023

When we help owners resolve canine behaviour they find problematic: reactivity, sound sensitivity, resource guarding, anxiety, neophobia, excessive barking, handling and grooming issues, we too often see a dog in pain, but hiding it well. When we heal the pain, we help the behaviour. Keeping our dogs fit also prevents injury, speeds recovery and helps them live a better life. Learn how to spot the signs of pain or discomfort in your dog, and what you can do to keep them healthier for longer, by joining Vicki for her free webinar on October 23rd. Sign up using the link below.

Do you want to be your dog’s best friend?

Join my webinar “Strength and Flexibility, why it's so important for your dog” to discover all of my tips and tricks for a strong, healthy and happy dog!

I’m going to be sharing all of my insider knowledge and tips in my live webinar, discussing just how crucial it is to work on your dog's strength and flexibility. Having a strong dog is non-negotiable when it comes to their health and is vital to everything, even their basic command.

Did you know something as simple as observing your dogs sit, stand and down can tell you just how healthy your dog is?

You will learn:

🐾 Why having a strong dog is the key to a long healthy life

🐾 How to ensure your dog can handle life’s bumps in the road

🐾 Just how easy it is to make strength work part of your everyday life

🐾 The impact it can have on recovery from surgery (one of my clients halved their dog’s recovery time by working on their dog’s core strength!!)

Join me and lots of other dedicated owners on October 23rd at 7pm UK time.

Join here: https://mailchi.mp/96f79ee8e5a8/strength-and-flexibility-webinar?fbclid=IwAR1BenilIeLnX1M4yP4l6aWK22JX7N6hio6K7BwRoBfOrsT4hkdtxpUaB6U

I can’t wait to see you there! Vicki

03/10/2023

A great article from Sally Gutteridge (who I will have the immense pleasure of learning from in January and February as I have been selected to take part in a 6 week course with her ..... so excited and a bit of fan girling going on here!) and NICE, National Institute of Canine Ethics, on why dominance, alpha and other punishment based training approaches are based in myth, not truth or science, and the risks and potential fallout that using these methods can cause. https://www.nicemembership.com/post/the-misguided-world-of-pack-leadership?fbclid=IwAR27w-luud9FcteAsH607D0gLY2qtHHVAic-d8t2dXGATaekHpQ8qefJXfM

There's not a town or a park without a pack leader in it is there? Even now, in these times of easy information and free science, it still falls out of peoples mouths "Dominance, leader, alpha' and so on. Let's take a closer look at the urban legend that says dogs must be below people in the pack. T...

29/09/2023

Our dogs' pain goes undiagnosed far too often as the physical signs of discomfort are usually the last thing we see. What we do see is increasing reactivity, sound sensitivity, separation anxiety, generalised anxiety, hyper-arousal, inability to focus, lunging on lead, attention-seeking behaviours. This means we humans see 'bad' behaviours we just want to 'fix', but this can't be done without first addressing the underlying pain our dog is in, and up to 80% of dogs with behaviour issues are suffering with undiagnosed health problems (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7071134/ #:~:text=A%20review%20of%20the%20caseloads,often%20complex%20but%20always%20logical). We know that many people have financial constraints right now and are reluctant to go to the vet or use a canine physio - but you're wasting your money on trainers who just try to train out the behaviur without addressing the cause first. Please, please, please, for the sake of your dog's health (and the long term health of your bank balance) only work with trainers who understand the role pain has in canine behavioural issues.

🐾 Why does chronic pain have an affect on behaviour? 🐾

The emotion of pain is a form of fear-anxiety and it can directly affect behaviour by increasing vigilance and leading to behavioural responses that are designed to keep the individual safe. For this reason an animal in chronic pain may show avoidance behaviour and try to keep distance from anything that it perceives to be a risk in terms of exacerbating its pain. This may lead to the pet being less engaged in social interactions and showing less interest in play or making very obvious attempts to get away. Painful animals may also show less obvious behaviours of inhibition or appeasement.

Inhibition involves the animal taking in information by watching and listening but not giving anything away. The result can be a pet who is very quiet and can easily be misinterpreted as being relaxed. It is important to watch for signs that the pet is monitoring the environment, for example by watching for ear movement and staring, and not to simply accept that they are "being very good". Appeasement involves exchanging information with others and because dogs are socially obligate animals they will often use this behavioural response when they are in pain. These dogs will seek information from those around them as well as give information back. This is often done through touch and these dogs may lean into people or nudge at them in ways that are misinterpreted as "attention seeking" and seen as unwanted or naughty behaviours.

Dogs may also sniff and lick at people in ways that are misinterpreted as affection. It is therefore important to be aware of changes in social interactions and not to dismiss increased interaction which might signify an emotional change. The other potential response to pain is repulsion and this involves behaviours which are designed to make the perceived threat stay away. Anything that the animal perceives to be a risk in terms of inducing pain can lead to a repulsion response and these responses can vary from a low grumble, to a significant growl, to an air snap and even a bite. While these repulsion behaviours are often considered to be the most serious, because of the potential consequences, it is important to remember that the pain can be equally significant for the pet regardless of which of the four behavioural responses it gives. It is very important to take repulsion seriously and to take steps to avoid the potential consequences of these behaviours but we must not disregard avoidance, inhibition and appeasement which are also important signs that an animal may be in pain.

In addition to the direct effect on behaviour chronic pain can have an indirect effect by reducing an animal's emotional capacity. The chronic pain uses up some of the animal's emotional "space" and means that they are more likely to react to other stimuli, such as noises or social interactions. When this happens the main thing that a caregiver may notice is a change in behaviour but the underlying pain also needs to be treated.

23/09/2023

I have already signed up for this free webinar obout the XL Bully ban. I highly recommend that owners of XLs also join us, you'll be getting the best legal advice on what the ban will mean, and how best to prepare yourself and your dog.

XL BULLY BAN: FREE WEBINAR ON SUNDAY AT 3PM

We have more than 250 people booked onto this Zoom chat already but we do still have more spaces available. Please sign up using the link below and we will send you a link. Our panel will aim to answer as many of your questions as possible and we can confirm it will consist of:-

Trevor Cooper : Solicitor
Mel Rushmore & Andrea Phillips : Deed Not Breed
Michelle Ikin : Dog Warden
Mike Webb : Battersea Dogs' & Cats Home

Thanks to everyone who is giving up their time for free to help with this important event. The panel won't necessarily have all the answers but will give you their best guess of what is likely to happen based on their experience.

If you are unable to attend, we will aim to upload a recording onto YouTube next week.

https://forms.gle/59EfhUbiyZPNstxJ6

22/09/2023

We humans often underestimate the power of play, or just aren't using the right toys in the right way to use play as a reinforcer. I love Tug-e-nuff toys - and so do my dogs! Real sheep or rabbitskin, faux fur or food-based, balls on ropes or bungee tuggers, squeaker or silent, they really do have a toy for every dog. You can now get 15% off 2 Tug-e-nuff toys (and a free Powerball if you spend £50) using this link: https://offer.tug-e-nuff.co.uk?ref=TUGDOGS. Click the link, submit your details and you'll be sent a personalised code by email to choose your toys and unleash the fun!

Invitation only access to a very special offer on the world’s #1 tug toys. Power up your play and grab an exclusive discount you won’t find anywhere else.

15/09/2023

The UK Government has today announced that American XL Bullies will be added to the list of banned breeds. We do not yet know exactly how this ban will be implemented, or what it will mean for current owners of XL Bullies and their dogs, but we can assume it will be very similar to the restrictions applied to Pitbulls when BSL was first introduced. Whether or not you agree with the DDA and BSL we would advise XL Bully owners, for the welfare of their dogs, to start preparing them now by:

Muzzle training (using positive techniques, don't just slap a muzzle on and expect them to be happy in it) as this will likely be a legal requirement for any exempted XL when in public once the ban is applied:

Get your dog neutered, whether they're male or female, any breeding of XL Bullies will be illegal, and neutering will be a legal requirement if you want your dog to be exempted under the law so they can remain in their home;

Teach them how to walk well on a loose lead as your dog will unlikely be allowed to go off lead in any public space once the ban is in place;

Work on improving your dog's focus , engagement and recall with some fun training games.

Doing all of the above now will mean you would be considered a responsible owner, reducing the chances of your dog being seized, potentially euthanised, and could apply for an exemption under the ban. If you are an XL Bully owner wanting to prepare your dog for the future then contact us on 07881 552559 for help and advice. This is not a discussion post on the rights or wrongs of the ban, it is what it is, this post is to offer help and advice to owners who are worried about the future of their beloved dog.

The dog can weigh more than nine stone (60kg) and be strong enough to overpower an adult.

15/09/2023

Most of you know our trainer Terri spends huge amounts of her free time and her own money going out at all hours to help find, trap, scan and reunite lost dogs. She was called out to help a young female dog who had been dumped, but no rescue kennel space could be found so Terri agreed to foster on behalf of Lurcher SOS. This means that Terri has to find the money to care for Pearl and she needs neutering (Terri has intact male dogs of her own) and vaccinating. Terri never asks for financial help for this work she does on behalf of these lost dogs, but neutering is expensive and now she needs our support. Please donate what you can so Terri can give Pearl the treatment she needs whilst in her care.

Im fostering a lurcher who needs to be neutered and vaccinated. Shes under Lurcher SO… Terri Browning needs your support for Neuter and vaccination for Pearl

07/09/2023

Thank you to everyone who came to Sawbridgeworth's Fun On The Field and took part in the dog show to help raise funds for Protecting Preloved Border Collies. Fabulous photos of your dogs are available here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085621244316 for £2.50 each, all funds raised from photo sales will be added to the total being sent to PPBC. Thank you for coming to the show, and thank you for helping this wonderful charity.

here is where all of the photos taken at the fun on the field Sawbridgeworth show 2023 will be!

02/09/2023

Come join DOGability at the Sawbridgeworth Dog Show at Fun On The Field today from 12pm. Dog show starts at 1pm with trophies, cash prizes and rosettes to be won! stalls, refreshments (or bring your own picnic), fun fair and live entertainment. See you soon!

25/08/2023

Saturday 2nd September is Sawbridgeworth's Fun On The Field Day! Come along and enter the dog show, have a go at agility or run the Temptation Alley Recall. There are fantastic prizes for the dog show sponsored by The Old Bell pub; £15 cash prize for 1st with hand carved wooden trophy (thank you Martyn Coe of Martyn Makes!), £10 for 2nd, £5 for third and fabulously gorgeous rosettes to 5th place. Every penny raised from the dog activities this year will go to the wonderful charity Protecting Preloved Border Collies (https://protectingprelovedbordercollies.org.uk/). There's a fun fair for the kids, beer tent for the adults, food stalls (but feel free to bring your own picnic), dog stalls, craft stalls and live entertainment too. It's always a great day out so bring the dog, bring the family and we'll see you there!

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15/08/2023

07/08/2023

Do you, and your dog, want to enjoy your walks together more? Do you wish they didn’t:

 Feel so disconnected from you when they’re on their lead?
 Pull so much?
 Choke themselves in their hurry to reach the park?

Then our LOOSE LEAD WALKING MASTERCLASS is for you! We will show you how to:

 Increase engagement and focus
 Help your dog to choose you over all the distractions around them
 Teach them that walking with you is one of the most enjoyable things they can do!

This 4 lesson course is focused solely on creating good on-lead manners so that you can have the walks you always dreamed of when you chose to add a dog to your family. Building week on week we’ll give you the skills to help your dog understand what you want from them, to respond to your cues and to cope with distractions. Places are limited to only 4 dogs per course to ensure maximum one to one attention from our qualified and accredited IMDT trainers. The Masterclass is £60 and takes place at our private training ground in Spellbrook, CM23 4AT.

The next course starts on Saturday 19th August at 2pm to reserve your place email: [email protected], call Terri on 07890 547282, Adrienne on 07881 552559 or message the DOGability page.

Watch this 2 minute video to see what 20 minutes training with DOGability can do for you and yout dog.