My Happy Hounds

20/12/2023

Help Us Fill Dog Bowls in Loving Memory

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Riley’s recent journey over the Rainbow Bridge, following a sudden illness. As a familiar face at My Happy Hounds, he brought boundless joy, sharing many tail-wagging moments with his two and four-legged friends from The Gentle Dog Company.

The gentle giant who thought he was so small, loved running free in our paddocks.
He also liked chilling out in the caravans when he started to get a little weary as time went on.

In memory of Riley ‘The Prince’ and his spirit of kindness, we've started a collection of dog food and toys. Riley's family has chosen dogstrust_darlington as the fitting beneficiary for donations. Every contribution, no matter how small, will play a crucial role in bringing a positive change to the lives of those dogs awaiting their forever homes.

To donate, kindly leave unopened tins or bags of food, toys, or other small items in the collection bin at My Happy Hounds; with Natalie from Tees Valley Dog Training ; or with Pauline and her lovely staff from The Gentle Dog Company. We also have a small number of people who have kindly offered to collect donations from the following areas: Richmond, Brompton On Swale, Catterick, Scorton, Cowtons, Ingleby Barwick, Yarm, Stockton or Darlington.
Please text us on 07721480822 to arrange a collection.

Thank you for considering our request, and for joining us in honouring Riley's legacy. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and keep his memory alive through acts of kindness and compassion.
With heartfelt gratitude,

Alison & Harry, with a little help from Mollie & Nellie

13/12/2023

Help Us Fill Dog Bowls in Loving Memory

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Riley’s recent journey over the Rainbow Bridge, following a sudden illness. As a familiar face at My Happy Hounds, he brought boundless joy, sharing many tail-wagging moments with his two and four-legged friends from The Gentle Dog Company.

The gentle giant who thought he was so small, loved running free in our paddocks.
He also liked chilling out in the caravans when he started to get a little weary as time went on.

In memory of Riley ‘The Prince’ and his spirit of kindness, we've started a collection of dog food and toys. Riley's family has chosen dogstrust_darlington as the fitting beneficiary for donations. Every contribution, no matter how small, will play a crucial role in bringing a positive change to the lives of those dogs awaiting their forever homes.

To donate, kindly leave unopened tins or bags of food, toys, or other small items in the collection bin at My Happy Hounds; with Natalie from Tees Valley Dog Training; or with Pauline and her lovely staff from The Gentle Dog Company. We also have a small number of people who have kindly offered to collect donations from the following areas: Richmond, Brompton On Swale, Catterick, Scorton, Cowtons, Ingleby Barwick, Yarm, Stockton or Darlington.
Please text us on 07721480822 to arrange a collection.

Thank you for considering our request, and for joining us in honouring Riley's legacy. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and keep his memory alive through acts of kindness and compassion.
With heartfelt gratitude,

Alison & Harry, with a little help from Mollie & Nellie

06/12/2023

So, this is the latest update from our insurance company on the situation for exempted dogs using secure fields. Any questions or clarification needed, please get in touch. We will add more detailed information on our website before the 31st December when this legislation comes into force.

01/12/2023

Darlington Borough Council are holding an event next week to share information and offer advice on the planned legislation to ban XL Bully type dogs.

Staff from our community safety team have joined forces with Durham Constabulary, Dogs Trust, RSPCA Darlington & District and others to raise awareness of the new ban on XL Bully breed type dogs.

The Government announced in October that XL Bully breeds would be added to the list of those banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

A special information event will be held at the South Park education room, next to the clock tower, next Friday (8 December), 1-3pm.

Our dog warden, civic enforcement, licensing and housing staff will be on hand along with police and representatives from Dogs Trust and the RSPCA to talk to XL Bully owners – with or without their dogs - and anyone else wanting to find out more.

They will be able to offer advice or training tips and direct people to the relevant guidance from the government.

Do pop along if you can or you can find out more about the new legislation on our website at www.darlington.gov.uk/xlbullyban

31/10/2023

So here it is.

The Government definition of an XL Bully.

What do you think of it?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog #:~:text=The%20XL%20Bully%20breed%20type%20is%20typically%20larger%20(both%20in,Standard%27%20and%20%27Classic%27

How dog owners and enforcement officers can check if a dog is an XL bully.

30/10/2023

We've just received the results of the Trick and Treat competition from our lovely judges at Doggie Delights and KAD Kids Around Dogs !

28/10/2023

We can't wait..... Come on down and share the fun...

27/10/2023

We're going to be part of this amazing charity event. Come along and join in the fun!

26/10/2023

23/10/2023

A bit late to the party, but we're in a competition! If you like coming to My Happy Hounds, please do take a minute to vote for us !🐕🐶❤️❤️🐩🐾🐾🐾

Your Vote Counts! Vote for your favourite dog field in the region to be in with a chance of winning a FREE session at the dog field of your choice! The top three voted for fields will be featured in 'The Best Dog Fields in the UK' category for 2023. The winning field will receive a fabulous plaque w...

10/10/2023

It's competition time!! Join our HOWL'oween celebration 🎉 at

Share your pup's most impressive trick by posting here on this thread either on Facebook or Instagram!

Don't miss out on the fun - let your furry friend shine and win!! 🐶🐶🐶

A Doggie Delights goody bag and a free session at my happy hounds up for grabs.

🔔 Competition closes 12pm Sunday 29th October 🏁 winner will be announced on Monday 30th October

04/10/2023

Can't wait for this ...

💜 Due to an injury we have had to reschedule the Level 5 Hoopers workshop. It's now...

📍 Happy Hounds
📆 Sunday 15th October 1300-1500
💰 £20 per dog and handler

✨ Even if you aren't quite at Level 5 just yet please don't let that put you off! This is such a fun and inclusive sport, you are more than welcome!

👉 Head to www.bookwhen.com/tvdt to book

28/09/2023

This is unlike any other puppy training! Learn puppy obedience alongside all the foundational skills for dog sports. It's a paws up from us!

❓Are you ready to take your puppy’s training to the next level?

🙌Come and join our Puppy Club where we're dedicated to comprehensive training.

🙌Our new course is designed to boost confidence, excel in dog sports and boost the relationship you have with your dog.

👉Join us for physical and mental stimulation, bonding, and uncover the numerous benefits of our puppy training program.

🚀 Suitable for any fully vaccinated puppy up to the age of 1 year and our rolling programme means you can just book on when you’re free.

👉 Contact us for more information

26/09/2023

Nellie's field shelter has a revamp. No more mud!

18/09/2023

Bethany Grace is a force-free trainer and behaviourist specialising in bully breeds.

She has kindly teamed up with other experts to open a group offering advice and support for XL Bully parents.

Please check it out:

XL Bully Training Club

https://www.facebook.com/groups/885116389709271/?ref=share

18/09/2023

XL Bully Dogs To Be Banned – Government barking up the wrong tree!

A sad day, to hear the UK government announce a ban on XL Bully breeds. This decision, while made with the intention of protecting the public, has raised concerns among those who are well-versed in dog law and responsible pet ownership.
Over the years we have attended dog law training sessions by the leading dog law expert, Trevor Cooper of Cooper & Co Solicitors. Trevor's comments on the ban reflect the sentiment of many in the field:
"Breed Specific Legislation has not worked. Just adding another type of dog onto the list of banned breeds is not going to protect the public. The Government needs to learn from the mistakes of history, not repeat them."
Indeed, banning a particular breed should not be our go-to solution. It is a dangerous and misleading path to go down, and one which history tells us does not work.
The XL Bully is a crossbreed (not a recognised breed by the Kennel Club), so the Government will convene a panel to define the breed. Consequently, many more Bully type dogs could be affected.
It's essential to acknowledge that the issue lies not with the breed itself but with irresponsible owners and unethical breeding practices. The XL Bully is the latest victim of unscrupulous backstreet breeding by people who have no interest in animal welfare and intent of producing the biggest most extreme versions. These individuals engage in reckless breeding, causing immense suffering to both people and dogs. However, it is essential to recognise that banning specific breeds will not solve this problem. Instead, it pushes these activities further underground and if this breed is banned, a new breed will simply fill the gap.

Don’t misunderstand what we are saying here, it’s clear that in the UK, we have a major problem with responsible dog care, and addressing this issue should be our primary focus, before more lives are devastated.

The Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) of 1991 was introduced as a response to concerns about certain breeds of dog causing problems in the late 1980’s. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves repeating history with the XL Bully. It raises the valid concern about which breed will be targeted next? History has shown that breed-specific bans are a reactive approach that does little to address the core issues, as the number of dog bites, fatalities, and dog related incidents have significantly increased since the implementation of the DDA. This begs the question: Are these laws truly effective in ensuring public safety? We think not.
To make meaningful progress, we must adopt a more holistic and proactive approach of education, enforcing ethical breeding standards, prioritising dog welfare over profit, holding breeders accountable and owner accountability for the behaviours of all breeds, not demonising specific breeds.
Let us remember that the well-being of dogs is intertwined with responsible ownership, training, education, and accountability. Banning breeds may offer a temporary sense of security but fails to address the root issues. It’s XL Bully this time, which breed is next?
If you have an XL Bully type breed and concerned about the implications of the intended ban, we understand the impact and requirements of breed specific legislation in the UK, so please do contact us or Natalie should you require further advice or support
There’s lots you can do to prepare to meet the requirements for an exemption. Don’t forget owners are assessed as part of the exemption process too:

• Have your dog neutered – this is a requirement of any exempted dog.
• Muzzle train your dog now. And get them used to wearing a muzzle when out and about – even in the car.
• Get your dog used to being on a short (not extending lead) when out in public.
• For off-lead time use a secure dog field. Here at My Happy Hounds we welcome all dogs for safe, positive off-lead experiences.
• Training issues? deal with them now! We work in partnership with Natalie from Tees Valley Dog Training who would welcome enquires from any owner wishing to work on specific training issues.
• Ensure you have third party liability. You can become a member of Dogs Trust and benefit from £1m public liability insurance for only £25 a year (or £12.50 if you're over 60)

These are all proactive things you can be doing now, ahead of the implementation of the proposed legislation at the end of the year.
If you share our belief that there is a better way to ensure the safety of the public and the welfare of dogs, I urge you to take action. Contact your local MP and make your voice heard. They hold the power to influence policy decisions, and by advocating for a more thoughtful and effective approach, we can create a safer and more compassionate environment for dogs and our communities.
Here At My Happy Hounds, our MP is Rishi Sunak and he will be receiving our representations very soon!
Let’s work together on this one – our values are based on fun, freedom and safety and we mean it – for ALL dogs! Speak out on behalf of our four-legged friends who cannot speak for themselves, and let's work toward a safer, more responsible and compassionate world for all.

Harry & Alison Gray
My Happy Hounds

17/08/2023

Harry has had this made for him. It's just amazing, and the attention to detail is spot on! It's a treasure to keep forever.

Thanks to everyone .

We can definitely recommend them for commission work, or that unique gift.

#

13/08/2023

It's been a busy time for Nellie over at My Happy Hounds. She's been busy with paddock checks and completed her UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze course and trial. It's been so good for her focus and reactivity. If you've never done a Sniffer course I highly recommend it. 👍

08/08/2023

Nellie Cannot Contain Her Excitement This Morning- the sun is shining 🌟🌟

07/08/2023

Happy Monday !
Finally, some ☀️means we can cut the grass!

31/07/2023

🎖 If you're in the market for your LEVEL FIVE award, then you need to be HERE!

✔ Level 5.1 and 5.2 will be set up in Harvey's Field at My Happy Hounds for you all to have a go... and hopefully I will have rosettes on hand!

✔ For those of you who have only done 1-1 lessons, this is a great opportunity to see your dog working in a group environment.

👉 Even if you're not quite at level 5, feel free to come and have a go.

📆 Sunday 24th September
🕕 1600-1800
💰 £20 per dog and handler

👉 www.bookwhen.com/tvdt to book

29/07/2023

So proud of Nellie and Harry for completing their UK Sniffer Dogs 6 week scent detection course!

It's been a great way to provide focus, burn energy, strengthen Nellie and Harry's bond whilst learning new skills. Thanks to Natalie at Tees Valley Dog Training!

fields dog fields ,

26/07/2023

VISITING OUR SITE THIS WEEKEND ?

Give yourselves a little extra time to arrive as

The British Touring Car Championship is taking place at Croft Circuit on 29th and 30th July.

We're planning on entering next year with our team

‘SPEEDY PAWS’

24/07/2023

We need help in finding the stolen Kong-traband.

Do you and your pup have the skills to help us?

🕵️‍♂️ THERE HAS BEEN A ROBBERY!!!!

🐾 My Happy Hounds has caught robbers on CCTV camera. They have stolen KONG-traband from the local station and stashed it for their allies to collect at a later date!

👉 We are calling all dogs who have completed (or about to complete) their bronze scent detection course to help out!

📍 My Happy Hounds
📆 30th July 5-7pm
💰 £45 per dog and handler

16/07/2023

More amazing dogs came to visit Nellie's Paddock

11/07/2023

During our field checks last night, we found a ball in Nellie's and bandana in Harvey's.

Please let us know if they belong to you, and we'll pop them in the post, or keep them safe for you if you're coming back soon!

08/07/2023

When we put this playhouse up My Happy Hounds we thought it would be plenty big enough but we might have to rethink that! What lovely dogs ❤️

04/07/2023

So excited to be hosting the summer scent workshop Sunday 30th July 5-7pm, run by Tees Valley Dog Training at My Happy Hounds .
Will you and your pooch be able to find the hidden loot 💰⁉️
Visit Tees Valley Dog Training to book your place. Good luck 🍀