Buddy's Buddies

31/07/2024

A lovely gift from one of our Improvers Class teams! Thank you so much 💕

31/07/2024

Congratulations to our recent Improvers Class with Train Your Dog- Kerry Attwood graduates! 🎊

It’s been such a pleasure and we’ve seen some fantastic loose lead walking and recalls 🤩

Calm behaviour in public spaces is always a big focus and we love to see the amazing progress that our dog-guardian teams make in this area 🙌

There’s only one space left on our next round of these classes so if you miss it, keep an eye out as we’ll be releasing more dates soon 😁

26/07/2024

How do dog trainers socialise on their day off?

By spending the day adding to their CPD 💕

Perfect xx

23/07/2024

New date added! 🙌

These classes are designed for developing essential life skills in a friendly group setting.

Due to limited availability and the advanced nature of the syllabus, we are only able to accept current or previous clients of Buddy's Buddies/Train Your Dog- Kerry Attwood

Please contact Kerry to book your space ☺️🐾

26/06/2024

Congratulations to the latest graduates from our Improvers Class with Train Your Dog- Kerry Attwood

We had some amazing progress from this group with loose lead walking, settling in public, and recall amongst other skills 🤩

Well done teams! 🙌

14/05/2024

Our graduates from the first Improvers Class of the year with Train Your Dog- Kerry Attwood have done exceptionally well 🙌

We’ve loved seeing the enthusiasm these teams have brought into every aspect of the training and it’s certainly paid off 🤩

We’re already looking forward to setting up the next set of recruits for success!

Starting June 4th 🥳

This class has a very limited amount of spaces so get in touch with Kerry quick to reserve your spot 🐾

09/04/2024

We’re back at it again 🤩

Have you worked with us before? Are you and your canine companion ready to take your training to the next level?

Sam from Buddy's Buddies and I have joined up again to deliver our highly anticipated Improvers Class, designed exclusively for experienced owner-dog teams like yours!

🐶 Practice Essential Life Skills Including: Loose Lead Walking, Recall and “Cafe Settles”

🌟 Small Class Size: Only 4 Dogs per Class with Two Dedicated, Experienced and Qualified Trainers

🐾Refine Your Skills Around Controlled Distractions

🚫 This class is not suitable for anxious/reactive/aggressive dogs who have not completed a 1-2-1 training programme with Buddy’s Buddies

Enhance Your Bond with Your Canine Companion! Don't Miss Out!

Spaces Are Limited - Contact to Reserve Your Spot Today!

10/03/2024

Had a fab time at Crufts today! Awesome to see some great education and training being displayed and met some lovely exhibitors and competitors. Obviously cuddled a few Staffies 🥰 Enya is particularly pleased with this years haul 🤣

06/03/2024

Excited for Terrier and Hound day on Sunday! 😍

We’re ready!!

Come and see us at Crufts! We’re here in Hall 5 Stand 176 answering all of your dog related questions and giving you tips on our assessment process or advice on becoming a dog trainer.

See you all at tomorrow

The Kennel Club UK
The Animal Behaviour and Training Council

31/01/2024

If Buddy’s Buddies is your go-to for teens, reactives, and rescues… Kerry should be your number one pick for puppy classes! She’s a specialist on the subject and is excellent at helping new guardians navigate the highs and lows of puppyhood. There are only a couple of spots left for February classes so get in touch now to set your new arrival on the right track 😍

Experienced and fully insured dog trainer offering puppy classes in Vicars Cross. Spaces available.

31/12/2023

First of all, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and offer my thanks for everyone who chose to work with Buddy’s Buddies in 2023. Hearing how much of a difference this little business makes to your lives with your dogs is always the biggest highlight of the job 💕

On a personal level, it’s been a difficult 6 months, so I would love nothing more than to be writing this post full of joy and hope for the coming year.

However, as we hit the first of the deadlines for the new XL Bully legislation, I know that across England and Wales, there will be many for whom that sentiment would feel hollow going into 2024.

Dogs, owners, vets, rescue workers and advocates have been astronomically let down by this government, who’s lack of consideration for all involved can be evidenced by something so simple as a date on a calendar.

This New Year’s marks the start of the mass cull we were promised wouldn’t happen.

My thoughts are with the canine victims of Breed Specific Legislation and the poor souls who will be forced to have a hand in their deaths.

For those who have held on to their family members rather than dumping them, and to those extraordinary people who have, in recent months, welcomed an XL Bully ‘type’ into their hearts and homes, knowing what it will entail - Thank you!

Hold them tight, keep them safe, follow the rules, and hope for a better future ❤️

Sam @ Buddy’s Buddies 🐾

25/12/2023

We hope your day is filled with festive cheer 🎄

04/11/2023

03/11/2023

So this Halloween, the government announced what it will define as an XL Bully “type” dog and it comes as no surprise that it felt like all trick and no treat.

Given the broadness of the description, and the indication that not all characteristics will need to be met to be be of “type”, this is understandably a very confusing and upsetting time for owners of a variety of large breed dogs.

Even the experts are struggling to interpret which dogs will fall under the guidelines and the government has yet to release details of the exemption application process.

There are also still individuals and organisations working to seek various clarifications or amendments, but we cannot assume these will result in a desirable outcome.

If you think there is the smallest chance your dog might come under the new addition to the breed ban, please use this waiting time to follow the existing guidance on preparing your dog for exemption. Doing nothing at all till the last minute may cost more than your peace of mind in the long run.

Thank you to Cooper & Co: Doglaw for keeping the public updated on this issue.

11/10/2023

Congratulations to our latest graduates from our “Improvers” class with Train Your Dog- Kerry Attwood

It’s always lovely to see the progress each team makes in such a short space of time 💕

This class was specifically created with adolescent dogs in mind, as it’s such an important (and often challenging) time in their development!

We will have another round starting early spring 2024. If you’re not already on the wait list, register your interest now as spaces will be very limited 🐕

18/09/2023

We’ve long been advocates for training ANY dog to wear a muzzle.

Here’s our number one reason for this:

Should your dog ever need to wear one in an emergency, you wouldn’t want the muzzle to add to any stress they may be experiencing in that moment!

Are you curious to see what muzzle training involves?

If so - watch this 1 minute video from world-renowned aggression specialist Michael Shikashio for a basic overview of how to introduce one kindly.

Remember - all training should take place at a pace your dog is comfortable with 👍

Find the Baskerville Ultra Muzzle here:https://amzn.to/3yDOrU8

15/09/2023

Today, the announcement has been made that XL Bully dogs will be added to the banned breed list (breed specific legislation or BSL) under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Already on the list are

Japanese Tosa
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Pit Bull Terrier

BSL means that dogs identified as being one of the above types can be seized by the police, then and there, even if they have done nothing wrong. This applies if they have served a warrant at your home for any reason or if you are out in public with your dog.

This is a highly emotive topic for both those that like and dislike larger, more powerful looking dogs.

There is no question that innocent human lives have been tragically altered and ended. My heart breaks those affected and their loved ones 💔

There is also no question that it is us humans that are 100% at fault. It's our end of the lead. We did this. Our attitude towards dog breeding and guardianship needs to change. We need to take responsibility and stop making dogs the scapegoats for our actions, egos and greed.

Along with the majority that dedicate their professional lives to understanding dog behaviour, I feel there are a wealth of very sensible alternatives to BSL that could be put in place in the future. These would be more effective in preserving public safety when it comes to ownership of dogs in general. They may even require less funds and resources in comparison to those of kennelling and killing yet more dogs and prosecuting yet more owners.

Make no mistake - if the government doesn’t change the way they deal with preventing dog attacks, XL Bullys will not be the last breed on the list.

For those saying “Great, just ban them.”, please do some deeper research into the alternatives, and the socio-economic complexities of why XL Bullys have become so popular in the first place.

I’m not here to have that discussion today. I am here to provide some information to owners who may be at risk of the consequences of BSL, either now, or towards the end of the year when XL Bullys are due to be added to the ban.

So here is how things currently stand, and I’m sorry, but it’s not pretty:

1 - Pit bull terriers, as listed, refers to “pit bull type”. DNA or paperwork is not factored in as to whether your dog is classed as pit bull. This is done on measurements. You might have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossed with a Labrador - if it fits the measurements, it is “of pit bull type”. The measurements that are used by DLOs (dog legislation officers) can be found here https://www.facebook.com/459157344474551/posts/1037234840000129/?d=n

2 - Because the XL Bully is a modification of several breeds, it is likely that a measurement system will be applied to these also. Therefore, if you have a dog that is NOT XL Bully but fits the measurements that will be used by DLOs, your dog may also become at risk of investigation or seizure by the police.

3 - Age is not an exemption for BSL. A six month old dog is no less likely to be at risk of BSL than an adult. Authorities can hold puppies until they are old enough to be assessed as to whether they are “of type”. In this time they miss out on crucial experiences that create physically and psychologically healthy dogs https://www.rspca.org.uk/-/blog_seven_puppies_euthanised_under_bsl. Dogs that are in their final years can be seized under BSL and are unlikely to receive appropriate palliative healthcare.

4 - There is currently an exemption process available for dogs that have been seized “as type”. This is costly and involves temperament testing. Dogs who are found to be a ban-listed breed but have successfully undergone the exemption process must be kept on lead and muzzled in all public spaces, including during vehicle transport, even though they have been assessed as behaviourally sound.

5 - Transfer of ownership of exempted dogs is restricted to those who can evidence a prior relationship with the individual dog. This makes the rehoming of these dogs a near impossibility. See Hope’s story - https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/telford/2021/08/16/cheryls-kennel-lock-in-raises-thousands-for-pitbull-hope-to-have-a-fresh-start/

6 - Dogs that are seized under BSL can be kept in police contracted kennels until the conclusion of court proceedings. This can take months, in some cases, years. You will not be allowed to know where they are and unlikely to be updated on HOW they are. Dogs have died under police care before the conclusion of court proceedings. Many dogs who have been successful in the exemption process are returned home emaciated, in poor health or traumatised from their experience.

7 - Aside from BSL, the DDA (dangerous dog act) prohibits dogs, regardless of breed from being dangerously out of control. Your dog does not have to bite someone to be reported under this legislation. Any member of the public who feels they are at risk of being bitten by your dog can file a complaint under the DDA. Anyone who perceives that you have a banned breed can report you for having one.

8 - If your dog is seized by the police and assessed to be a danger to the public, regardless of breed, or if you elect not to proceed with the exemption process for any reason, they may become the subject of a “destruction order”. This is exactly what it says on the tin.

If you have read this far, perhaps you love a dog who is at risk of BSL.

Hear me when I say this, I know your fear. I’ve felt it. I’ve loved an at-risk dog. I can only talk about it now because he’s gone, and I can finally speak up for others without the fear of my words backfiring on him.

I don’t have all the answers. I wish I did. I’m not even sure at this stage what your best course of action is. Hopefully the government and the legal experts will able to give some really clear advice soon, and when they do I will pass it on.

In the meantime, I’ll share what I do know, and if you want advice in training your dog please get in touch ❤️

06/09/2023

We would like to thank our clients for their understanding of any adjustments made due to the warm weather this week. Buddy's Buddies and Train Your Dog- Kerry Attwood would always rather be inconvenienced than to put any dog at risk 🙌

Just a reminder for anyone that might need it - recorded temperatures are measured *in* the shade ⛱️

03/09/2023

The next available “Improvers” class in conjunction with Train Your Dog- Kerry Attwood starts Wednesday 6th Sept at 5.45pm. (No class Wednesday 27th Sept, due to a wedding, the course completes Wednesday 4th Oct).

This is a 4 week course suitable for dogs 6 months or older that have attended our puppy classes or 1-2-1’s. The course helps to build up on your recall cues, loose lead walking, settle training plus lots more.

Attendees MUST be comfortable in the company of other dogs and people. This will be at our discretion.

Contact for Kerry on her page (linked above) for details and to book in 🙂

Edit: *Space filled*

21/06/2023

As the next phase of adjusting to this ‘new normal’ without my best boy, it’s time for me to get back to the job I love - helping other dogs and their people enjoy life together.

I’ll be doing a phased return with availability on the following dates:

Online sessions (new and current clients) - Mon 26th - Thursday 29th June

In person and online sessions (current clients only) - Mon 3rd July, Weds 5th July, Thursday 6th July

In person and online sessions (new and current clients) - Mon 10th July - Thursday 13th July

Please contact me with your preferred date/s and I will be in touch to arrange a time slot.

Full Whatsapp support for current clients (during my working hours) will also be resuming.

I’m still working through my inbox and comments but thank you all for your kind messages and patience 💕

🌈❤🐕

08/06/2023

Yesterday, I said goodbye to Buddy.

He left peacefully, in the safety and comfort of his own home, with the sun shining down on him. I will be taking some time to process my grief, as right now it is deep and painful. I am bereft without him. My sincerest apologies to anyone who is waiting to hear from me right now. I will do my best to reach out in a timely manner, but as of today, it is too raw… and I am only human.

There may be people who won’t understand why I need this time, or why I’m hurting so badly. There may be people who say “it was just a dog”.

To them I say:

“This was THE dog”

This was the dog who was my only constant for six years.
This was the dog who needed me more than any ever has.
This was the dog who came with scars and stigma and scary behaviours.
This was the dog who had no reason to love people, but did so freely anyway.
This was the dog who was “no dogs, no kids” and managed to build beautiful relationships with both.
This was the dog who taught me, unequivocally, that no dog needs a heavy hand.
This was the dog who at times, took all my energy to help him feel and be safe.
This was the dog who helped me feel safe.
This was the dog who taught me patience.
This was the dog who taught me to care less about what other people think.
This was the dog who kept me going in my toughest moments.
This was the dog who showed me how much I am capable of.
This was the dog who changed the course of my career.
This was the dog who set me on a path of constant learning about the science of dog behaviour.
This was the dog who will help countless more dog-guardian teams in the years to come.
This was the dog who was deeply loved by not only myself, but by all of those who met him.

This was the dog. And he will be with me always ❤️

02/06/2023

Train Your Dog- Kerry Attwood has the large buffalo rolls in again! 🙌

Click the WhatsApp link ⬇️ to arrange collection 👍🐾

Latest chew availability

Large Buffalo rolls £3
Large lamb braids £3
Large buffalo ears £2
Medium lamb braids £1.50
Paddywack £2
Small buffalo braids £1

Assorted treats £2 a pack

Message for more details or to arrange collection ❤️

02/06/2023

A huge congratulations to our graduates from the most recent follow-on class! 🤩🎓🐕🐾

28/05/2023

If you are trying to get in touch with us, please click the WhatsApp button 🐾

31/03/2023

To our big dog teams - the giant natural chews (and good stuff for the tiddlers too) are back in stock at Pups, Pets & Ponies! Get in there quick!

25/12/2022

Merry Christmas from our family to yours ###

25/03/2021

**Have you checked your chip lately?**

Petlog (and possibly Identibase) are having some issues with their online databases at the moment, so please check that your pet’s details are where they should be asap 👍

Regardless of who they are registered with, it is always worth checking your pet’s microchip details on a regular basis, and making sure to update your microchip company if you move house or change phone numbers.

Remember - Collar tags and microchips are legal requirements that help to safeguard our dogs 🐾

21/03/2021

We're loving that spring feeling! 🌱🐕🌷😃

18/03/2021

Lockdown hairstyles:

How it started vs How it's going

🤣🙈😩😹

18/03/2021

🐾🧡🐕Walkies🐕🧡🐾