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Reactive Dogs UK Owners with dogs that display anxiety, fear, frustration and aggression:
a warm invitation to join us
(5)

I am so deeply sorry that the legal wheels are not turning quicker. The deadline for exemption applications is fast appr...
29/01/2024

I am so deeply sorry that the legal wheels are not turning quicker.
The deadline for exemption applications is fast approaching.
here are the key elements: I hope this helps those that need it:

If applying for exemption for an XL Bully Type

You must complete your application by
midday on 31st January 2024.

You need to know the microchip number of your dogs microchip (it should be on your dogs vaccination record/check with your vet.

You need to know the start date of your third party p***c liability for banned breeds: click here to set it up (takes about 7 minutes, start to finish with the Dogs Trust) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs

You need to know the 10 digit reference number of each each application fee (£92.40). Click here: https://products.payments.service.gov.uk/pay/19dc34dca16248fb95e2cc2450b049fe

Link for application
https://submit.forms.service.gov.uk/form/693/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog/1766

It breaks my heart that we have not managed to stop this yet and my thoughts are with you all.

Be kind to each other.
###x

LOVE LETTER DAY!January 2nd 2024 Today we invite you to write a love letter to your dog and CREATE your coming year! Wri...
02/01/2024

LOVE LETTER DAY!
January 2nd 2024

Today we invite you to write a love letter to your dog and CREATE your coming year!

Write it AS IF IT WAS the END of 2024 already ... share what you have loved doing, what you are proud of, what you have learned ...

Dream and feel that positive, happy buzz fill you.

THAT is the buzz you can create in yourself at any given moment.
it just takes practice ..

Have fun dreaming and creating and share whatever you wish to.

much love
xx nic

PS. If any of you are wanting help with your reactive dog, our Gold service is professional, affordable and proven to work. With 5 ridiculously cheap membership rates - created that way so that EVERYONE can get help, with no one left out -
If you can afford a Costa Coffee, or even bag of Curly Wurly Squirlies - you can afford professional help for you and your dog and still have change ...

https://reactivedogs.uk/joinus
www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098

HAPPY NEW YEAR NINJAS !!It is the first day of the new year!Let's celebrate with a gorgeous pic of your gorgeous doggies...
01/01/2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR NINJAS !!

It is the first day of the new year!

Let's celebrate with a gorgeous pic of your gorgeous doggies!
have a wonderful day!

much love to you all
xx
nic and the entire RDuk Team

31/12/2023

URGENT (good news) UPDATE
Please help get this to the hands of all local rescues and ask what you can do to support them to take advantage of this update:

From Carla Lane - edited for easier reading

URGENT UPDATE FROM CARLA Carla Lane Animals in Need Liverpool FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION:

Situation:
On 19 December DEFRA updated the guidance in relation to the XL bully ban, to include a restriction on rescues to the effect that any dogs who came into a rescue after 31 October 2023 would not be eligible for an exemption application via a rescue who wished to keep that dog instead of euthanizing where they were not rehomed.

UPDATE

The law has not been changed but we have been granted some further time for this specific issue to be considered fully by the Court, which means that dogs placed in rescues after 31 October are safe from destruction or seizure FOR NOW.

Late last night a High Court Judge ordered the following:

“No XL Bully dog may be seized from a Rehoming Organisation (‘RO’) as defined in SI 1407 (2023) (The Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes and Miscellaneous Provisions (England and Wales) Order 2023 (‘the SI’) and/or destroyed for want of or ineligibility for a certification of exemption (as defined in the SI) on grounds that the dog was taken into the RO’s care after 31 October 2023 until the further Order of the Court.”

Note that this is a temporary injunction but nevertheless it gives breathing space for now.

WHAT THIS MEANS

There are various other serious and important matters to be heard by the Court in the near future, but for present purposes this ruling means that rescues now DO NOT AT THE MOMENT PENDING A FURTHER COURT DECISION have to destroy dogs who came into their care after 31 October 2023 on the grounds that it would not be possible for a rescue to apply for exemption of those dogs.

We know that some rescues were sadly planning to do so today and whilst we do not yet have any detailed solution, we now have the benefit of some further time for the matter to be considered by the Court.

APPEAL TO ALL RESCUES

We appeal to all rescues, if you are able to do so, consider making plans to give the dogs who are not homed today the life they deserve in your care.

At present those dogs that came in BEFORE 31ST OCTOBER ARE SAFE TO BE EXEMPTED BUT NO LONGER REHOMED.

The XL bully ban has changed things for dogs of the UK In such numbers and at such a rapid rate that we must all work together to ensure that lifetime care by a committed rescue meets an exempted dog’s needs.

For some dogs it will be their only option after today and in a way life in a rescue that has staff loving and caring for their residents day and night is not so different from dogs in a flat or home where someone goes to work or has no garden so has to walk them.

Subject to the further decision of the Court, if we as rescues are indeed permitted to exempt any dogs we cannot home today, then we can all get our heads together and work hard to create a new more suitable living environment at our rescues for those special dogs, keeping them safe and loved for life.

Also many rescues rely on volunteers to help out with providing company and mental stimulation and many who cannot have their own dog may find this therapeutic for themselves too.

It is recommended that if rescues do have dogs who they wish to exempt who were already in their care prior to 31 October, they begin making those applications from today when the current window for rescues to apply to exempt those dogs opened.

Doing this now will allow further time in the future for any further exemption applications once the Court has had the opportunity to determine the issue as it relates to those dogs who came into rescue after 31 October.

As above, there are further crucial matters to be heard in more detail by the Court at a date in the near future but for now please take note of the above and stand by your dogs.

https://www.facebook.com/carlalaneanimalsinneedliverpool

We are an Animal Rescue Centre based Melling, Liverpool. We Rescue Rehabilitate and Rehome Dogs, Cat

Just a thought - but my invitation is for everyone to show their support for the vets, rescues and shelters by using thi...
31/12/2023

Just a thought - but my invitation is for everyone to show their support for the vets, rescues and shelters by using this for their profile picture - whilst we fight for the right for rescues to be able to rehome (not kill - see Carla Lane Rescue) and fight the ban (via legal Judicial Review - see Don'tBanMeLicenceMe - this month).

BE SAFENew Years Eve ActivityHi guysI know tonight is one that so many of us dread ... but now is the time to make any l...
31/12/2023

BE SAFE
New Years Eve Activity

Hi guys

I know tonight is one that so many of us dread ... but now is the time to make any last minute plans, get any last minute help and batten the hatches ...

What is good about NYE is that we kinda know when they are going to go off!

Remember we have our amazing fireworks resource in the member resources to help review all the many different things to consider .. please use it!

Wishing you a calm, New Years Eve

much love
xx nic

Christmas Wishes - Part 2December 30th Now let’s think about your dog!Continuing this state of pondering (no stressing) ...
30/12/2023

Christmas Wishes - Part 2
December 30th

Now let’s think about your dog!

Continuing this state of pondering (no stressing) .. what might you like to work on with your dog over the coming year?

Is there something in particular? Is it something we can help with (feel free to ask on this post! - we won’t be doing training advice on here today, it is just to consider, what small thing might make a difference) ...
Please do share
x nic

Christmas Wishes - Part 1December 29th What development for *you* would you like to work on next year?This is not a thin...
29/12/2023

Christmas Wishes - Part 1
December 29th

What development for *you* would you like to work on next year?

This is not a thing to stress about, just have a ponder? what small thing might make a difference in yourself? feeling calmer? increasing confidence? being more consistent? Is there something we can help with? Just let us know your question if you've not got the ''goal'' in mind. We're not talking 'SMART' goals here .. just pondering ...

Please do feel free to share
xx nic

LOVE and GRATITUDE ACTIVITYDecember 28th Today you are invited to write a heart-felt letter to your dog? What do you lo...
28/12/2023

LOVE and GRATITUDE ACTIVITY
December 28th

Today you are invited to write a heart-felt letter to your dog?
What do you love about them, for what are you grateful?

Please do share, however short and sweet!

much love
xx nic

REFLECTIONS ACTIVITYDecember 27th I'd love you to reflect on your past year with your dog. What went well, what did no...
27/12/2023

REFLECTIONS ACTIVITY
December 27th

I'd love you to reflect on your past year with your dog. What went well, what did not go so well. Feel free to acknowledge both for life is not perfect.

And, what was the highlight for you this year with your dog?

If you had the best year ever, you might even start drafting your entry for RDuk Dog of the Year (launching in New Year .. get ready now!!).

Please do share below, we'd love to hear how your years have been with you and your dog.

xx nic

BOXING DAY ACTIVITIES During the slight lull between Christmas festivities and the craziness of New Year - take this tim...
26/12/2023

BOXING DAY ACTIVITIES

During the slight lull between Christmas festivities and the craziness of New Year - take this time today, to review your strategies for surviving another night of fireworks on New Year's Eve. Make the most of games at home with your dog: bonding games, ninja skill drills, relaxation training, and enrichment …

Or if you can, escape to somewhere peaceful and quiet.
You'll find me and Jen camped out in the middle of the New Forest!

You are invited to share what your strategies will be for this New Years Eve ...

xx nic

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas everyone!
Wishing you all a peaceful holiday period, filled with love and joy.
Please do post your Christmas pics, beautiful ones or bloopers!, on this post, and share your good wishes to each other!
From me and all the team at RDuk
with much love
xx nic

UK members - in the case of a bite, please contact Dog Law for support. They have a number that is checked for emergencies during the holiday period.

RDUK NINJAS ... all love, support and guidance for SOS situations - be it a bite, a dangerous situation or huge distress - is in the group - please check our Featured Posts for guidance.

24/12/2023

STRESS RELIEF for reactive dogs ...
Trainer Tip Day 23
for a Stress-free, Merry Little Christmas
with your Reactive Dog

If we need to support our dog when they are becoming stressed Tellington Touch, more commonly known as Ttouch is a brilliant tool to master.

My go-to for a dog that is having or just had a reaction is Zebra Touch. My go-to for general calming support is the basic circular motion on my dogs chest, and Ear Ttouch (involving moves known as ear slides).

There are many 'moves' for Ttouch as well as other supportive techniques that can be applied to reactivity but also is amazing for building confidence, independence, calming and health benefits for our dogs.

Join us.
We Care. ❤️
x nic

22/12/2023

PLAN IN SOME TIME FOR YOU!!!

Admittedly you might not have that much time! But whether you can squeeze in 2 minutes, 5, 10, 20 or 30 you are doing GREAT!

And to take advantage of those short gaps, you need to plan some pick me ups in advance!

Plan what you might do to support yourself, so that if a 5 minute opportunity comes along, - take it. You're worth it!

Join us.
We Care. ❤️
x nic

New day. New perspective.So the good news is that a Judicial Review has been granted AND that it has been expedited for ...
22/12/2023

New day. New perspective.

So the good news is that a Judicial Review has been granted AND that it has been expedited for January.

The 'Don't Ban Me Licence Me' team are hoping this to be mid January.

John Cooper KC was tasked with securing a Judicial Review of the ban and he DID that.

The addition of asking for an injunction was exactly that, an addition for which the judge commended Cooper on his passionate argument. 3 times he challenged the deadline of 31st December as being a date of relevance and sadly the injunction was not granted.

The judge could have just dismissed the need for judicial review, or agreed and set it for March (etc) but they took an extra 4 hours of questioning and the judge agreed a Judicial Review was merited.

''We'' went up against the government and we won the first part.

This in itself is an extraordinary accomplishment.

So take heart. This is not over.

At the Judicial Review (which will be a different judge) the case to annul the ban is presented.

It is not a case of 'its' not fair' but the case has to be presented that it was done in an ''incorrect'' process by the government, and if just one piece of evidence has one tiny mistake in fact- it could blow the entire case.

I am going to do 7 things.

1. Take heart in that we have a judicial review PRIOR to the exemption deadline.

2. Call my MP TODAY
i). regarding the rescues situation. (and follow up in writing).
ii). to let him know that the judge in the highest court in the UK feels there IS merit in a case AGAINST the government for the way in which this ban was introduced.

3 Cause my local rescues to let DBMLM know of the number of dogs in their care that may come under the xl bully type description. This SUPPORTS THE CASE.

4. Contact my local vets to emplore them to refuse to kill any healthy xl bully type dog - at least until after the judicial review. Just to acknowledge, I know that no vet wants to do this, and that no owner wants to do this either - but if the judicial review annuls the ban …

5. Support those in my groups with xl bully types, as best I can

6. Contact the Housing Ombudsman again and support just one person whose council are forcing them to get rid of their dog (only factor is the ban, no other misdemeanours or broken agreements)

7. Encourage anyone whose housing association / housing provider is telling them to get rid of their dogs because of the ban - to email a copy of the letter to those coordinating this via DBMLM. THIS SUPPORTS THE CASE.

What actions are *YOU* taking to support yourself or those around you?

xx nic

For current factual information please refer to the government website and to the updates via DontBanMeLicenceMe on instagram. Brilliant live update last night that can be watched today. Please do not listen to ''media'' as they can misrepresent things and this causes extra concern and upset.

21/12/2023

REMEMBERING ...

As the holidays draw nearer, thoughts can instinctively turn towards the excitement, the merriment, the meeting of families and friends. This can be true for many - but not all.

Today we take a moment to think of those that cannot afford a tree, festive food or bare essentials; those that have no home to call their own, those without family or friends that care, those who are ill, anxious, lonely, afraid.

We take a moment to remember those spending their time over Christmas caring for others.

And we take a moment to think of all those grieving a loss.

This year has been another hard year. Very hard for some.

For all those that lost a loved one this year, Christmas time always seems to be the hardest time of all.

Whether this was your dog, your partner, your family, your friend - grief can cut like a knife, it comes in waves, it takes you by surprise with the smallest things, the echo of a song or the scent of a memory.

And whilst I am sure your wish would be to have one more day, I hope that your heart and soul is warmed by wonderful memories.

I hope that you find joy and peace in the little things this Christmas time.

With my love to you all
Truly and sincerely,
xx nic

Once again it is POSTCODE LOTTERY as to whether owners get to keep their dog or not.And if they don't, it is likely they...
21/12/2023

Once again it is POSTCODE LOTTERY as to whether owners get to keep their dog or not.

And if they don't, it is likely they have to kill their dog.

Owners that live in council housing or live in housing association homes orEVEN own their home with a shared ownership with housing associatoins. - all these owners MAY not be able to keep their dogs - depending on the wording in tenancy agreements.

Many agreements state that you cannot keep a Section 1 dog.

Some private housing has this stipulation as well.

Here is a link to a list of Housing Providers who will allow, exempted xl bully type dogs remain in their homes:
https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurSeizedDogs/posts/pfbid02rFmrw3d66acBa1qE2JfeoarBHK6jme7tuDyxHsTk5Ng4QEqMaCXum9Bqo9TAr8DNl?__cft__[0]=AZW_SJbwmp7btywVp99P8dfM3oW_7DBNXw3c2uJtkNqZPx-NpHgwJvkZD6XyEa5sLU02tq8u9-M34jZjTUQ5CQ_1LcvW-t2S2Gie1cLdXIbydQThd1jWiScjvWGm1Oya-_wPCHQ6omaiHgwGLdB8LB-E&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

Others however may not be so lucky.

HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE? or even LOGICAL?

Owners did not go out and ''get'' a Section 1 dog and try and sneak the dog into their homes.

Owners have a dog, that is causing no issue whatever, but due to some random measurements (that do not even include all xl bullies by the way) their dog is now being termed as a 'Dangerous Dog' and is now on the Section 1 list - meaning you cant have that dog in your home.

Owners in this situation have 2 choices:

1. Accept forced homelessness (unless you know of how you can get a council home in 10 days with an S1 dog in the same borough that is telling you you cant??)

2. Kill their pet dog (I say kill, as rehoming is practically impossible, rescues are full, and you cannot abandon, let stray or rehome after 31st December as it will be against the law.

How can some providers show compassion

and some providers blindly follow wording that they made up years and years ago - that makes no sense when a dog has not done anything wrong?

Will the directors of the latter housing providers be the ones to seize the dogs, and kill them, themselves? I think not. But they should have to. As sitting behind a desk, making decisions is easy. Facing the IMPACT of these decisions less so.

Please check with your housing provider, and if your housing provider is NOT on the list (that is permitting), please write to them, lodge a formal complaint, escalate it to the Housing Ombudsman, as there are now more and more associations that ARE allowing these dogs to remain in their family homes, peaceful, safe, happy. You will not be the only one in your borough so connect with others, support each other and shout for help if you need it.

🏡 LIST OF HOUSING PROVIDERS WHO WILL ALLOW EXEMPT XL BULLIES TO REMAIN 😃

If you are refused permission please contact Shelter for advice https://www.shelter.org.uk/

B3 living
Stonehouse
Leeds Council
Wolverhampton Council
Weavervale
Platform Housing
Bron Afon
Tai Calon Community Housing
Leicester City Council
Clarion Housing
Newport City Homes
Sanctuary Housing
Home Group
Samphire Housing
Peterborough City Council
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
Merthyr Valleys Homes
Hightown Housing
Fareham Borough Council
South Liverpool Homes
Ongo Homes
Berneslai homes
Portsmouth City Council
Plymouth Community Housing
St Ledger Homes
Epping Forest DC
Stockport Homes
Magenta Living (Birkenhead)
Mansfield Council
Teign Housing (Devon)
Halton Housing
Onwards Homes
Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (Grimsby)
Sovereign Housing (Berkshire)
Guinness Housing (Shirebrook)
BDHT (Bromgrove)
Charnwood Borough Council (Leicestershire)
Riverside (Manchester)
Derby Homes (Derby)
United Welsh (Wales)
Town & Country Housing (R.Wells)
Sheffield City Housing
London & Quadrant (Croydon & Trafford Housing)
Colon Community Housing
StoneWater Housing
Hyde Housing
Jonnie Johnson
Tai Tarian
Thirteen (Teeside)
West Way Lettings (Teeside)
South Cambs District Housing
South Tyneside Homes
Vivid (if previous permission granted to keep a dog)
South Staffs Council
Sandwell Council
Southern Housing
Birmingham City Council
Brighter Places Housing
Hafod Housing
Hillingdon Borough
Homes Plus, formally South Staffs
Regenda Homes
Linc Cymru
Cardiff Council
High Peak Borough Council
Livin County Durham
Redditch Borough Council
Mossacare St Vincent's
Rotherham Council Housing
PHP Housing (Poole & Dorset)
Coastline Housing (Cornwall, if proof of permission)
Live West Housing
Lincoln City Council
Broadacres West Yorkshire
Places for People
Wyre Forest District Council
Cheshire Peaks and Plains (if you have written permission for a dog)
Jigsaw Homes North
Orbit
Victory Homes
Caerphilly Council, subject to secure garden check
Flagship homes if permission for an XL is already granted, plus exemption conditions compliant
Bristol City Council
Stroud District Council
North Warwickshire Council
Bolton at Home
Gloucester City Homes
East Riding Council
Pembrokeshire County Council
Wigan and Leigh Council
Curo Housing Association
Saffron Housing Trust
Brighton & Hove City Council
BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole)
Forhousing (Manchester)
Wrekin Housing Group (West Midlands)
Folkestone-Hythe District Council
Wandsworth Council
Dartford Borough Council
Luton Borough Council (Three Rivers)
The Guinness Partnership (Crewe)
Community Gateway Preston
Blaenau Gwent (South Wales)
Enfield Council
Fareham Borough Council
Castle & Coasts Cumbria
Mount Green Housing Association
Monmouthshire Housing Tai Sir Fynwy
Torridge & North Devon District Councils
Chesterfield Borough Council
Bromford (Gloucestershire)
West Devon Borough Council
Braintree District Council
Cross Keys Home (Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Bedfordshire & Milton Keynes) as long you comply with the regulations
Newtide Homes (as long as you had previous permission & comply with rules)
City Of Lincoln Council (as long as you apply for exemption)
Connexus Group (Only if you already had permission)
Bristol City Council
Saxon Weald Housing (If permission is approved and as long as you follow exemption)
Dacorum Borough Council
My Property Store
Southend Housing
Kesteven Housing
Sanctuary Housing
Stoke on Trent Council
Peabody (London and South east)
Greatwell Homes
Longhurst Group
South Derbyshire District Council
New Forest District Council
Broadband Housing Group
Medway Council
Horsham District Council
Wrexham County Borough Council
Tai Wales and West
Pembrokeshire County Council
Midland Heart Birmingham
Wakefield District Council (conflicting reports as some people are receiving rejection letters)
Havering
Astar
Broxstowe Borough Council
Cygnor Gwynedd County Council
Denbighshire County Council
Ellis Housing
Cadwyn Housing Association
Acis
North Star Thornaby
Cardiff Community Housing Association
Mountgreen Housing Association, with proof of exemption and prior permission to keep a dog
Kirklees, as long as conditions of exemption are followed
Newydd Housing Association
Paradigm Housing Group
Cobalt Housing (Liverpool)
NKDC North Kesteven District Council
Accent Housing
Cross Keys
Adra (Tai) Cyfyngedig
Torus Housing
Trivallis
Rhonda HA

The above list will be added to as and when we get information, these housing providers will allow you to stay in your property with an exempt XL Bully as long as owners adhere to the exemption conditions and there are no complaints about the dog at the property.

This list is compiled from owners who have contacted their housing providers, if yours is not listed and you need information please contact them yourselves. Special thanks to Kinley Goodman for contacting so many housing providers and updating us regularly.

Devastating news.There will be a live via instagram:DontBanMeLicenceMe with further information this evening. Time to b...
21/12/2023

Devastating news.

There will be a live via instagram:

DontBanMeLicenceMe

with further information this evening. Time to be confirmed.

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Merry Christmas everyone! Wishing you all a peaceful holiday period, filled with love and joy. Please do post your Christmas pics, beautiful ones or bloopers!, on this post, and share your good wishes to each other! From me and all the team at RDuk with much love xx nic UK members - in the case of a bite, please contact Dog Law for support. They have a number that is checked for emergencies during the holiday period. RDUK NINJAS ... all love, support and guidance for SOS situations - be it a bite, a dangerous situation or huge distress - is in the group - please check our Featured Posts for guidance.

STRESS RELIEF for reactive dogs ... Trainer Tip Day 23 for a Stress-free, Merry Little Christmas with your Reactive Dog If we need to support our dog when they are becoming stressed Tellington Touch, more commonly known as Ttouch is a brilliant tool to master. My go-to for a dog that is having or just had a reaction is Zebra Touch. My go-to for general calming support is the basic circular motion on my dogs chest, and Ear Ttouch (involving moves known as ear slides). There are many 'moves' for Ttouch as well as other supportive techniques that can be applied to reactivity but also is amazing for building confidence, independence, calming and health benefits for our dogs. Join us. We Care. ❤️ x nic

PLAN IN SOME TIME FOR YOU!!! Admittedly you might not have that much time! But whether you can squeeze in 2 minutes, 5, 10, 20 or 30 you are doing GREAT! And to take advantage of those short gaps, you need to plan some pick me ups in advance! Plan what you might do to support yourself, so that if a 5 minute opportunity comes along, - take it. You're worth it! Join us. We Care. ❤️ x nic

REMEMBERING ... As the holidays draw nearer, thoughts can instinctively turn towards the excitement, the merriment, the meeting of families and friends. This can be true for many - but not all. Today we take a moment to think of those that cannot afford a tree, festive food or bare essentials; those that have no home to call their own, those without family or friends that care, those who are ill, anxious, lonely, afraid. We take a moment to remember those spending their time over Christmas caring for others. And we take a moment to think of all those grieving a loss. This year has been another hard year. Very hard for some. For all those that lost a loved one this year, Christmas time always seems to be the hardest time of all. Whether this was your dog, your partner, your family, your friend - grief can cut like a knife, it comes in waves, it takes you by surprise with the smallest things, the echo of a song or the scent of a memory. And whilst I am sure your wish would be to have one more day, I hope that your heart and soul is warmed by wonderful memories. I hope that you find joy and peace in the little things this Christmas time. With my love to you all Truly and sincerely, xx nic

QUICK CHECKLIST Trainer Tip Day 19 for a Stress-free, Merry Little Christmas with your Reactive Dog Final Quick Checklist So the past few weeks we have looked at the little steps to take to get set for Xmas. Please refer back to the advent calendar posts for summary information and of course, full details in the amazing Reactive Dogs UK support group for owners with Reactive Dogs. In a nutshell: Start of Calm Set the rules Set the reminders Safe places inside Safe places outside Agree who is responsible for what/whom Emergency resources Please do give us a heart if our trainer tips have been useful and if you feel better prepared now for a Merry Little Christmas with your reactive dog. Much love xx nic Join us. We Care. ❤️ x nic #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.reactivedogs.uk Follow us! www.instagram.com/reactivedogsuk

Trainer Tip Day 18 for a Stress-free, Merry Little Christmas with your Reactive Dog WALKIES PREP Particularly if you are going away for the holiday period, preparing for your walks is important. There will be times when the world, his wife and his dog will be out - avoid that! You might be somewhere completely new - go check it out first, without your dog if you can. And if you can - have some company on a walk. They will be your warners of oncoming triggers and your protectors from unwanted approaches from the rear. Make sure you have the address and contact details of the emergency vets with you. Its unlikely you’ll need it - but it is there in case you do. Now then, we just need the whole of the UK to agree to eat their main meal at 1pm and not move again until 5pm .. and that gives us a 4 hour window of quiet! For support with your reactive dog. Join us. We Care. ❤️ x nic #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.reactivedogs.uk Follow us! www.instagram.com/reactivedogsuk

WHEN TO INTERVENE
WHEN TO INTERVENE

Trainer Tip Day 17 for a Stress-free, Merry Little Christmas with your Reactive Dog HOW WILL WE KNOW WHEN TO INTERVENE? It will be our job to intervene in situations when our dogs are not happy - IDEALLY before then - but how will we know? Understanding your dog’s body language is the easiest way to know how they are feeling (but even then there are things they cannot communicate so well - eg pain or internal discomforts) It is our job to learn what these subtle communications mean, listen and respond. Appropriately. It is also our job to teach our guests. There are loads of online resources to help people understand dog body language better - Lilli Chin and Dr Sophie Yin drawings are good starters. Much love x nic #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.reactivedogs.uk Follow us! www.instagram.com/reactivedogsuk

START OFF CALM Trainer Tip Day 16 for a Stress-free, Merry Little Christmas with your Reactive Dog If you've not been able to have an introduction in a safe field or on a quiet walk around the block, your first meeting will be at the house. Guests should come in quietly and calmly and don’t look, talk to or touch the dog to start with. No greetings in the hallway - it is way too cramped and adds unnecessary stress for your dog. Ask guests to bring something that they have infused with their scent for a few days - a sock or an old tea towel for example. (I usually use half a teatowel and knot it for doggy interactions). You can give this to your dog instead of a direct interaction and it is a way for your dog to get to know the scents of your guests in a non-threatening manner. If there are multiple visitors, you can put all their ‘scent gifts’ into a cardboard box or bag for your dog to snuffle through and explore - you can chuck a few tiny treats in there too for extra positive associations. If your dog is more fearful/aggressive towards strangers, much stricter guidelines are needed. Starting the way you mean to go on will set everyone up for a peaceful time. For detailed help with your visitor reactive dog. We Care. ❤️ x nic #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.reactivedogs.uk Follow us! www.instagram.com/reactivedogsuk

KIDS AND DOGS @ CHRISTMAS Trainer Tip Day 14 for a Stress Free, Merry Little Christmas … with your reactive dog. Kids are soooooo excited at Christmas time! And rightly so! But this might not be a good mix for a dog not used to kids, one sensitive to squeals or movement, one that guards his bed or toys or food. Or indeed a child that is scared of dogs. There are 2 elements in the equation of kids and dogs, and we must remember not to expect to make it the dog's job to put up with anything and everything. Children also need to be taught and shown what works around dogs. The adults need to discuss and agree, so that everyone knows who is managing whom, both kids and dogs, to keep a safe and happy household - with no one left out. Kids and dogs have the potential to be such fabulous company for each other. Just be mindful of what works for *your* dog. For additional support with this, please do join us. We Care. ❤️ x nic #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.reactivedogs.uk Follow us! www.instagram.com/reactivedogsuk

EAT DRINK AND BE MERRY CAREFUL! Trainer Tip Day 13 for a Stress Free, Merry Little Christmas … with your reactive dog. In a nutshell, tipsy people and reactive dogs don’t mix very well ! Us humans can become carefree, careless and can forget the little things for safety. Just be mindful of what food and drink is where and how accessible it is for your dogs. Not all dogs are brilliant at leaving things alone, especially if folks leave food or drink unattended at floor or nose height! Xmas foods that are dangerous for our dogs include the Christmas puddings, mince pies, chocolates, cooked bones in the turkey etc. alcohol and nuts, left out on low level tables etc Be mindful of young kiddies wandering around with food in their hands (all at dog nose height usually!!) and be especially mindful if dogs are resource guarders when it comes to food - quite often it becomes a case of what’s mine is mine, and what’s yours is also mine … For more info, check out the danger things for our four-legged friends here: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/christmas-dangers-dogs Much love X nic #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog Join us for more professional guidance and oodles of love and support! www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.reactivedogs.uk Follow us! www.instagram.com/reactivedogsuk

WHAT WHAT WHAT?! Trainer Tip Day 12 for a Merry Little Christmas with your Reactive Dog Today we take a moment to consider WHAT known triggers will be around and what potential triggers there may be? What is your dog like with unexpected noises (think xmas crackers!) ? new things? flashing lights? new scents? Prolonged high energy vibes in the home? Prolonged noise with lively, loud people? What things does your dog need to feel settled - a safe bed? favourite toy? blankets with your or their scents? quiet? something to lick or chew? Please take a moment to really take in how different Xmas time is for our dogs - all their senses - and understand how overwhelming it can be, not just for reactive dogs, but for all dogs. And look at what you can put in place to support them. For help, do join us. We Care. ❤️ x nic #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.reactivedogs.uk Follow us! www.instagram.com/reactivedogsuk

Trainer Tip Day 11 for a Stress Free, Merry Little Xmas … with your Reactive Dog If you have multiple dogs in the household over the holiday period when one or more are reactive, and they are not used to each other - it takes real vigilance on behalf of the adults. Tag teams! Have one person responsible for each dog, in some instances tethering (to humans) can give you that additional reassurance as well as the multiple baby gates and separation for sleep, eating and play. Muzzle up for additional safety. Rehab and training opportunities may be presented but it depends on the individual dogs. So do what works for the dogs in front of you. If all you do is keep them both calm and happy and there are no reactions - THAT is an accomplishment in itself and will ensure everyone has a merry little Xmas. For more on this. Join us. We Care. ❤️ x nic #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.reactivedogs.uk Follow us! www.instagram.com/reactivedogsuk

Trainer Tip Day 9 for a Stress Free, Merry Little Xmas … with your Reactive Dog Control the Christmas Crowd Visitors need reminders of safety rules simply because they do not LIVE with a reactive dog. Make the reminders brightly coloured if you can! Kids love to tell adults what to do, so get them involved with safety poster making! Ha ha! Folks need to be reminded AT the time they need to remember. Put a reminder AT the front door, AT the back door, AT the baby gates .. you get the gist. You know what to do. You’ve got this! For support and professional advice with your reactive dog; Join us. We Care. ❤️ Xx nic #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.reactivedogs.uk Follow us! www.instagram.com/reactivedogsuk

Trainer Tip Day 8 for a Stress Free, Merry Little Xmas … with your Reactive Dog Advocate for your Dog If you are the one hosting this Christmas, do not be afraid to lay down the rules for safety. If you are visiting - slightly more challenging - but only agree to visit if they will agree to support and work with you and follow your guidelines for being safe. If visitors do not agree to abide by the rules you have put in place for the safety of everyone, it is very simple - they do not come in. Period. If something goes wrong, the ones most likely to pay the price are you and your dog. And the cost is too high. Be proud of being the ones looking out for everyone's well being and safety. The cost of not doing so is too high. Shared with love, because we truly care X nic ❤️ #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.reactivedogs.uk Follow us! www.instagram.com/reactivedogsuk

Trainer Tip Day 7 for a Stress Free, Merry Little Xmas … with your Reactive Dog Create House Rules for safety Your house rules are whatever you need to do, or your guests need to do, in order to keep everyone safe - the dogs, the kids, the adults, the delivery man, the cat etc ... Letting your guests know what the rules of the house are is very important but knowing what they are in the first place is key. Take a moment to really think about, and write it down, what rules work for you, and your dog, in the different environments that you will be in over the holiday period. House Rules only work, if everyone is on the same page. So what's written on your page? To explore this, do join us. We Care. ❤️ #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog Join us! www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.reactivedogs.uk Follow us! www.instagram.com/reactivedogsuk

Trainer Tip Day 6 for a Stress Free, Merry Little Xmas … with your Reactive Dog Knock! Knock! Who’s there? If you are going to be interacting with people / dogs that are not seen that often, take time with the introductions on neutral ground if you can first. Kiddies are likely to be super excited and hey (and even adults) may find following the house rules challenging. Avoid any introductions in hallways as it can be cramped and the feeling of being confined can stress any dog. For further help with reducing stress to visitors, do join us. We Care. ❤️ x nic #rdukcares #lovelifewithyourdog www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098 www.facebook.com/groups/1633448230248202 www.reactivedogs.uk

Tip Day 4 for a Stress Free, Merry Little Xmas … with your Reactive Dog Peace, Pees, Peas & Zees .. We need to consider where our dogs will play, pee, eat and sleep, in peace during the holiday hoo-hah. It essentially boils down to separation, physical barriers, communication and teamwork! Crates are useful especially for keeping our dogs safe when the humans are eating but be sure that your dog is well socialised with their crate. And if you’re away from home, and family/friends do not want your dogs peeing in their back garden, take a human buddy with you, to be your look out and protector whilst on a pee walk. We need to manage our dogs' environment to set them up for success and we might just need a little help too. For more info on this, please do join us. We Care. xx ninja nic #linkinbio #rdukcares #reactivedogs #yellowdogs #anxiousdogs

Tip Day 3 for a Stress Free, Merry Little Xmas … with your Reactive Dog Safe Spaces at HOME With all the Christmas bustle, visitors, or even visiting dogs, a SAFE SPACE at home for your reactive dog is a must. Even happy-go-lucky dogs can get stressed. Be it a room or a part of a room, physically block it off (baby gates or playpens are great) so that your dog can have a protected space. A ”cornered/ trapped dog” in a tight space is not going to feel happy – so have a look at where the dog spots (crates, beds, mats etc) are going to be in each room and check that they have enough space and a clear exit. For more info on this, please do join us. We Care. xx ninja nic #linkinbio #rdukcares #reactivedogs #yellowdogs #anxiousdogs

Tip Day 2 for a Stress Free, Merry Little Xmas … with your Reactive Dog Walkies! Getting out to enjoy green spaces can be challenging for reactive dogs, and even more so over the festive period when the whole world and his wife and their dogs are on holiday and out there too! So make the most of secure, safe fields that you can hire, or the garden of where-ever you are for Xmas (if you are away, double triple check it is secure for *your* dog). Many a time I have taken my own fencing when visiting family! SERIOUSLY!! Of course there is also the option to just have a day off! But remember it is not just about the Zzzzz at home. For more info on this, please do join us. We Care. xx ninja nic #linkinbio #rdukcares #reactivedogs #yellowdogs #anxiousdogs

RDuk ADVENT CALENDAR! Tip 1 for a Stress Free, Merry Little Xmas … with your Reactive Dog Work out well in advance WHERE you will be spending Christmas, as you will need different resources. Different people will need to be involved in your pre-Christmas planning and gradual socialisation with new places and people may be needed. Start now ! For more info on this, please do join us. We Care. ❤ xx ninja nic #linkinbio #rdukcares #reactivedogs #yellowdogs #anxiousdogs

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