I know what I am going to say here will anger some people but I will always say what I believe to be in the best interests of dogs everywhere.

It appears that some dog trainers in the UK, are offering free instruction to owners of the, soon to be banned, American XL Bully. At first glance this seems to be a kind and generous thing to do but is it, or are we looking at promotional PR? These trainers must know that the offer is being made to people who will not take them up on it. I also wonder what this offer means to the existing, paying, customers of the ‘trainers’, are they expected to keep paying when other owners are getting tuition for nothing?

Anyway, that is a side issue, the real worry is what the offered training actually involves, as traditional training is a prime cause of undesirable/unacceptable dog behaviour in the first place, across the board.

I know this offer will make absolutely no difference to the problem of dog attacks. We are all fully aware that those who are currently responsible for these awful instances would never look to others to tell them what they should do with their own dogs. I think we all know that the only dog owners who would even consider this type of training are not the ones that really need instruction in the first place.

Of course, the offer of free training will enhance the reputation of the ‘trainers’ who are offering it, and it will generate more business for them as owners hear of their kind offer. After all, we are a nation of animal lovers are we not? However, it does not address the problem effectively

Of course, the offer of free training will enhance the reputation of the ‘trainers’ who are offering it, and it will generate more business for them as owners hear of their kind offer. After all, we are a nation of animal lovers are we not? However, it does not address the problem effectively and also helps to stigmatise and demonise this particular breed even further.

For me, we are a nation of animal owners, but I do not imagine for one minute that statement applies to the owners of dogs who have attacked, or attempted to attack, other dogs or humans. If any of these owners actually attended one of the offered classes, and their dog subsequently went on to hurt someone, they now have someone else to point the finger at and can wash their hands of any responsibility.

This situation is spiraling out of control and offering training, however genuine the offer may be, to people who will not take it anyway is not the answer.

Banning a specific breed of dog is not the answer either. A new, similar, breed will soon take its place and will be obtained by the same people as before. The next breed will then need to be banned, something that could only take place after yet more tragic incidents.

The bottom line is that we do not need charitable, but ineffective, offers by a minority, we need legislation against certain dog owners, not their dogs.

Sincerely,

Jan Fennell