New Action Plan for Animal Welfare Announced

Best Behaviour Dog Training join the UK’s pet welfare organisations in welcoming the UK Government’s new action plan for animal welfare.
 
As parent and guardian to 16 dogs, 35 cats, 4 rabbits, 4 guinea pigs, a hamster and a parrot- most of whom are rescues, Zoe fully supports the government’s proposal to introduce more anti-cruelty measures in the UK.
 
The policy paper, released on 12th May 2021 outlines our government’s plans to lead the way in improving the wellbeing or pets, farm animals, wildlife and any animal currently kept in captivity.
 
The paper talks of a ban on importing young puppies; improvements to the licensing laws for dog breeders and boarding kennels; introducing legislation to ensure all cats are microchipped; tackling pet theft and prohibiting the importation of dogs who have been subjected to cruel practices such as ear cropping and tail docking. 
 
These are some fantastic steps to improve animal welfare in the UK!
 
Electric shock collar ban
 As a dog trainer, One of Zoe’s personal hates is the use of electric shock collars as an to deter unwanted behaviours.
 
“These things are cruel beyond belief” she says. “They are not a training aid in any way shape or form and can cause dogs immeasurable pain and severe psychological damage. I absolutely abhor them”
 
Imagine Zoe’s relief when she read that the government is taking measures to ban remote controlled e-collars for good.  We don’t have a date yet for the legislation to be passed, but as far as Zoe, and every responsible pet owner in this country is concerned, the day can’t come quickly enough.
 
How can pet owners help raise welfare standards?
 I’m sure that if you are reading this, you are already a responsible pet owner who genuinely wants to help your own furry friends to live their very best life. But you too can help the UK government to stamp out animal cruelty.

• When you are ready to welcome a new pet into you life, research his or her background very carefully.  NEVER buy from an unscrupulous breeder. If puppy farms weren’t profitable, they would soon fizzle out.
• Before you adopt or buy, be sure that you can accommodate your pet’s needs at every stage of their life - even the awkward adolescent stage. It’s worth making an appointment to chat with a dog trainer who will help you decide which type of dog would best fit into your lifestyle.
• Prevention is better than cure. By using the right training and management techniques from day one, you can avoid many of the problems that give dogs a bad name.  Beautifully behaved pooches don’t tempt manufacturers to invent and profit from cruel control devices.
• Only ever use reward based training methods. If your pet develops behaviours that you find difficult to manage, consult a dog trainer or an animal behaviourist as soon as possible. They will work with you to solve the problem in a kind and calm manner.
• Choose your dog trainer wisely! The dog training industry is not regulated yet and there are some unscrupulous people who use outdated and cruel methods. Look for trainers who are accredited members of a trade body such as the IMDT, The Pet Professional Guild or ICAN.  If in doubt, keep looking!  Here’s our advice on finding a dog trainer.  https://www.bestbehaviourdogtraining.co.uk/news-and-advice-post/how-to-choose-a-dog-trainer/
• Provide plenty of enrichment activities for you pet. Quality time spent with you on sniffari walks, playing games, or learning new skills is what your dog will love the most.
• Don’t forget about the other animals that you may come across every day. Farm livestock and wild creatures deserve to be treated with respect too. And that means from your dog as well as from yourself.
• Whilst out walking, Stick to the countryside code and always use good dog walking etiquette to avoid conflict with other pets and their owners. Keep your dog on the lead around livestock don’t drop litter (it could harm wildlife), and always pick up your dog’s mess.

Let’s all work together to make sure that dogs are accepted as valuable members of society. What will you do to celebrate and support this government initiative?

Read the government’s action plan for animal welfare here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/action-plan-for-animal-welfare/action-plan-for-animal-welfare
 
Book a consultation with a dog behaviourist and find kind but effective solutions to your problems.  https://www.bestbehaviourdogtraining.co.uk/dog-behaviour/
 
Hints and tips on dealing with the sometimes challenging behaviours of adolescent dogs.  https://www.bestbehaviourdogtraining.co.uk/news-and-advice-post/do-you-have-an-adolescent-dog/