Oldham dog trainer's advice to XL bully dog owners over ban

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced XL American Bully dogs will make their way onto the banned list of breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 by the end of the year.

The move comes after a spike in attacks, some fatal, from the breed on both humans and other pets.

However, XL Bully owners are campaigning to reverse the decision with many, such as Oldham boxer, Mark Heffron, claiming bad ownership is to blame for the attacks.

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Still, XL Bully's are due to join four other breeds of dangerous dogs on the list - the Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japenese Tosa and the Pit Bull Terrier.

Misinformation about what the ban means has since spread across the country as many fear their beloved pets will be euthanised in a mass culling while shelters report a sharp influx of abandoned dogs at their rescue centres since the news broke.

Amid the panic, dog trainer, Niall Barnes, whose academy, NB Dog Training, trains aggressive and reactive dogs and teaches owners how to handle their unruly pets, has called for calm, logic and rationality.

Niall Barnes has been training Oldham's pets for more than three years, including XL Bully's (Image: NB Dog Training)

With experience in most breeds, including all kinds of bully types, Niall said he has been inundated with people reaching out in an "understandable state of panic" and has advice for those who are feeling worried.

Speaking to The Oldham Times, Niall said the first thing to consider is that the XL Bully is not currently recognised as an official breed in the UK, meaning "no legal action can be applied until that definition is made".

He added: "Take a deep breath, nothing is going to happen straight away.

"Defining a breed is difficult and will take some time."

However, he said owners should utilise this time to give their pets the "best chance of success" when the ban goes ahead.

Niall explained: "In the past, certain dogs that are classified as banned breeds have been made exempt in the law and those exempted dogs are not euthanised but will need to be neutered, muzzled and kept on a lead in public places, including in cars.

"The exempt dogs must have been proven to the court not to be dangerous and will need to be insured.

"Think with logic, not with feelings and emotions."

The trainer advised owners to gently introduce the changes for their pets to get them used to things like wearing a muzzle and walking on a lead so that when the ban is enforced, it doesn't come as a shock to the dog.

Niall said a muzzle should be introduced slowly, building up over a few weeks to an hour or so.

When it comes to fitting the muzzle, owners should ensure their pet can't slip out of it while also being mindful that it is comfortable enough for the dog to pant and drink water.

He continued: "Seek training to teach your dog to walk well on the lead. This will be incredibly important as showing good control of your dog, reduces how dangerous they will be deemed."

Jason Manford's family pet, Buddy, was renowned for biting until Niall tamed him (Image: NB Dog Training)

The dog tamer, who once trained comedian Jason Manford's family dog, Buddy, who needed urgent attention for biting his family, said it's also important owners "treat your dog like a dog".

Niall explained: "Dogs are serious animals who have the physical capability to cause genuine harm.

"I know people, myself included, see their dogs as family, but it's also important to see them as a predatory animal with urges and instincts - and to take that responsibility seriously."

Even if exempted, Niall said it is most likely that XL Bully dogs will need to be neutered and warned owners not to wait until the ban is in place as the practice could then be carried out by a court-appointed vet and in an environment the dog isn't used to.

He said: "This will cause lots of extra unnecessary stress, which won’t help you or them.

"I would advise looking into having this done ASAP by your own vet if possible as this will be the least stressful outcome for them.

"Vets are going to be inundated with neuterings, so don’t wait."

Finally, he said owners should take advantage of any local trainers in the area, particularly if their dog does display any behavioural issues.

He added: "This is an uncertain time - nobody really knows how this will play out, even the Prime Minister doesn't know yet, so focus on what is in your control.

"I know this is easier said than done but don't panic.

"Your dog needs you calm and thinking rationally right now."

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.