There are some people who quietly make the world a better place simply because of the love they have for animals. Sadly, two very special women, Rachael Harvey-Purkiss and Allison Condon, have lost their lives while doing something they loved so dearly — helping rescue dogs.

The ladies were in Romania on a rescue mission, transporting dogs towards a better life, when tragedy struck. Their loss is absolutely heartbreaking, and several of the dogs travelling with them also sadly lost their lives. 

As an active dog rescue assessor, transporter and homechecker myself, I know only too well just how dedicated rescue workers are. So much time, effort, emotion and love goes into helping these dogs, often behind the scenes and without any recognition. From checking potential homes to driving long distances and making sure dogs get their chance at a better life, rescue work really does come from the heart.

That's why this tragedy feels especially sad. These ladies were out there doing something selfless, giving their time to help dogs who desperately needed a chance. Nobody does rescue work for glory or praise — we do it because we care, and because every single dog deserves a chance to be safe and loved.

My heart goes out to their families, friends, fellow rescuers and everyone involved in the rescue community who will be feeling this devastating loss. It's a stark reminder of the risks, sacrifices and dedication that can come with this work.

Rest peacefully, Rachael, Allison and the dogs who never made it to their new homes. Thank you for the love you gave and the lives you tried to change. Your kindness mattered, and you will not be forgotten. 

Gone far too soon, but forever remembered by the rescue community. 

From 1 November 2026, new government rules will strengthen child safety around banned dog breeds, including XL Bullies, in homes and private gardens. The regulations, announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), will require owners to ensure that children under the age of 12 are not left in close contact with these dogs without appropriate adult supervision. 

The new requirement will apply to owners who hold a Certificate of Exemption allowing them to legally keep a banned breed dog. Failure to comply could result in enforcement action, including the possibility of prosecution or the dog being seized.

The rules aim to reduce the risk of serious injuries to young children, particularly in domestic settings where interactions with family pets may occur without close supervision. Adults will need to remain present, observe interactions and be able to intervene immediately if necessary.

Dog owners are encouraged to prepare ahead of the November deadline by reviewing their home arrangements and considering secure barriers, separate rooms or other safe ways to keep children and dogs apart when direct supervision is not possible.

Although the new legal requirement specifically concerns children under 12 and banned dog breeds, including XL Bullies, parents and carers are reminded that all dogs should be treated with care around young children. Responsible supervision remains essential to protecting both children and animals.

​DEFRA has introduced a new option allowing registered owners of XL Bully dogs in England and Wales to apply to withdraw their Certificate of Exemption if they no longer believe their dog meets the XL Bully type definition.

The scheme was officially made available on 1 October 2026, following earlier delays while the government developed the process. The option is intended for owners who believe their dog was incorrectly identified as an XL Bully and should not be subject to the breed-specific restrictions.

However owners are being urged to take care before applying. Once a certificate has been withdrawn, it cannot be reinstated or replaced. If a dog is subsequently found to be an XL Bully type, keeping it without a valid exemption could constitute a criminal offence and the dog may be seized.

As force-free dog trainers, we welcome sensible changes that help ensure dogs are assessed fairly and that decisions are based on accurate information. Every dog deserves to be treated as an individual, with its welfare and needs taken into account.

Owners who are unsure whether their dog meets the official definition should continue following all exemption conditions and consult DEFRA's guidance before making a decision.

The new process is available through the official government website.

Find out more: GOV.UK – Apply to withdraw a Certificate of Exemption

Source: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Crisp mornings, colourful leaves, muddy paws and cosy evenings on the sofa… autumn is here! 🍁 It's a lovely time of year to get out and about with our dogs, but the changing weather brings a few things for us to think about.

As force-free dog trainers, we believe caring for our dogs means helping them feel safe, comfortable and confident, whatever the season. So, grab a cuppa and check out our top autumn dog care tips!

🍂 1. Watch Out for Autumn Hazards

Fallen leaves are great for sniffing and exploring, but they can hide all sorts of things underneath! Conkers and acorns can be harmful if eaten, while mouldy food, mushrooms and discarded rubbish can also pose risks. Keep an eye on what your dog is investigating, and contact your vet if you think they've eaten something potentially toxic.

🌧️ 2. Muddy Paws? No Problem!

Autumn walks can quickly turn into muddy adventures! Keep a towel by the door and gently clean your dog's paws and tummy when you get home. Check between their toes for mud, grit and little bits of debris, and dry them thoroughly to help prevent irritation.

A waterproof coat may help some dogs stay comfortable in wet weather, especially those with thin coats or who feel the cold. Just make sure it fits well and doesn't restrict their movement.

🌙 3. Be Bright on Dark Walks

With shorter days and darker evenings, it's time to think about visibility. Reflective harnesses, high-visibility jackets and LED collar lights can help your dog stand out to cyclists, drivers and other walkers.

Keep practising recall and reward your dog for checking in with you. If visibility is poor or you're near roads and livestock, a lead can help keep everyone safe.

🐿️ 4. Let Them Sniff Their Way Through Autumn

Autumn is full of fascinating smells! Rather than rushing through every walk, give your dog plenty of opportunities to sniff, explore and investigate safely.

Sniffing is a natural behaviour that provides mental stimulation and can help dogs relax. Try scattering a few treats in safe, dry leaves or playing a simple scent game at home on rainy days.

Remember, enrichment doesn't have to mean long walks or complicated activities. Sometimes a few minutes of sniffing is just what your dog needs!

🎃 5. Keep Halloween Treats Out of Reach

Halloween sweets and chocolate aren't for dogs, and products containing xylitol can be particularly dangerous. Keep treats, decorations and glow sticks safely out of reach, and be mindful of visiting trick-or-treaters opening the front door.

If your dog finds visitors stressful, create a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat without being disturbed. Reward calm behaviour, and never force them to greet people in fancy dress!

🛁 6. Make Time for a Cosy Check-Up

Autumn is a great time to give your dog a little extra TLC. Check their coat, ears, paws and skin for irritation, ticks or anything unusual. Keep up with parasite prevention as advised by your vet, even when the weather gets cooler.

Older dogs and those with joint problems may also feel less comfortable in cold, damp weather. Provide a warm, dry bed and speak to your vet if you notice changes in their mobility or behaviour.

🧡 7. Keep Training Fun, Whatever the Weather

Rainy days are perfect for practising useful skills indoors! Try a few minutes of reward-based training, teach a new trick, practise settling on a mat or set up a simple treasure hunt.

As force-free trainers, we love activities that build confidence and strengthen the bond between dogs and their humans. Keep sessions short, reward the behaviours you like and remember that learning should be enjoyable for both of you.

🍁 Our Final Autumn Tip

Most importantly, enjoy the season together! Whether you're exploring crunchy woodland paths, splashing through puddles or snuggling up after a muddy walk, autumn offers plenty of opportunities to make happy memories with your four-legged friend.

Happy autumn from all of us — here's to wagging tails, muddy paws and plenty of positive adventures! 🐾🍂

There could be some important changes on the horizon for the UK dog training industry, with DEFRA's Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce looking at ways to improve standards for dog trainers and behaviourists.

The taskforce's report, published in September 2026, highlighted concerns about the lack of mandatory qualifications across the industry. At the moment, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, even without formal training or recognised qualifications.

As force-free dog trainers, we welcome positive changes that encourage better education, ethical training methods and a greater understanding of canine behaviour. We believe dogs deserve to be trained by people who understand how they learn, recognise their emotional needs and know how to support them without using fear or intimidation.

Introducing clearer professional standards could also help dog owners feel more confident when choosing a trainer, making it easier to find someone who puts their dog's welfare first.

Of course, regulation hasn't been introduced yet, and there is still more work to do before we know what any changes might look like. We're hopeful that continued discussions will help raise standards across the industry and encourage a more compassionate, evidence-based approach to dog training. We believe better-trained professionals mean better outcomes for dogs, their owners and the wider community. That's a change we would be happy to welcome!

Source: DEFRA – Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce report

​In March 2026, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launched a formal consultation on plans to ban trail hunting in England and Wales. Announced on 26 March, the proposal aims to strengthen protections for wildlife and close potential loopholes in the Hunting Act 2004.

Trail hunting involves hounds following a pre-laid animal-based scent trail across the countryside. However, concerns have been raised that dogs may pick up the scent of live wild animals, such as foxes, potentially leading to them being chased, injured or killed. There are also concerns that trail hunting could be used to disguise illegal hunting.

The consultation invited views from the public, farmers, landowners, animal welfare organisations and hunt organisers on how a ban could be introduced and enforced. It also considered how to protect other activities, such as drag hunting, from being unintentionally affected.

The consultation closed on 18 June 2026, with the government receiving approximately 184,000 responses. These responses are being considered to help shape the proposed legislation.

The government says the proposed ban aims to improve wildlife protection, strengthen enforcement and support responsible countryside activities. However, trail hunting has not been banned by this consultation alone; further legislation is required to bring the proposed ban into effect.

​The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has reconvened the Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce to develop recommendations aimed at reducing dog attacks and improving public safety across England and Wales.

The taskforce brings together experts from the police, local authorities and animal welfare organisations to explore practical ways to prevent dog-related incidents and encourage responsible ownership. Its work focuses on four key areas: public education, dog and owner training, improved data collection, and stronger enforcement of existing laws.

Recommendations include improving how dog attacks are recorded, strengthening public awareness campaigns and reviewing potential measures to promote responsible dog ownership. The aim is to help authorities better understand the causes of attacks and identify effective ways to prevent them.

DEFRA's approach recognises that dog safety involves more than breed-specific restrictions. Owners, communities, enforcement agencies and animal welfare organisations all have a role to play in reducing risks and promoting positive behaviour.

The taskforce's recommendations are intended to guide future action, with the government considering how best to implement measures that protect the public while supporting dog welfare.

Responsible dog ownership is essential to creating safer communities for people, animals and their owners.

​A new law designed to strengthen the protection of farm animals from dog attacks came into force on 18 March 2026 in England and Wales. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 introduces tougher penalties and expands the circumstances in which dog owners can be held responsible for livestock worrying.

One of the key changes is the expansion of the legal definition of livestock to include camelids, such as alpacas and llamas. The law also extends protection to incidents occurring on public roads and paths, recognising that livestock can be put at risk when being moved between fields or along rural routes.

The legislation increases the maximum fine for livestock worrying from £1,000 to an unlimited fine. Police also have stronger powers to seize and detain dogs suspected of worrying livestock where the legal conditions are met, helping them investigate incidents and prevent further harm.

Livestock worrying can involve dogs chasing or attacking farm animals and causing fear, distress or injury, even where no physical contact occurs. Such incidents can have serious consequences for animal welfare and can cause significant financial losses for farmers.

Dog owners are urged to keep their pets under control when visiting the countryside, follow local signs and keep dogs on leads around livestock where appropriate. Owners should also ensure their dogs cannot escape into nearby fields containing farm animals.

The new legislation sends a clear message that responsible dog ownership is essential to protecting livestock, supporting farmers and keeping the countryside safe for everyone.

I didn't attend Crufts this year but I've been watching some of the highlights and had to share the stories of these five amazing dogs. It's so easy to get caught up in the beautiful breeds, the grooming and the competitions, but for me the stories that really stand out are the ones about dogs making a difference to people's lives.

This year's Hero Dog Awards were a lovely reminder of just how special our four-legged friends are.

First up, Asha the Staffie.

Asha and her young owner Logan were named the overall winners, and it's not hard to see why. Logan lives with cerebral palsy and mitochondrial disease, and Asha is a huge part of his life, offering comfort, companionship and reassurance when he needs it most. She's a lovely reminder of just how much a dog can mean to someone, especially when life isn't always easy. As a Staffie lover, this one really does warm my heart. These dogs have so much love to give when they're given the chance.

Then there's Joey, the Cocker Spaniel who helped his owner find her confidence again.

After bereavement and an injury that affected her mobility, Ciara had a difficult time getting back to the things she enjoyed. Joey helped her get outdoors, rebuild her confidence and rediscover her love of agility. She's now training for the London Marathon in memory of her sister. Isn't it amazing how a dog can give you that little push you need when life gets tough?

Tweed, the Springer Spaniel with a very special job.

Tweed isn't your everyday sniffer dog. She works with Devon and Cornwall Police, using her incredible nose to find electronic devices such as mobile phones, USB sticks and hard drives. She's been involved in more than 1,000 searches and has helped with some important investigations. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? At 11 years old, she's still doing an incredible job!

Iggy, the rescue dog who now gives so much back.

Iggy's story is one that will appeal to anyone involved in rescue. After being abandoned in Turkey and spending years waiting for his chance, he finally found his home in the UK with Jess in 2024.

Now he visits care homes, women's refuges and community spaces, bringing comfort to people who might need a friendly face and a bit of company. What a difference a second chance can make. It just goes to show that rescue dogs have so much to offer, regardless of their past.

And finally, little Skittles!

This Jack Russell cross had a nervous start in life and wasn't always confident around the world. After finding her home with dog trainer Maggie, she gradually came out of her shell and is now helping others as a therapy and assistance dog.

She visits schools, nurseries and care homes, helping people feel more confident and bringing smiles wherever she goes. She also helps Maggie with everyday challenges, including alerting her to migraines.

From a nervous rescue dog to helping people every day. I think that's a pretty special journey! I love seeing dogs celebrated for what they do, the lives they change and the bonds they share with their humans. And I particularly love seeing rescue dogs getting recognition, because anyone involved in rescue knows that every dog has their own story and deserves the chance to shine.

I may not have been there in person this year, but watching these highlights was a lovely reminder of why we love dogs so much. They really do have a way of making life better, often without us even realising it.

Today the UK Government has confirmed what it describes as the biggest animal welfare reforms in a generation, with several measures that directly affect dogs and dog owners under the new Animal Welfare Strategy for England. The reforms focus on improving welfare across a dog’s entire life, from breeding and sourcing through to ownership, training, and enforcement.

A key priority is ending puppy smuggling and puppy farming. New laws tighten pet travel rules to prevent underage puppies, heavily pregnant dogs, and animals bred in poor conditions from entering the UK. Further measures are planned to close loopholes, strengthen enforcement, and disrupt criminal networks involved in low-welfare puppy imports.

The strategy also signals major changes to dog breeding practices. Proposals include a new registration system for all dog breeders to improve traceability, higher minimum welfare standards, and bringing previously unregulated activities—such as canine fertility clinics, stud services, and whelping services—into the licensing system. These changes aim to reduce health problems linked to irresponsible breeding and harmful physical traits.

On ownership and public safety, the government has renewed its focus on responsible dog ownership, including tackling dog attacks through better education, training, data sharing, and enforcement. The strategy clearly supports positive, reward-based training and includes plans to consult on a ban on electric shock collars, citing concerns about harm and distress.

Additional measures include improving the dog microchipping system to ensure records are accurate and easy to access, supporting owners to keep pets in rented homes, and recognising the link between pet abuse and domestic abuse, with commitments to better protect dogs in vulnerable households.

Overall, the reforms represent a significant shift toward tougher regulation, clearer standards, and stronger enforcement. The government’s stated aim is that every dog should experience high welfare at every stage of life, supported by science, responsible ownership, and meaningful accountability.

The fantastic Dayle Pierce has been appointed to the board of directors of the Pet Professional Guild. Dayle was one of the most inspiring and encouraging trainers to have influenced my dog training career ever since I met him in 2004 at his dog training club Canine Wizardry. Dayle has been an active member of PPG since 2016 and has supported the organisation in a wide range of leadership, community, and advocacy roles. These include serving on the Steering Committee, co-leading the British Isles Chapter, contributing to the Shelter and Rescue Division, and co-hosting PPG Chat and Chuckle events, the Positive Bookworm book club, and PPG membership and support meetings.

Dayle has more than 30 years of experience in dog training and behaviour. He founded his training business Canine Wizardry in 2002 and has remained committed to continuous professional development throughout his career. His education includes extensive attendance at conferences, seminars, workshops and training events across the UK, the United States, and Europe. He is widely respected within the UK’s positive-reinforcement and force-free community for his work in behaviour consulting, animal welfare, advocacy, and rescue and shelter support.

Dogs bring so much joy to our lives, but owning one also comes with clear responsibilities. In the UK, there are laws designed to keep dogs, people, and other animals safe, and understanding them helps everyone enjoy shared spaces more confidently.

The key message is simple: dog owners are responsible for their dog’s behaviour at all times—whether that’s at home, out on a walk, or visiting friends.

What does “keeping a dog under control” actually mean?
In legal terms, a dog doesn’t have to bite or attack to be considered “out of control”. A dog may be classed as out of control if it:

• Makes someone fear they might be injured
• Behaves aggressively towards people or other animals
• Causes injury, even accidentally (for example, jumping up and knocking someone over)

This applies anywhere, including:

• Public places (parks, streets, beaches)
• Private property
• The dog owner’s own home

In short, if your dog’s behaviour causes fear or harm, the law can step in.


What can happen if a dog is out of control?
Depending on the situation, authorities such as the police or local council can take action. This may include:

• A warning or formal notice
• Fines or prosecution
• Court orders requiring specific controls
• In serious cases, seizure of the dog

Courts can also order owners to:

• Keep the dog on a lead or muzzled
• Attend dog training or behaviour classes
• Improve fencing or security at home
• Take out third-party insurance

The focus is often on preventing future incidents, not just punishing owners.


Dog attacks and serious incidents
If a dog injures someone, the consequences become much more serious. Owners can face criminal charges, and penalties can include heavy fines, bans on owning dogs, or even prison sentences in the most severe cases.
Importantly, the law applies even if the incident happens in your own home—including situations where a visitor or delivery driver is injured.


Children, visitors, and responsibility
Dog owners must take extra care around:

• Children
• Elderly people
• Visitors unfamiliar with dogs

Even a friendly dog can behave unpredictably if stressed, frightened, or over-excited. Owners are expected to anticipate risks and manage situations responsibly, such as using baby gates, leads, or supervision.


Dog fouling and public spaces
Local councils enforce rules around dog fouling and public behaviour. This includes:

• Cleaning up after your dog
• Keeping dogs on leads where required (such as some parks or nature reserves)
• Respecting dog-free areas

Failing to follow these rules can result in fixed penalty notices or fines.


What about banned or restricted dogs?
Certain types of dogs are subject to additional legal controls, including strict ownership conditions or bans. Owners of restricted dogs must follow specific rules such as muzzling, leads, insurance, and secure housing.
If you’re unsure whether your dog is affected, it’s important to check and seek advice early.


Good dog ownership goes a long way
Most dog-related incidents are preventable. Simple steps make a big difference:

• Ongoing training and socialisation
• Using a lead when needed
• Understanding your dog’s triggers
• Keeping fences, gates, and doors secure
• Asking for professional help early if behaviour becomes a concern

The law is there to protect everyone—but responsible ownership is the best safeguard of all.


In summary
UK dog control laws are about safety, responsibility, and prevention. By understanding what’s expected and taking sensible precautions, dog owners can enjoy life with their pets while keeping communities safe and comfortable for everyone.

​The Kennel Club has outlined a series of strengthened measures in 2025 aimed at improving the health and welfare of brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds, which remain hugely popular in the UK despite well-documented health problems such as breathing difficulties, heat intolerance, and birthing complications.

Central to the Kennel Club’s approach is education and awareness. It has expanded public-facing resources, including videos and guidance for owners and prospective buyers, to highlight breed-specific health risks and reduce demand driven by advertising and social media portrayals. Alongside this, the organisation has invested £170,000 into dedicated health research through a charitable trust, supporting evidence-based solutions to complex respiratory and welfare issues.

A key practical initiative is the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme, developed with the University of Cambridge, which provides an objective assessment of breathing health and helps guide responsible breeding decisions. From Crufts 2025, new health-based entry requirements for popular brachycephalic breeds will further reinforce the message that healthier conformation matters in the show ring.

The Kennel Club also leads the Brachycephalic Breeds Working Group, bringing together breed clubs, vets, and welfare organisations, and has published an illustrated Breed Watch guide to help judges and breeders avoid rewarding exaggerated features. Tools such as the free Mate Select database support breeders in making informed, health-focused breeding choices.

While these measures represent a broad and proactive strategy, debate continues over whether they go far enough. Welfare groups argue that deeper changes to breed standards may still be needed. Even so, the Kennel Club’s 2025 initiatives mark a significant, multi-layered effort to shift breeding culture toward healthier, happier dogs, emphasising shared responsibility across breeders, buyers, veterinarians, and the wider dog-loving public.

​The UK’s 2025 Puppy Import Ban introduces tougher rules designed to protect puppy welfare and crack down on illegal, low-welfare imports. Under the new legislation, puppies cannot be imported into Great Britain until they are at least six months old, ensuring they stay with their mothers during critical early development. The ban also restricts the import of heavily pregnant dogs, outlaws cosmetic procedures such as ear cropping and tail docking, and requires commercial importers to be licensed with full veterinary certification and traceable records.

For prospective owners, the message is clear: ethical sourcing matters more than ever. Buyers are encouraged to choose licensed UK breeders—including those in the Kennel Club Assured Breeder scheme—or to adopt from reputable rescue organisations such as the Dogs Trust, RSPCA, or Blue Cross. Transparency around health testing, microchipping, vaccinations, and seeing puppies with their mother is essential.

The ban also reinforces owner responsibility beyond purchase. Ethical ownership includes lifelong commitments to healthcare, training, socialisation, and staying informed about evolving animal welfare laws. Suspected illegal imports should be reported to welfare bodies or Trading Standards.

Overall, the 2025 ban marks a significant step toward ending unethical puppy trading. By buying responsibly or adopting, UK owners can comply with the law, protect puppy welfare, and help raise standards across the dog-buying community.

​UK law requires all dogs to be microchipped and registered on an approved database. The legislation is designed to reunite lost dogs with their keepers, with fines of up to £500 for failing to microchip or keep details up to date.

Responsibility for microchipping sits clearly with the breeder, not the buyer. Puppies must be microchipped and registered before leaving the breeder, usually between eight and twelve weeks of age. While there is no legal minimum age, the Kennel Club recommends waiting until at least six weeks old. Buyers should always ask to see microchip paperwork at collection, alongside vaccination and health records.

Once the puppy comes home, the new owner has 21 days to update the microchip database with their own details, usually for a small fee. Keeping this information current is essential for both legal compliance and the puppy’s safety.

Prospective buyers are encouraged to ask breeders clear questions about microchipping, databases used, and overall health care, including whether the breeder follows recognised good-practice schemes.

Finally, for those planning international travel, it’s important to note that from August 2024 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires dogs entering the US to have an ISO-compatible microchip implanted before rabies vaccination, along with additional documentation.

In short, responsible microchipping protects puppies, supports welfare, and ensures both breeders and owners meet their legal obligations—making it a vital first step in responsible dog ownership.

Dogs may have fur coats, but they can still feel the cold and heat just like humans. A dog’s comfort depends on many factors including breed, coat type, body fat, age, health and how used they are to different climates. While dogs naturally have a slightly higher body temperature than people, not all are equally protected against extreme weather.

In the UK, most dogs are comfortable in cool to mild temperatures (around 5–15°C), though smaller, short-haired, elderly, or unwell dogs may need extra warmth below 10°C. Very cold weather (below 5°C) increases risk, especially when combined with wind or rain, and prolonged exposure below freezing is unsafe for many breeds. On the other end of the scale, dogs usually cope well with 15–25°C, but temperatures above 25–27°C significantly raise the risk of heat stress and heatstroke.

Conditions like wind chill, wet weather, activity level and sun exposure can make temperatures feel far colder or hotter than the thermometer suggests. Practical steps such as providing warm bedding, using coats for vulnerable dogs, limiting walks in extreme weather, ensuring constant access to water, and watching for signs of distress (shivering, excessive panting, lethargy) are essential.

Ultimately, responsible dog ownership means adapting care to the individual dog and the unpredictable UK climate. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and seek veterinary advice to keep dogs safe, comfortable, and healthy year-round