Owners of XL Bully dogs in Norfolk must keep them muzzled and on lead, in public
It's now also illegal to breed, abandon or giveaway one of these dogs
From today- all owners of American XL Bully dogs in Norfolk must make sure their pets are muzzled and on a lead, when in public.
With it now also illegal to breed, abandon or giveaway one of these dogs. After the Government announced plans to ban them- following a number of attacks
"Keep your dog active and feed them treat throughout"
Damion Vincent is from 'Fetch Dog Walking and Training, based near Norwich:
He told us how dog-owners can get their pets ready for the change:
"Get your dog used to having the muzzle placed in front of them. So, you can place their favourite food at the bottom the muzzle, and your dog is likely to smell the food and put their nose into the muzzle themselves.
"You don't want to fasten the muzzle then, you just want them to get used to the food and the sensation of the muzzle around their face.
"Once they are confident placing their nose in the muzzle- you can pass them treats through the the end of the muzzle.
"This will reward them for staying in position. Once your dog is happy with the sound of the snap of the fastening of the muzzle and happy with keeping their nose in the muzzle for longer- you can then fasten the muzzle.
"You can this while feeding them a treat through a gap and then remove the muzzle straight away. You can then keep it on for long periods.
"When your dog is comfortable with the fastened muzzle- you can move around again. Keep your dog active and feed them treat throughout and that will actually get them used to moving around with the muzzle on.
"Just treat it like you would any other dog"
He told us people should do if they meet one of these dogs out and about:
"Just treat it like you would any other dog, in public. If you see the owners do some training with the dog- the best thing is to give them some distance, so they can focus on their work.
To keep an XL Bully dog it must be:
-Microchipped
-Kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
-Kept in a secure place so it cannot escape
-Neutered
As the owner, you must also:
-Be over 16 years old
-Take out third party public liability insurance against your dog injuring other people
-Be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within 5 days