The Dog Coach Edinburgh

04/03/2025

Edinburgh Council is currently seeking views to help shape the management rules that will apply to people using parks, beaches, and green spaces across the city. This affects dog owners and dog businesses. They are seeking views on how dogs should be "controlled" in public spaces. The suggestion that dogs should be on short lead or extendable leads would be detrimental to dogs being able to express their natural behaviour. As always, equipment does nothing to teach your dog how to react in a certain environment. For that, you need to be aware of how your dog can cope in public spaces and how best to help them navigate busy parks and beaches. Perhaps we could focus on educating and supporting owners rather than impacting the welfare of dogs. Here's the link to the survey if you want to make your views known:
https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/management-rules-parks/ Closes 11 Apr 2025

Find and participate in consultations run by City of Edinburgh Council

01/11/2023

Yesterday, Defra released their official definition of an XL Bully, along with the restrictions and requirements that will come into place on the 31st Dec. From 1 Feb 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog. The Scottish Government has yet to decide whether they will enforce the ban.

It's a really uncertain time for these dogs and a worrying time for owners. If you believe your dog is an XL Bully or could be considered as such, read through the requirements and reach out for support, if you are unsure about any training requirements.

We’ve added XL Bully type dogs to the list of breeds banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 🚫

From 31 December 2023 breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL Bully dog to stray will be illegal.

These dogs must also be on a lead and muzzled in public from 31 December.

If you wish to keep your XL Bully type dog, you have until the end of January to register them and comply with strict requirements.

Details on the exemption process will be provided in due course.

Read our guidance to prepare for the ban: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs

17/07/2023

There have been reported incidents of dogs becoming sick from Inverleith Park. The cause is unconfirmed but thought to be discarded fertiliser around the central bushes. There are now signs in the area, but do keep your dogs on lead or away from the allotment and central area, until cleared!

30/05/2023

Ticks are a common parasite that are out in force this year! While incidents of Lyme Disease are thankfully rare, it is thought to be on the increase.

Check your dog regularly for any new inhabitants. There's a debate about the best technique to remove a tick. Some places advocate lifting ticks straight up, others a lift and twist motion. I would wiggle the tick tool underneath the intruder, gently lifting and rotating anti-clockwise. Go slowly. You're aiming to remove the tick in one go. If you fail, use tweezers to remove anything you can see. As always, if in doubt, head to your vets.

23/05/2023

TINNED FOOD RECALL! Lily's Kitchen has a voluntary recall notice in place. Take a look if you feed 400g multipacks and have purchased from Pets at Home.

28/04/2023

Sleep is crucial for health and wellbeing. Understanding your dog's wake/sleep cycle can also help alert you to changes.

Humans with condition can have disturbed sleep, and similar symptoms in dogs indicate cognitive decline is under way

09/12/2022

Brrrr, the temperature is definitely dropping.

Take care with your dog outside. Different breeds will cope differently in the cold. Be sure to wipe off your dog’s paws after going on a walk to remove any ice and salt.

Older dogs or dogs with any musculoskeletal issues will feel the cold more. If your dog is a short haired breed it might benefit from a jacket. Paw protection is generally not needed unless the temperatures fall below -5, however they can help if your dog’s curly coat collects ice balls!

Cold temperatures can dry out the paw pads. If your dog has dry or chapped paws, dry them off after a walk and hydrate the pads with some organic coconut oil. It’s okay if they lick it off!

31/10/2022

Pumpkin can be a great source of fibre. It can help soften or firm up your dog’s stools. They only need a small amount.

Pumpkin seeds are also rich in proteins, fatty acids and minerals. Toast the seeds and offer your dog a teaspoon full for a healthy boost. They’re also considered a natural de-wormer!

26/08/2022

Blackberries are growing everywhere at the moment. They are a great snack for you and your dog. They are highly nutritious and provide antioxidants, fibre and a little natural sugar. Offer your dog a few and see if they like them. Some dogs will scavenge for them naturally!

15/07/2022

If the weather predictions are correct, we can expect some soaring temperatures over the weekend and early next week. Overheating can lead to heatstroke, which can have some serious consequences for you dog. Keep them cool and adjust your exercise routines if you need to.