Middlesbrough Dog Club

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Middlesbrough Dog Club

Welcome, our club is the perfect place to bond with your four-legged friend while meeting like-minded dog lovers.

Founded over 60 years ago, we’re a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation formerly known as Middlesbrough & District Dog Training Association Our Classes

Are fun and friendly, using modern, motivational methods. We offer the opportunity for you and your dog to enjoy training alongside other pet owners, in a relaxed atmosphere providing the foundations for a lifetime of happy and responsible dog ownership. Our reward based methods are kind and painless for your dog and have been scientifically proved to work more effectively than other conventional, corrective methods. Our methods can be used by the whole family, although of course children should always be supervised when training the dog. Our trainers backgrounds also include competing in the main dog sports of Obedience, Rally, Agility and Flyball with our own dogs. Training is delivered by a qualified Pet Dog Training Instructor who also holds qualifications as an adult tutor and in clicker training. She has over 15 years' experience of helping others with their dogs, as well as more than 35 years' experience with her own dogs

Clicker training is offered as an option in all classes

05/11/2026

Tonight, comfort comes first.

We've shared quite a bit about fireworks over the last few weeks, but now Bonfire Night is here, we just wanted to offer one little reminder.

If your dog is frightened and wants to curl up beside you, that's absolutely fine. If they'd rather hide away somewhere quiet, that's fine too. And if they're one of those lucky dogs who can sleep through what sounds like a small war happening outside, well, we're all a little envious!

There's still a surprisingly common belief that comforting a frightened dog will somehow encourage their fear, but that's not how emotions work. Offering reassurance and helping them feel safe isn't going to teach them to be frightened.

Tonight doesn't need to be about training or trying to make them brave. Just let them settle wherever they feel most comfortable, keep things familiar and be there if they need you.

From all of us at Middlesbrough Dog Club, we hope you and your four-legged family members have a peaceful evening.

02/11/2026

Your dog knows all the neighbourhood Tea!

Ever wondered why your dog can spend what feels like half an hour sniffing the same lamppost? You're standing there wondering if you'll ever make it home, while they're apparently reading the canine equivalent of the local Facebook gossip page!

But here's the fascinating bit. Dogs can gather an incredible amount of information through scent, including clues about other animals that have passed through the area. That innocent-looking lamppost is probably far more interesting than we could ever imagine.

And while we're busy worrying about how many steps we've done, our dogs are having a wonderful time exploring their world through their noses. Sometimes a good sniff is just as important to them as getting somewhere.

So next time your dog insists on investigating the same patch of grass for the hundredth time, perhaps they're just catching up on the latest scandal. After all, nobody likes being interrupted halfway through a juicy bit of tea!

Does your dog stop to read every bit of pee-mail, or are they more interested in getting on with their walk?

31/10/2026

Happy Halloween from everyone at Middlesbrough Dog Club!

If your dog starred in a scary film, what would it be called?

The Silence of the Snacks
A Nightmare on Your Sofa
The Blair Woof Project
Paranormal Barktivity

Or perhaps the truly terrifying tale: The Treat Tin Was Empty.

Tell us your dog’s film title, and share a photo of the star if you’d like. No costume needed.

We hope you and your dogs have a happy, comfortable evening, however you’re spending it.

29/10/2026

Bonfire preparation, part 4: music, plug-ins and calming products

For the final part of our Bonfire Night mini-series, let’s look at some extra support you can try at home.

Music or familiar TV: Background sound may help soften outside bangs. Keep it at a volume your dog finds comfortable, and try it before the noisy evening. Louder isn’t automatically better. Classic Fm normal dedicate a whole show to dog calming music

Dog pheromone plug-ins: These may help some dogs. Follow the instructions for placement and when to start, some need introducing in advance rather than switching on as the fireworks begin.

Calming treats or supplements: Products vary, and so does the evidence behind them. Check that they’re suitable for your dog, how long they need to be used beforehand and whether they can be combined with any medication.

A familiar chew or food toy: Have one ready if your dog enjoys it, but let them decide whether they want it.

These are possible additions to your plan, rather than guaranteed fixes. A dog who is very distressed may still need the veterinary support we discussed in week one.

27/10/2026

Exempted dogs: two updates worth knowing

If you own an exempted dog, there are two separate updates worth knowing about.
Withdrawing an XL Bully exemption

Defra has published a process for owners who no longer believe their dog meets the XL Bully definition.

It applies to eligible certificates issued in England and Wales between 14 November 2023 and 1 February 2024, not court-issued certificates or exemptions for other banned types.

The registered holder can apply through the government website using the dog’s Exempted Dog Index Number. Owners are responsible for checking their dog against the official definition.

Withdrawal cannot be reversed. If the dog is subsequently found to be an XL Bully, the owner could be committing an offence and the dog could be seized. If you’re unsure, keep the exemption and follow its conditions.

From 1 November 2026

A child under 12 must not be left in close contact with a banned-type dog in a home, garden or other private place without adult supervision.

25/10/2026

Halloween Tips !

The doorbell goes, outside is a small dinosaur holding a bucket.

Us humans understand the situation. Our dogs have rather less context.

With Halloween less than a week away, we’re sharing our tips early so there’s time to think about the evening from your dog’s point of view.

Watch the reel, make your plan, and remember: your dog doesn’t need to take part in Halloween to have a good evening.

24/10/2026

Apparently, we're all getting an extra hour in bed this weekend.

But has anyone actually checked this with the dogs?

Because while we're happily turning the clocks back, our four-legged friends will still be operating on their own very precise schedule.

Breakfast at 9am? Excuse me, it's already 10am in dog time!

Morning walk running an hour late? Unacceptable.

And dinner? Well, clearly you've forgotten about that altogether and they're wasting away before your very eyes.

So, to all our fellow dog owners, enjoy that extra hour in bed… assuming your furry little timekeeper allows it!

Who else has a dog with an internal clock more accurate than Big Ben?

22/10/2026

Bonfire preparation, part 3: make room for a quiet evening

Part three of our Bonfire Night mini-series: getting your dog’s space ready.

You don’t need an elaborate setup. Start with somewhere your dog already likes to rest.
A few ideas to try:
• Put familiar bedding under a sturdy table and drape a blanket over the sides, leaving an easy entrance and plenty of ventilation.
• If your dog already enjoys their crate, make it cosy and leave the door open.
• Move their bed away from windows, if they’re comfortable with the new spot.
• Close curtains or blinds to reduce the flashes.

Introduce any changes now, during ordinary quiet evenings. A suitable chew or a few treats can make exploring the space enjoyable.

And if your dog prefers their usual safe spot behind the sofa, that’s fine too. Give them options rather than insisting they use the den you’ve made.

Does your dog have a favourite hideaway, or are they happiest beside you?

19/10/2026

You bought the training treats. Your dog didn’t read the five-star reviews.

What we think should be rewarding isn’t always what our dog would choose.

Some will happily work for a piece of their usual food. Others light up for a favourite toy, a little game or the chance to investigate an interesting smell.

At MDC, we want owners to notice what their own dog enjoys. A reward should be something the dog values, rather than something we’ve decided they ought to like.
Next time you practise, watch their response. Are they keen for another go, or is your 'excellent reward' receiving a distinctly lukewarm review?

What gets your dog’s vote: food, toys, a game, or something else entirely?

15/10/2026

Bonfire preparation, part 2: the bedtime wee

This week in our Bonfire Night mini-series: a few checks around the home that are easy to overlook.

Your dog pops into the garden for their bedtime wee. A firework goes off unexpectedly, and suddenly they’re looking for a way out.

It’s worth checking fences for holes or loose panels and making sure gates close and latch properly. Even a dog who has never tried to escape can react differently when startled.

Think about the front door too. Could your dog slip past when someone comes home or answers a knock? Agree with everyone in the house how you’ll manage that.

And check your microchip contact details. If you’ve moved or changed your phone number, make sure the database has your current information.

On noisy evenings, go with your dog for toilet breaks and use a lead, even in the garden. Wait for a quiet gap where possible.

A few minutes checking now could make a real difference later.

Address

Middlesbrough

Website

http://www.middlesbroughdogclub.com/

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