Dynamic Dogs

15/08/2026

Are you following news from the European Union on new regulations on welfare for dogs and cats. It makes for interesting reading. Rules start to come in force from August 2028 and of course we wait to see how member states implement it.
I wonder how our government will respond to this?

The news article is a quick summary but i If you want to read up on the legislation - I've attached a link.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2026/1818/oj/eng

The European Union has approved the first ever common European rules for cats and dogs, including bans on abusive practices and illegal pet trading.

30/07/2026

Happy International Friendship Day !
Another excuse to share great photos of your dogs. Love this reel put together by the APDT showing member's dogs & their best friends !

26/07/2026

Happy National Dog Photography Day!
Here are some of my best loved pictures of my dogs - past and present. Lets see some of your favourite dog photos.
Sara
🐾😍🐾

11/07/2026

Retractable leads
I know so many people like to use them but so few people realise how dangerous they can be – let alone all the bad habitats they teach your dogs.

Using a retractable lead can:
🐾Teach your dog to pull on a lead
🐾Put other people and dogs at risk from injuries when getting caught in the lead
🐾Enable dogs to run in front of traffic
🐾Enable dogs to run uncontrollably up to other dogs
🐾Cause damage to the owners hands when grabbing the line in a panic
🐾Cause neck damage if used with a collar (I’ve shared the post below as an illustration of this)

You have no control over your dog on a retractable lead
My absolute ground rules are that you should never use a retractable lead:
❌near a road or moving traffic
❌in a busy area where there are people, dogs, livestock
❌with a puppy or un-trained dog

If you do use a retractable lead then:
✔️Always attach it to a harness
✔️Ensure your dog is fully trained to return to your side on cue first
✔️Carry a normal clip lead with you

Protect you dog, yourself and others

Sara
🙃

23/06/2026

Yes its hot - even here at Willowfield.
Do you really know how to look after your dog in the heat, can you provide appropriate advice to others and would you know what to do in an emergency? There are lots of myths out there about not trying to cool dogs too quickly, advocated not wetting your dog's back etc. All wrong.

Even if you think you do take 10 minutes to listen and watch this - its easy listening but illustrated with great data.

Dr Dan O'Neill talks to Jo Good and Anna Webb on "Barking at the Mo...

22/06/2026

11/06/2026

This Sunday, 14th June, is the Coppafeel Doggy Fun Day at Dashing Dogs Academy. I know some of you are coming along to this to join in the activities - I've posted a timetable below.

We are also having this INCREDIBLE raffle.
The attached reel tells you about our raffle but also a little bit about Coppafeel and why it is so important.

If you can;t make it you can buy raffle tickets in advance.
Tickets are £2 each or 3 for £5. Just PayPal the money over to me at [email protected] marking the payment as Coppafeel and you will be entered into the amazing prize draw
The Amazing Raffle prizes are:
🐾A years supply of Skinners’ dog Food - 12 vouchers for 15kg bags of dogs food
🐾A beautiful felted artwork of Loch Lomond by Phillipa McNeil
🐾Doggy Hamper – hamper including 2 leads, licki mats, clam toy, tuggy toy, bandana, treats and chews
🐾Antinol starter pack for a Small breed dog – 2 month supply of Joint Care pro
🐾Antinol starters pack for a Large breed dog – 2 months supply of Joint Care pro
🐾Months agility barn hire at Dashing Dogs Academy – 4 x 1 hour agility barn hires for use this July
🐾£20 Grooming voucher from the Barkin Barber
Huge thank to all who have donated these amazing prizes - lets get on and raise some money for this important charitty.

Sara
:)

29/05/2026

Coppafeel Fun Dog Day
Sunday 14th June 2026
Dogs Academy near Dumfries
Dog Agility Show – entries close on 31st May

There is loads going on and plenty to enter on the day but Sunday is the deadline for entering the agility classes.
Great indoor arena perfect for novice dogs and just having fun.

Get your entries in now - https://www.showtime-online.co.uk/

As well as agility what else is happening in the events field?
Hoopers classes POTD
RKC Agility Measuring
Shopping
Refreshments (sweet and savoury)
Scavenger Hunt
Raffle AND Tombola
Gundog Scurry POTD

30/03/2025

Huge thank you to everyone who came to the show today - your support is appreciated.
I hope that you all had a fabulous time playing the wonderful game of agility with your dogs. Congratulations to everyone who took home a rosette.

I'd love to see all your photos.

I was gutted to have to miss today's show - but even if I could have crawled there you didn't want me and my horrible germs.

Huge thank you to Pamela Stokes for making today possible and also to Viv Fendick and Ali Tollick for stepping up to judge at short notice. You guys are all awesome.

Sara
🐾