Dog trainer takes XL Bullies on group walk in Scots park to show public they can be safe

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Adog trainer who wants to change the image of XL bullies turned heads when she took six of them on a walk around a park.Saint, an XL bully cross, was joined by pals Apollo, Daisy, Nova, Harper, Katana along with tiny Pomeranian called Gismo for a “Hold Your Muzzle High” walk run by Deeps Jagdev.The 40-year-old has started hosting walks for the breed in a bid to build owners’ confidence after the new ban which sees them having to be muzzled and on a lead in public.The mum of two, from Bothwell, Lanarkshire, runs weekly sessions at Lanarkshire’s Strathclyde Country Park alongside Saint, her five-year-old XL bully and Staffordshire bull terrier cross.Deeps, who runs The Dog Mother, said: “It’s about encouraging owners to follow the law and as we walk I’m ­reinforcing the correct behaviour for the dogs.“People are scared to walk with their dog because of the looks and comments they are getting.“I’ve started XL bully walks so people can walk with other owners who are feeling the same way.

It’s a confidence building walk for them and training for their dogs.”Speaking at Friday’s event at ­Strathclyde Park, she added: “People are worried about the public’s ­perception of their dogs.“There is so much stigma attached to XL bullies now.“But there are many responsible owners out there.

They should be able to walk their dogs proudly if they are doing all the right things.“It’s also a chance to show the public that there are responsible owners and dogs who are trained well.”The Scottish Government initially delayed a ban on the animals in ­Scotland which saw XL bullies moved north of the Border recently to dodge the ban in England and Wales.But First Minister Humza Yousaf performed a U-turn amid outrage over the loophole following a