XL Bullies: Wrong approach being taken - Bolton dog trainer

Michelle Pollitt of Loose Lead Dog Training disagrees with some of the training regulations put on the breed. 

With XL Bullies moving to 'banned breed' status at the end of this month, Michelle says that her trainer's insurance will not allow her to have them in group classes with other dogs.

Instead, she says the breed will have to be trained one-on-one, which is more expensive. 

She does concede that there may be pet insurers which allow trainers to have banned breeds in group sessions. 

Michelle, who is based in Halliwell, is currently giving muzzle training to owners and dogs across Bolton. 

She said: "It's muzzle training, where I go round to a client's house to do it. The problem with XL Bullies is it has got to be one on one - they can't attend training classes, which is crazy because it defeats the objective. 

Michelle Pollitt says the 'wrong approach' is being taken with XL Bullies (Image: Public)

"Anything that is a banned breed, you can only work with them in a solo situation because the dogs can't integrate with other dogs in a class - the insurance doesn't cover you for it. 

"But if a dog gets trained, it is less likely to be aggressive to other dogs. Also, people can't always afford one-to-one sessions. 

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"They are also not getting socialised around other dogs - they already tend to get excitable quickly, and if they don't learn control around other dogs, it can lead to aggressive behaviour." 

She added: "It is just the wrong approach to how it should be. I think, for one, going right back to breeders, they should be more regulated. 

A stock image of an XL Bully (Image: PA)

"You can breed dogs for a lot of money. 

"Dogs should be bred for temperament and health, rather than for the wrong reasons. 

"I think puppy classes should be mandatory. Most people, trainers included, learn something at them."

Michelle added: "It's down to us to be responsible with our dogs, it is not just the XL Bully owners. If a dog goes up to an XL Bully and starts barking at it, it can cause a negative reaction. 

"It might not have been an XL Bully that started it, but it would probably be the XL Bully that finishes it. 

"I don't think a ban works. I think education and putting things in place before it gets to that point. 

"But it is too late now. I kind of understand the ban, it makes people not breed which in time will lead to less of them - you don't see many pit bulls." 

She said: "I don't disagree with it, but I think there are ways around it before it gets to this stage. 

"Owners are sad and scared, but they are the responsible ones. The responsible people will follow everything and be scared, and the people who don't care will carry on regardless."