Bully XL advice

This week is the start of the new year and we all played catch-up at the end of the holidays. But now the serious stuff starts. I'm back in County Durham and making plans to get round and visit lots of dog businesses and find a venue for my new classes.

But in the meantime, it was also another important day on New Year's Day - the start of the ban on Bully XL "type" dogs. Yes, that's right, Bully XL 'types". I've been really quiet about the change in the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) and this addition to the banned breeds. Because Bully XLs aren't a recognised breed. They are hybrid. A cross breed. A mongrel. And that means that it's going to be difficult to determine what is a Bully XL or what is just a big, imposing dog. It won't affect the Pocket Bully, the Classic Bully and the Bully XXL. To be honest, the legislation is crazy. It's been rushed through by a Prime Minister who has a Fox Red Labrador. Who's never probably seen let alone met a Bully XL. And frankly, I wouldn't trust him with my children, let alone my dogs.

I'm not going to get into the specifications (the rights or wrongs) of the new law but I am going to offer some advice to Bully XL owners, most of whom love their dogs very much. So for those of you who have some worries about this new law, here's some tips.

DON'T PANIC. The police, dog wardens etc. don't know what a Bully XL is unless they measure it. They are going to be looking for dogs "out of control" and who fit the "type". If they do approach you have all your documentation ready. And if your dog is inside your home (behind your front door) they cannot take your dog away.

APPLY FOR YOUR EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE ASAP. Even if you haven't got it yet the fact that you have applied will show you are being responsible. Yes, it's £92 but is your dog worth any less?

ARRANGE FOR YOUR BULLY XL TO BE CASTRATED OR SPAYED. Vets are going to inundated with requests to get dogs neutered. It will cost around £150-£300 per dog to have the operation done depending on your dog's weight and sex. There is no exemption to this legal requirement. The first deadline for dogs over 12 months is end of June 2024. For dogs under 12 months you have until the end of December 2024 to comply. Don't mate your dogs before getting them neutered. You risk your dog being seized and could receive a fine. And the pups will most likely be euthanised immediately.

MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS MICROCHIPPED AND THE INFORMATION IS UP TO DATE. It's been a legal requirement since April 2016 to have your dog microchipped. If you haven't had it done, get it done now and register the chip. It costs £10 to have a chip implanted and it may save your dog's life.

YOUR DOG NEEDS TO WEAR A COLLAR WITH AN ID TAG. Under the law, your dog must wear a collar and an ID tag at all times. The tag must have your surname and your home address on it. Even if it's only the house number and the postcode. I usually add my mobile number and the words "I am microchipped" because sometimes the chips migrate and they can't be seen on a scanner unless the dog is scanned all over. The fine for not having a microchip is £500 but the fine for not having an ID tag can be up to £5000. A collar and ID tag can cost no more than a couple of pounds - much better than having your dog seized.

START MUZZLE TRAINING IMMEDIATELY. By now, sensible owners will have been teaching their dogs to accept wearing a muzzle. Bully XLs have differing types of faces so you may have to try a few different sizes and shapes of muzzles to get the right fit. You can buy custom made ones but make sure that the muzzle is tight enough not to be slipped off and with enough room for your dog to drink water. Your dog must wear the muzzle in public and I'd recommend that it wears the muzzle at home if you have visitors that the dog doesn't know around.

GET INSURANCE. There are only a few companies that will offer insurance for banned breeds especially for health reasons. But you will need THIRD PARTY insurance at all times when your dog is in public. Just think of it like your car, if you hit someone else you have to pay their damages. This is just the same. Check on your home insurance if you are covered, you may already have this included. The Dogs' Trust has been covering Bully XL dogs under their Companion Club insurance. And third party insurance is £25 per year or £12.50 for OAPs.

KEEP YOUR DOG ON A STANDARD LEAD AT ALL TIMES. No matter how well your dog is trained (or you think it is trained) please, please keep your dog on lead. Not an extender lead, a proper ordinary lead. I see so many dogs (not just Bully XLs) seemingly well behaved but off lead in shopping centres, alongside the road and in the park. It's not a legal requirement but it's about keeping your dog safe.

ONLY USE A LONG LINE WHERE IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. Yes, your dog can run about but they may not be classed as "under control" on a 15m lead. Be sensible and either exercise your dog in an enclosed, private field or keep it on a standard 2m lead walking calmly beside you.

SET UP A DOOR PROTOCOL. Make sure your dog doesn't have free access to gardens or can get out of the house alone. All fencing needs to be high enough for your dog not to jump over with no gaps and gates that are firmly closed. Ask your delivery people to close the gates and don't allow your dog out of the door when you have deliveries or visitors arriving.

MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS UNDER CONTROL IN PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. Your front garden, your back garden and your car are all public places. Even if someone reaches in your car it will be your dog that will suffer as you will be responsible for any bites or damage caused to the person. Never leave your dog outside shops or unattended in the street.

So what does this all cost? As one off charges you will need to budget for the following.

£10 for a microchip

£15 for an ID tag and a collar

£10 for a strong lead

£92.40 for the exemption certificate

£300 approximately for neutering (some charities will offer help)

Total £427.40 to bring your dog up to legal specifications. You may need to check the collar and lead for wear and tear or update your microchip and ID if you move but that will most likely be the most you will pay.

In reality, it's not much to keep your dog safe, alive and living with you.

If you can't afford these costs then you can apply to charities for help. Or you may decide to hand in your dog for rehoming. But remember that right now rescues are overflowing with Bully XLs. Which they can't rehome legally. Your dog may be euthanised. Rescues are being given £100 per dog for the injection. It won't cover the rescue's costs due to the size of the dogs. So the rescues will be struggling to pay and may refuse to take the dogs because they will be out of pocket.

Should you decide to go down the PTS route yourself you will have to pay for the service. And for that the government are offering owners up to £200 compensation. Because your dog is seen as property. While the payment is to make sure you aren't inconvenienced, it doesn't even come close to the cost of your dog or the emotional trauma you will go through.

If you need help with muzzle training or teaching your dog to walk calmly on the lead contact a registered and qualified trainer. Try the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme awards in your local area. It's a good way to show how well behaved your dog is.

Finally, as all dog owners should be, Bully XL owners need to be sensible. It's not appropriate to ignore the rules just because you believe your dog is okay or isn't labelled as a Bully XL. Or because you think the law is wrong. And that it doesn't apply to you. All dogs that meet the government criteria are at risk. And now is not the time to play with your dog's life. It's time to step up and keep your dog safe. Because at the end of the day it will be your dog that pays for your behaviour not the other way round.