Dog Training Is Antidote To Media Hysteria

Launching Dog Train & Behave Week at the Pets At Home Romford store, Roger Mugford has described the need for training as an antidote to negative impressions of dogs, media hysteria and increasing anti-dog legislation in the UK.

Taking the stage with Ziggie - a four-month old black Labrador puppy who is training to become an assistance dog for charity Dogs for the Disabled, Mugford said:

"Ziggie is a bright pup and I'm sure he'll go on to make a difference and show how dogs are truly man's best friend. Dogs like Ziggie [..] epitomise the ethos of our initiative Dog Train & Behave Week, showing the true colours and value to life that our canine companions bring despite much misinformed and negative media hysteria."

The week-long campaign, (28th July - 4th August 2007), was launched with free training sessions held in a number of Pets at Home stores, offered by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, (APDT) who provided generic workshops as well as individual behavioural consultations.

Dr. Mugford also announced his quest to find Britain's best behaved dog.

Dog Train & Behave will host a grand finale competition to be staged at Company of Animals' Ruxbury Farm HQ in Surrey on August 4th. Offering all dog owners the chance to put their training skills to the test and compete for the Best Behaved Dog award across a number of different levels and disciplines.