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Battersea launches virtual puppy training programme
The Puppy Programme will be held over zoom for puppies aged five months and under, and will run for six weeks.

Classes designed to help new owners with lockdown puppies

UK charity Battersea has announced that it will be running a new six-week virtual training programme to help owners train and socialise their new puppies during lockdown.

The launch of the programme comes after a survey carried out by the charity on 2,000 cat and dog owners revealed that nearly 50 per cent of people who adopted a pet during lockdown ‘sometimes regretted’ their decision.

COVID-19 restrictions have made it difficult for owners to socialise their dogs by taking them out to meet other dogs, and face-to-face behaviour classes have been very limited, if not completely unavailable.

Battersea’s training classes run over Zoom and will help puppies develop a good behavioural foundation by covering topics such as learning to walk nicely on a lead, learning to settle and how to come when called.

Battersea’s canine behaviour and training manager, Nathalie Ingham, said: “One of the great things about training virtually is that anyone can take part no matter where in the world they are. We’re encouraging everyone living with their puppy to join in with the training, including children. It’s such a great way to bond with your dog and hopefully a fun group activity, not just during our classes, but for the weeks and months ahead when you can continue teaching your dog new tricks and skills.”

The next classes begin on 8 October, 26 October, and 10 November, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Dogs must be aged five months and under and currently each session is limited to only five dogs.

Spaces are expected to fill fast, so any owners hoping to register or find out more should visit the Battersea website.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.