Dog coach says rescue centres are overrun and extra controls are wanted on possession
Stuart Kane, a canine coach and business proprietor, believes “a licence should mean you have to do tests, like a driving licence”.
Mr Kane, primarily based in East Wall, runs Waggy Tail Adventures, a canine walking and coaching service.
He feels strongly that many dogs are misunderstood and stricter oversight is required round licencing legal guidelines, or the shortage thereof.
“Unfortunately, licenses are just dished out in the post office and you go buy one. It’s very easy to buy a dog’s licence and there are no questions about what type of dog you are getting,” he mentioned.
“A pit bull has a stronger bite than other dogs so there is a potential for damage. But so does a truck on the road, I will cause damage with a truck if I’m not trained right.
“It should be mandatory to have training before getting one of those dogs, a licence should mean you have to do tests, like a driving licence.
“Have you the time to give it the exercise it needs? Unfortunately, dogs don’t get what they need and frustration and mental issues kick in. That’s often where you see those dogs being aggressive.
“But not just for those types of dogs, any dog, even a Labrador you should maybe have to do a class before you get it.
“Even an easy type of dog you need to give yourself a head start,” he added.
Mr Kane believes there has by no means been a worse time to be a canine in Ireland as rescue centres throughout the nation are full.
“I volunteer and it’s worse than ever since Covid,” he mentioned. “People loved and wanted the image of a puppy, but unfortunately a couple of months down the line they are ready to get rid of them.
“The huskies I volunteer for, it’s more than it’s ever been. Most of the rescues are the same, it’s the worst time in this country for the dogs, unfortunately.
“I have fostered seven, I struggle with space to help more. Dogs trust, DSPCA, My Lovely Horse, they are all chock-a-block and need donations and help at the moment,” he added.
As a toddler rising up in Dublin, he would maintain bugs and mice as pets, till he was caught out by his household. Eventually Stuart did get a canine, a lot to his delight.
“Growing up, I discovered that I have a unique skill in being able to communicate with and understand dogs on a deep level,” he mentioned.
“Instead of taking a step back from dogs, I always took a step forward to say hello and would be chasing around with them as a kid.
“I like to build up a personal connection with every one of them as if they were my own.
“I grew up with what people consider a dangerous breed, pit bulls. If they were exercised right and trained right, they were great dogs. I never had any fear of their stigma.”
A regular morning in Stuart’s kitchen in Dublin
The Finglas native has some really interesting insights into the nature of animal mentality.
“I learned that dogs live off energy, they feed off energy. If you are a nervous person walking down the road, a dog may feel the need to protect you,” he said.
“The dog may feel if a situation is scary, that it will try deal with it.
“You need to be protecting the dog from society, the dog doesn’t know the foundations. If he bites somebody he’s useless.
“I might quite see individuals who need these (XL Bully) kind of dogs, being discouraged. Getting them within the improper palms does loads of harm.”
Stuart was decided to observe his ardour in life and at all times wished to do programs round animals, “maybe in the zoo or in a CE scheme”.
“But that process doesn’t necessarily lead you to a job, I found. I took a risk and went for it and set up the business. It’s unbelievable. Very busy. I am very glad, very happy.
“I have a passion for dogs so it doesn’t feel like work, it is just me hanging out with my goofy pals that like to have fun all day. Okay maybe picking up a bit of poo feels like work!”
So what’s the standards Stuart makes use of when coping with the number of completely different animal personalities he meets?
“I will always assess a dog beforehand. The dog that taught me everything was my black Labrador. She taught me all about training the dogs, all of this.
“She has passed now, she was great. She wouldn’t react to any dog that was aggressive. So, I could say ‘that dog can’t come on group walks. That’s a solo dog’.
“People are maybe scared of rescue dogs, they think they are damaged goods. If you put in the time and effort, every dog is a great dog,” he added.
