MEETING THE WELFARE NEEDS OF SEIZED DOGS IN A KENNEL ENVIRONMENT 15
��� BEHAVIOUR
MUZZLES
Where possible, dogs which are to be returned to their
owner or keeper and which are required to be muzzled
in a public place should be muzzle trained (using positive
reward-based methods) while held in kennels. For
information on how to achieve this, see Appendix IV.
b) Half-check chains can be used when staff are concerned
about a dog potentially slipping its collar, but they must only
be fitted and used by suitably trained and competent staff.
HALF-CHECK COLLARS
When tightened, a correctly sized half-check collar must
allow the two rings to meet around the dog's neck, with
sufficient space for two fingers (on edge) to be slipped
against the neck under the collar, in exactly the same way
as a flat collar would be fitted. When in use, pressure
must not to be constantly applied to the dog's neck as
this could cause physical injury.
c) Slip leads can also be used when staff are concerned about
a dog potentially slipping its collar but must not be used in
a way that restricts the dog's airway.
d) Punishment-based training has been linked to an increased
incidence of behaviour problems in dogs, including fear,
anxiety, decreased confidence, overexcitement and fear
aggression. Electric shock devices (which are illegal to use in
Wales, see Further sources of information), choke/check chains,
pinch collars, spray collars and other punishment-based
methods must not be used when training seized dogs.
Instead, reward-based training methods should always be used.
e ) To prevent fear of new situations, and the possible
formation of negative associations, any new situations should
be introduced slowly and carefully.
f ) Equipment to catch and control dogs must be kept on site.
For example, all kennels should have slip leads and dog
graspers, with staff trained in their use. Kennels that house
dogs seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 should also
have some form of propellant-based distraction device,
e.g. fire extinguisher for use in emergencies. However,
to safeguard dog welfare and their own health and safety,
staff must be trained and competent in how to use such
equipment and in which circumstances it is appropriate
to use it as well as recognise that some devices have the
potential to escalate aggression.