75% of dog owners fail to recognise early warning signs that could prevent dog bites

DOGS Trust Merseyside calls on owners to go:- "Bark to School" to learn dog body language. Students across Liverpool have returned to the classroom after the summer break, but new research from Dogs Trust has revealed that the nation should head:- "Bark to School" for lessons in dog body language, in a bid to reduce the number of dog bites.

Research published today, from the charity's National Dog Survey, which provides insights into over 400,000 of the UK's dogs and their owners, reveals that 76% of owners are unable to correctly read dog body language, misunderstanding the subtle signs that their pets are stressed or worried.

As most acts of dog aggression, including:- bites, happen when dogs feel worried, scared or stressed, Dogs Trust believes many dog-related incidents could be prevented if owners are able to spot the early warning signs that their dogs are distressed; before the situation escalates. This includes:- recognising subtle changes in body language, such as their ears going back, tension in their body, or their tail tucked under.

Further to this, just 50% of those surveyed said they had taken their dogs to training in the past, with just 6.5% currently taking their pets to training classes.

Dogs Trust runs Dog School classes across the Merseyside Region, including:- Huyton, Birkenhead and Ormskirk. At these classes, owners learn how to teach their dogs how to meet and greet other dogs politely, walk nicely on the lead, come back when called, overcome chewing and mouthing as well as understand dog body language and what your dog is trying to tell you. For more information, visit:- DogsTrust.Org.UK.

Some of the body language signs and signals missed the most, according to the National Dog Survey, were:

A common misconception is that a dog rolling over when approached means they want a belly rub. 76% failed to spot that this could mean a dog is feeling uncomfortable or needs space.

2 thirds of those surveyed did not know that yawning can indicate that their dog is worried and needs space.

59% failed to recognise that a dog licking their lips with their ears pulled back means they could be worried and need space, and 53% failed to recognise that a dog licking their lips while turning their head away could also be a sign that a dog is uncomfortable.

Around a third of those surveyed said they thought a wagging tail always means a dog is happy. However, dogs wag their tails for all sorts of reasons; tail movements are a great way to communicate; but they don't always mean a dog is happy.

This comes at a time when the NHS is seeing a rise in admissions of people with dog related injuries, and re-homing centres, including:- Dogs Trust Merseyside, are seeing an increase in demand for services as owners look to relinquish their pets. Since the start of 2024, a quarter of all handover enquiries to the charity from owners mentioned their dog showing unwanted behaviours was a factor in their decision to re-home their dog.

Maria Murray, Associate Director Prevention and Community Engagement, at Dog's Trust, and responsible for overseeing the charity's Dog School classes, said:- "We've seen a huge increase in dog population over the last few years, and around a third of all UK households now own a dog. Along with the growth in ownership, we have also seen a rise in the number of dog bite incidents and injuries, most of which happen within the home involving known dogs. As acts of aggression, including:- bites, are often a response to dogs feeling stressed or anxious, many of these incidents can be avoided if owners can spot the early warning signs that their dog is in distress or uncomfortable and remove their dog from the situation or take steps to prevent things escalating. Very often, dog bites in the home are preceded by what can be seen as harmless interactions, such as:- cuddling, hugging, or kissing the dog. But while we might like these things, our dogs don't necessarily agree and will try to tell us through their body language. Unfortunately, when these signs are missed, it can have a huge impact on all involved, including:- the dog. Over the last year, we have received over 8 thousand calls from owners looking to relinquish their dog due to problem behaviours, and in cases where the worst happens and someone is injured, owners may have to make devastating decision to have their dogs euthanized."

Capstone Theatre welcomes a trilogy for this years Autumn Programme

KING Lear Retold Liverpool Hope University's Capstone Theatre has announced an eclectic trilogy of enthralling storytelling shows as part of their Autumn programme.

This October, Debs Newbold brings her acclaimed King Lear Retold to the City; Brookside's Heather Tomlinson showcases her 1 woman (and choir) story, Endless Crescendo; and Part Vampire sees the month rounded off with a hilarious Halloween show.

With a passionate command of Shakespeare's verse and startlingly powerful physicality, Debs Newbold's storytelling will catapult you deep into the world of Shakespeare's epic tragedy in King Lear Retold. Deeply felt and often uproariously funny; King Lear Retold makes Shakespeare accessible to everyone in a bold and compelling performance that has all the power and grace of the original text.

Presented in a charismatic and modern style, King Lear Retold was created for a sell out show at Hay Literary Festival, has toured internationally and performed to acclaim at Shakespeare's Globe. This thrilling and compelling solo performance that has earned rave reviews on the circuit comes to the Capstone on:- 9 October.

Heather Tomlinson will perform Endless Crescendo in Liverpool this October... Endless Crescendo is a poignant exploration of identity, acceptance, and the complexities of navigating the intersectionality of race and heritage. Through the lens of a mixed heritage girl's journey, this one-woman and choir show on 17 October delves deep into the struggles of never quite fitting into societal moulds. Part of BlackFest 2024, this powerful story promises to have audiences spellbound from the outset.

With honesty, humour, and endearing vulnerability, the performance sheds light on the profound impact of mental illness, interpersonal connections, and complex trauma stemming from a constant battle for acceptance. Delivered by Heather Tomlinson, famed for her role as Tanya in Brookside, who has shared the stage with legends such as:- Take That, Seal, Bon Jovi, and Russell Watson.

Part Vampire is an exhilarating musical comedy that features Phil Jones, the renowned lead singer of the cult Liverpool band Afraid of Mice. In this new production, Phil adds a comedic twist to his performance, sharing the stage with his son Ben. Prepare to be captivated by the fascinating world of Part Vampire, a theatrical performance that blends comedy, mystery, and music in a unique and unforgettable way.

Don't miss this extraordinary Halloween show on:- 31 October 2024, which promises to delight both theatre enthusiasts and comedy lovers with its exceptional blend of humour, suspense, and entertainment. Come and experience an evening filled with laughter, excitement, and surprises that will leave you wanting more.

Tickets for all 3 shows are available now via the Capstone Theatre website.