A dog trainer from Cumbria will host a free muzzle training session next week to aid and educate any owners who are uncertain about the new government ban on American XL Bullies. 

Carrie Morgan, who owns Welly and Tails dog park in Penrith, spoke to the News and Star earlier this week regarding the government's decision to add the American XL Bully to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dog Act.

She said: "There are quite a few things that owners of American XL Bullies should be doing now to get ahead of it.

"There’s definitely a lot that people can do and that’s why people shouldn’t be turning them in to rescues - that’s the worst thing you could do for your dog.

"The best you can get your dog to behave now is only going to help its chances if the worst comes to worst and it is seized."

Carlisle has already seen at least one case of a dog being abandoned, as Oak Tree Animal charity confirmed on Thursday that an XL Bully had been left tied to their gate overnight. 

Carrie is keen to avoid any further cases of dogs being abandoned by their owners and is offering a free session on muzzle training in Carlisle next week to help XL Bully owners best prepare for when the ban comes into place. 

The event, which is just for owners and not for dogs, will take place on Wednesday, September 27 at 6.30 pm at Harraby Community Centre.

Carrie will share vital information on the ban and the law, and what restrictions dogs on the Index of Exempted Dogs must comply with.

She will also explain how to muzzle train your dog so the muzzle isn't seen as a punishment for them and recommend other training tips to prepare owners for when the ban comes in.

You can sign up for the event on Facebook here.