A PROFESSIONAL dog walker from Wrexham has told how she will only walk pets in a private field due to a growing problem with out of control dogs.

Allison Roach, who runs Wuff Wuff Walkies in Gresford, said she is fearful of attacks from dogs which are off the lead, saying that this has become more of an issue since Covid, due to the lack of face-to-face dog training.

Her own rescue dog Dolly, who is a five-year-old Jack Russell, has been attacked twice over the past two years while being walked on a lead, with the dogs who attacked him not on a lead.

Allison said that the incidents had made her concerned about more potential attacks and so she now only walks her clients' dogs on private land on a meadow in the village.

The Leader: One of the dogs walked by professional dog walker Allison Roach on private land in Gresford One of the dogs walked by professional dog walker Allison Roach on private land in Gresford

Allison said: "I previously worked as a dog walker in Hereford prior to moving to Gresford. My own dog, who is the sweetest, most empathetic rescue Jack Russell Terrier, has been attacked twice in the last two years whilst out on walks. She was on a lead both times, the attacking dogs weren’t.

"When I decided to start my own dog walking business here, I was rather nervous at the thought of walking clients' dogs and the possibility of them being attacked, so I am now only offering walks at Ryecroft Meadow, with a maximum of four dogs on each walk.

"Given that 3.2 million households have acquired pets since the start of the pandemic and without puppy training classes running face-to-face for so long it is feared that many dogs aren’t well trained and haven’t had the opportunity to socialise as usual. Thus we have a nation of anxious dog owners and dogs. Therefore the service I provide ensures that clients' dogs get the opportunity to have a walk, run or play off lead for an hour in a safe and secure environment and the owners have peace of mind."

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Allison added: "One of my customers has a 12 month old pup that she is still working on recall with so feels relief that she can be walked off lead and knows she’s totally safe.

"Another client's dog is very nervous, so it’s fantastic that she knows the dog won’t come into contact with other dogs whilst out. I only walk her two dogs together.

"My own dog, Dolly is also an escape artist so it’s nice to be able to take her occasionally and let her off lead too!"

An RSPCA Cymru spokesperson said: "It's really sad to hear of incidents of dog-on-dog attacks in North Wales in recent years.

"Sadly, dog-on-dog attacks can prove fatal and it is vital owners do all they can to meet their responsibilities, and ensure their dogs are under proper control at all times - which will help owners and their dogs feel safe in all spaces.

"It is vital owners understand the circumstances likely to lead to their dog being aggressive and also the signs of potential aggressive behaviour in their dogs, and how to respond. Keeping dogs on a lead in appropriate places can also reduce the risk of incidents associated with aggressive behaviours.

"If anyone has concerns about a dog dangerously out of control in a public place, they can report this to the Police."

For more information on Wuff Wuff Walkies, visit www.wuffwuffwalkies.co.