A London business owner whose firm provides ethical dog training courses traveled to Parliament last week for a top meeting on dog welfare. 

Jo Middleton, who owns Canine Principles, a learning platform for pet professionals and owners, attended the All Party Parliamentary Working Group on Dog Welfare (APDAWG) last week. 

The meeting entitled 'The State of UK Rescue' heard submissions from a number of frontline rescue charities, including Jerry Green Dog Rescue, and Flori's Friends, who spoke about the huge issues affecting dog rehoming series and shelters in this country. 

From the influx of post-pandemic dogs once people have gone back to work, to the XL Bully Ban, there are plenty of serious challenges facing a strained system of charities who are striving to do the best for the animals which come through their doors. 

And Canine Principles is helping rescue centres, by offering a free course for new adoptive owners and foster carers, which explains how to help the dogs behaviourally unpack their bags.

Jo said: 'It was humbling to attend Parliament to speak with and hear from amazing people who are on the frontline of dog rescue. 

"It was also so sad to hear of the serious crisis that they face, due to issues such as the XL-Bully ban, which is making shelter spaces more limited than ever. 

"We are proud to support UK rescues with our free course, which gives behavioural advice to new owners and foster carers, in an effort to help prevent failed placements, which also block up the already stretched system." 

APDAWG is an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) set up in 2017 to explore, highlight, discuss and challenge dog-related activities, legislation & trends with the overall aim of improving health and welfare of UK's dogs & dog owners, plus society in general.

The regular event is chaired by Rosie Duffield MP, with vice-chairs Ruth Jones MP, Danny Chambers MP & The Earl of Courtown. It is hosted by Marc Abraham OBE, (Marc the Vet). 

This time APDAWG also heard from the comedian Diane Morgan, who shared her own story about adopting her rescue dog Bob. 

She said: "I rescued Bob after my dad died, I really felt that I needed a dog, that it would help me and that I could help the dog." 

The actress, who has starred in hit shows including Mandy, Motherland and Afterlife, added: "Bob has absolutely been the best thing that's ever happened to me. I can't praise him enough." 

To find out more about Canine Principles go to www.canineprinciples.com