Nine adorable rescued puppies have received the best start in life thanks to students at Reaseheath College in Nantwich.
The 11 week old Staffordshire bull terrier x American bulldogs have had their first training lessons from undergraduates on the college’s Foundation Degree in Canine Behaviour and Training.
Their mother was rescued by charity Animal Lifeline when heavily pregnant and she and her new litter have been fostered by Reaseheath’s Canine Programme Leader Emma Caskie since the pups were just a few hours old.
Although some were weak after birth and needed 24 hour care, all the puppies are now fit and healthy, fully vaccinated and microchipped and ready to find forever homes.
Explained Emma: “The next step for these puppies was to learn how to interact well with humans and other animals and to be introduced to collars and leads. As our students need to learn about puppy training and socialisation as part of their degree, it’s been a great opportunity to educate both at the same time. Our students have also been able to see the consequences of irresponsible dog breeding.
“These puppies are lucky because they’ve received professional care and training from the start. They have great futures as family companions ahead of them.”
Reaseheath’s Animal Centre has a kennel block, outdoor training area and commercial dog grooming parlour and canine undergraduates work with dogs from different disciplines, breeds, sizes and temperaments. They also learn about training for different purposes, including obedience and agility.
Lucy King, who wants to train assistance dogs for autistic and blind people said: “It’s been nice to give these puppies a positive experience at such an early stage in their lives. It’s also been great fun for us, and we’ve learned a lot from it ourselves.”
The canine degree is one from a selection in animal science offered through University Centre Reaseheath. Find out more here.
