Leith dog trainer starts online group to help dogs and their owners survive coronavirus lockdown

A Leith dog trainer has created a free online group to help keep dogs and their owners active during the coronavirus lockdown.

Suzanne Gould, who owns Edinburgh Holistic Dogs and is also a dog walker, started Edinburgh Dog Owners Survival Group on Facebook after restrictions on social distancing and leaving home came into force earlier this week.

The tighter government rules has meant Suzanne suspending walks, training classes and 121 training appointments.

Leith-based Suzanne Gould has launched the new Facebook group for dogs and their owners.

She said: “As I am not an essential service, I felt I should help stop the spread and stay home.”

What the Facebook group offers

The online group is for all dog owners who are feeling the effects of lockdown.

There will be live videos everyday where Suzanne will share dog training games, ‘boredom busters’ and give out advice on training.

The group has been designed to keep the dog owning community connected, prevent boredom in dogs and their humans, and allow owners to show off pictures and videos of their dogs too.

Suzanne, 36, who lives with her Old English Sheepdogs Erick and Ally in Leith, said: "I already miss my everyday work and more importantly the dogs I work with. This group seemed like the best thing I could offer my fellow dog owners and help them get through Lockdown.

"Ultimately training brings joy to owners and is fulfilling for dogs. Training games are fun and I aim to share as much fun as I can.

"I am also a single dog owner, I suffer from depression, so the last thing I want is for this lockdown to make that worse. By creating the group not only am I helping dog owners but I am also helping maintain my own mental health. I know there must be others who are in the same situation as me, so if this group can help with that, then it’s even better.”

There are already nearly 100 members in the group with some as far away as Brimingham. Many have been sharing their videos and photos in response to Suzanne’s videos.

The group can be found by searching Facebook Edinburgh Dog Owners Lockdown Survival Group.