Let us introduce you to two very special friends. 

Meet Dixie and Bantay. These two rescue dogs were relinquished by their owner to IWCT in 2022. Their owner didn’t have time for them and found them too much hard work. In addition to this, Bantay had been known to bite people who entered the home. 

Teaching old dogs new tricks

Taking on these two adult dogs was not an easy task. At the time, we were still at our old Treatment Centre, with limited rehabilitation facilities. They are also less desirable for adoption, for many adopters would prefer just one, younger dog. It would be unfair to separate the two, for a time, they were all each other had, when their former family turned their backs on them.

Fast forward some 18 months, with several other new rescues having come and gone from the new Treatment Centre, Dixie and Bantay remain here and remain the best of friends. The facilities at the Treatment Centre – with the state of the art kennels and Enrichment Park, have done wonders for the dogs, particularly Bantay, who no longer has the need or urge to go for people. He has not bitten anyone in his entire time with us. 

Dogs very rarely bite for no reason at all. It is usually if they are being provoked, feel threatened or have not had basic training. Sadly, Dixie and Bantay were not given the attention and training they needed and so probably turned to bad behaviour as they weren’t being physically or mentally stimulated enough. With a little knowledge, the owners would not have had any issues with these wonderful dogs. 

Best practice around dogs

Simple things owners should be aware of, or do, to ensure the wellbeing of their dog, so it doesn’t feel the need to use aggression to express itself include:

• Providing it with a well balanced meal, at regular times, once or twice a day
• Giving it access to clean water at all times
• Providing it with a private “safe space” such as a bed or crate where it can rest and feel at ease. 
• Giving it physical exercise such as a lead walk, once a day
• Not allowing it to roam where it can come into contact with unkind people or vicious dogs
• Providing mental stimulation, such as a snuffle mat or a treat
• Learn simple canine body language, so they can understand if the dog is feeling nervous or scared
• Teach the dog simple rules, such as not jumping up at people or to “sit” and “heel”
• Not getting up close to the dog, in it’s face, pulling it or grabbing it – this is especially important with children
• Allowing it to eat its meals and have it’s treats in it’s own space, undisturbed
• Introducing new things, such as another pet or guests in the home slowly and calmly
• Rewarding them for good behaviour with praise and attention.

Dixie and Bantay have daily time playing in the Enrichment Park. Kennelmates Mark and Michael have spent a lot of time playing and interacting with them. They are excellent on lead walks around the Centre and enjoy bath time. It is wonderful to see these dogs thriving, feeling safe and secure in their environment with us. It is unlikely the two will be adopted, and we do not want to separate them. They will have a home for life with us at the Treatment Centre.

How you can help Dixie and Bantay

You can support Dixie and Bantay and follow their lives at the Treatment Centre through sponsorship. Sponsoring a dog helps provide vital funds for them at the Treatment Centre and helps cover their feeding and enrichment costs.

Sponsoring just £5 will buy a toy for both Dixie and Bantay. 

You can also help support our Education Programme by making a donation. Our Education Programme strives to promote Responsible Pet Ownership, ensuring more families know how to properly look after their dog, so less get given up, like Dixie and Bantay.

Please support us in any way you can. Thank you.