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Channel 4 looking for nation’s naughtiest pets for new series of Dog Academy
Hear one couple’s story of how they overcame their struggles with their anxious pet dog
Owners and their naughty dogs can now apply to join the second series of Channel 4’s Dog Academy to help them overcome their struggles.
The hit new show, which features struggling humans with misbehaving pooches, is on the hunt for potential new participants to apply for its second series, for which filming will start later this year.
The company behind the programme, Five Mile Films, are now taking applications for people and say they have compiled a list of trainers to help transform the behaviour of their dogs.
The show wants to hear from owners who are really struggling with their pet’s behaviour and how to train them, and they want people to express their interest now in preparation for filming.
The series will see a team of Britain’s top specialist trainers instruct beleaguered owners in dog management skills and dog psychology.
A flyer for the show reads: “Are you struggling with your dog’s behaviour? Would you like to overcome your dog’s issues?
“Our prime time Channel 4 series is back and looking for misbehaving dogs and their owners.”
From The Dog Academy series one, episode two, Kelly Lee, a nurse, and her partner Emilien Borne, a personal trainer, from Tyldesley in Greater Manchester, were struggling with the behaviour of their dalmatian, two-year-old Lupin.
Suffering from anxiety due to a traumatic start in life, Lupin was tearing up their home, chewing through sofas, cushions, floors, walls and even their washing machine. He’d drag the couple on walks, causing Kelly to fall out of the house and pull her arm out of its socket.
Their dog walker even refused to walk the young pet because of the dragging, and the last straw came when Kelly’s friend was also dragged to the floor while walking him.
It was Kelly’s friend who tagged her in an advertisement for Channel 4’s The Dog Academy, and the couple applied believing this was their last hope to help their beloved pet.
About Lupin’s behaviour, Kelly explained: “He shredded the couch to pieces. If we took him out for a walk, his anxiousness was just so apparent with him pulling at his lead.
“And obviously, the bigger that he got, the stronger he got. It got to a point where I couldn’t actually physically walk him because he was just dragging me over. He’d drag you into the road and leaving the house, he’d drag me out.
“On three occasions I actually fell out of the house and hurt my knee, and he yanked me so hard once that my shoulder popped out the socket.
“One of my friends lives around the corner and if me or Emilien were on shift, she’d pop by and walk him. She phoned me one day crying to say she can’t walk him anymore because he’d just pulled her ‘clean out of the house’.”
She continued: “We were like, ‘enough is enough’. It’s one thing it happening to us but when other people are getting injured, we knew we had to do something about it. And it turns out, it was all because he was traumatised.”
Kelly and Emilien saved Lupin, from potentially being euthanised because he is deaf and was struggling as the runt of the litter. The mum-of two drove four hours to urgently collect him.
They already had one dalmatian Ralph and now the two brothers live together with the couple at their home. However, while Lupin was still a puppy he contracted Parvovirus, which can be fatal in puppies, and spent a number of weeks in veterinary care ICU, where he almost died.
Not wanting to have him put down, the couple brought him back home so he could spend his last days with his family and brother Ralph.
Kelly and Emilien took it in turns being by his side around their work shifts and even slept on the sofa.
But with Kelly putting her nursing skills to good use, she fed him back to strength with egg yolks, liver and pureed chicken, and administered IV fluids, pain relief and penicillin suitable for dogs, following the advice of her veterinarian friend.
Surrounded by a loving family and given around the clock care, Lupin turned a corner and was nursed back to health.
But the traumatic experience left the friendly and lovable pet with anxiety and this is where his behaviour issues began.
About being on the show, Kelly said: “The day was broke down where we’d do some learning, and while we were learning without Lupin, Lupin would be with the other trainer learning stuff, and then we kept coming together.
“Then we’d put it together basically as a team and try and work together to do it. Honestly, I had no hope I was resigned to thinking, ‘yeah, right,’ I was really sceptical.
“But then the trainer brought him back into the courtyard and he just walked next to them on a lead and we were like, ‘oh my god’.”
Kelly said the trainers told them part of Lupin’s behaviour was also down to the couple mollycoddling him while he was ill and failing to discipline him where needed. They felt guilty for telling their pet off when he was ill and because he nearly died.
The couple are now following a plan they were given for Lupin, and The Dog House checks in with them regularly to follow up with their progress. Kelly’s told them he’s ‘like a different dog’.
She added: “Lupin is literally by your side on the lead and he’s not pulling. We’ve also not had any chewing episodes at home.”
Lupin now has his own Instagram page where you can follow his progress @lupinandus.
If you’re struggling with the behaviour of your pet dog, you can apply for The Dog Academy HERE. If you have any questions, send an email to dogacademy@fivemilefilms.co.uk.
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Boom Battle Bar: Ultimate games destination for perfect birthday, stag do or work party
Boom Battle Bar has got it all!
If you’re stuck for somewhere to go this Christmas party season, or for any birthday, stag or hen do, or even a regular weekend with your mates, we’ve got the perfect spot.
Boom Battle Bar is a massive games bar in the Printworks, with axe throwing (£45 – £80), shuffleboard (£15 – £25), augmented reality darts (£40 per lane), beer/prosecco pong (£30 per table), and even karaoke booths (£6 – £9 per person).
Manchester’s Finest Group
They also do a bottomless brunch at weekends, alongside a street food offering, including halloumi fries, parmesan and truffle mac and cheese bites, chicken tenders, wings, loaded bacon parmesan fries and dirty BBQ loaded fries.
There’s an impressive array of drinks as well, with cocktails like the Basic B*tch, Honey It’s Time To Party, and GOAT Punch, as well as plenty of beer, wine and even big sharers.
Get yourself booked in HERE.
What's On
The Cube Live adds three exciting new games for the perfect team day out
Everything you need for an incredible day out
Urban Playground has taken things to the next level, revealing three brand new games for thrill-seekers to sink their teeth into.
The Manchester Arndale entertainment venue, which is already home to an impressive array of games, has added even more fun to the line up.
From mini golf to arcade games and loads of food and drink, Urban Playground has everything you need for an incredible day out.
Manchester’s Finest Group
They’ve now added three new games to The Cube Live experience, ahead of the upcoming Christmas party season.
‘Pass’, ‘Exit’ and ‘Locate’ are the three new nail-bitingly tense games, and you’ll recognise them all from TV.
In Pass, two players rapidly weave a foam brick back and forth between free-standing poles, avoiding knocking the poles over as they go – requiring agility and great communication.
Exit sees two players work together manoeuvring a ball out of a maze testing their patience to the max.
Manchester’s Finest Group
Lastly, Locate is a single player game where players must memorise an illuminated white square’s location, before placing a block on it while blindfolded.
They’re all deceptively straightforward, while also fiendishly addictive, and perfect for a team day out.
Get booked in HERE to try the new games for yourself.
What's On
MTV to take over Manchester for 2024 EMAs with week of events
The MTV EMAs are coming to Manchester for the first time ever
MTV Music Week is coming to Manchester later this year, to showcase the best of our emerging artists and favourite venues.
The event will take place across some of Manchester’s most loved venues between November 5th and 9th, and will feature homegrown artists, performances and industry workshops.
It’s all leading up to the 2024 MTV EMAs, which will be taking place at Co-op Live on November 10th.
MTV franchises will take centre stage, including MTV Push Live, Club MTV and YO! MTV Raps.
Dead Pony
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, added: “Our music scene in Manchester is the stuff of legend and we’re known the world over for our brilliant musicians and iconic venues.
“MTV Music Week will be a great showcase for our city and the stage is set for an incredible Manchester music takeover.
“A boost for the industry, our economy, and fantastic opportunities for some of our best homegrown artists as well as unforgettable performances for audiences to enjoy. We’re excited, can’t wait.”
The full line-up for MTV Music Week:
Tuesday November 5th
MTV Gonzo on Tour | Rebellion | 7.30pm – 10.30pm
“MTV Music Week kicks off at alternative music venue Rebellion with the epic indie and alternative music show MTV Gonzo on Tour. Bringing together some of UK’s best emerging indie rock bands and artists under one roof, the night will feature a line-up of exciting breakthrough artists including post punk trailblazers Dead Pony.”
Wednesday November 6th
MTV Push Live | Soup | 7pm – 10.30pm
“Ready to introduce fans to the hottest new breakthrough artists across Manchester’s thriving music scene, Wednesday will see MTV Push Live head to the award-winning live music venue, Soup. Featuring a co-curated line-up from Manchester music initiative Beyond the Music, the night will include unmissable performances from LARKINS, Phoebe Hall and more. The event sees the continuation of MTV Push and Beyond the Music’s partnership, which is set to kick-off with a team-up at Beyond the Music’s annual festival in October. At the festival, attendees will enjoy an MTV Push Live stage, plus MTV-curated panels.”
MTV x Ramona Radio Rave | Ramona | 7pm – 12am
“On the same night, Ramona will welcome some of Manchester’s hottest emerging dance music talents, with sets from Chunky, Ms Dee and Sno as part of a Ramona Radio MTV Takeover.”
Phoebe Hall
Wednesday November 6th – Friday 8th
MTV EMA: 30 Years | Aviva Studios, home of Factory International | 10am – 8pm
“For music fans looking to reminisce and take a trip into the MTV EMAs’ legendary history, the MTV EMA: 30 Years exhibition will run at Manchester’s arts and culture venue Aviva Studios, home of Factory International. Featuring images from all past editions of the MTV EMAs, curated from Getty Images’ archive, the exhibition celebrates the artists, performances and pop culture moments that have created a cultural legacy for generations of fans across the globe.”
Thursday November 7th
MTV Push Live | Band On The Wall | 7pm – 11am
“MTV Music Week continues with MTV Push Live at Band On The Wall, hosted by the electrifying Manchester DJ duo Shimrise. Delivering an evening featuring the city’s most exciting breakthrough talent, fans can expect a series of unique performances from alt-pop musician Nxdia, singer-songwriter Nina Cobham and R&B Soul artist Rumbi Tauro.”
MTV Presents: Piri & Tommy | New Century | 7pm – 11pm
“MTV Presents: Piri & Tommy arrives at New Century for a night of uplifting drum and bass, inspired by the UK’s student basement club culture. The pair, who first formed the band during COVID, were last year included in MTV Push’s Top 10 Artists list and made the longlist on BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2023. Piri & Tommy’s latest track ‘99%’ marks the group’s first release in a year.”
Shimrise
Friday November 8th
Yo! MTV Raps: NQ Rated | Freight Island | 7pm – 11pm
“The show that first gave rap and hip hop a global stage, YO! MTV Raps comes to Freight Island for an exclusive YO! MTV Raps x NQ showcase. A must-see live music experience, the Manchester label behind the acclaimed Northern rap scene has partnered with MTV to host a line-up including headliner Nemzzz, 163Margsand more.”
Saturday November 9th
MTV x Homobloc Brunch Royale | DieCast | 12pm – 3pm
“Those looking for the perfect Homobloc pre-party need look no further, as the storied LGBTQ+ event teams up with MTV for a mega brunch party at DieCast. Expect a spectacular show featuring special guests and led by some of Manchester’s most celebrated Queens Banksie & Lil, and a battle on the catwalk from Ghetto Fabulous presenting Black Peppa, Coco Canell, Shanika Sunrise & Verry Cherry, soundtracked by Gaydio’s Jackie P & Gina Breeze.”
MTV x Homobloc | The Roof Terrace at Depot Mayfield | 4pm-11pm
“Continuing the Homobloc celebrations, MTV is also hosting The Rooftop at Manchester nightlife institution Depot Mayfield featuring stage collaborations with local LGBTQ+ parties Homoelectric and Make Me Feel. Artists appearing across the roof terrace stages include Nicky Siano (Studio 54), Prosumer, ShyOne, Grove b2b Tash LC, Ruby Savage and local favourites Meme Gold and Kath McDermott, plus a fabulous collection of queens.”
Club MTV Presents: salute | Hidden | 10pm – 4am
“A pivotal city in the dance music revolution, Manchester’s cutting-edge dance scene is renowned across the globe, and what better way to close the week-long city takeover than with a night that celebrates one of the city’s most exciting emerging DJs, plus mega headliner salute. Named ‘Best Club’ in DJ Mag’s Best of British Awards in 2023, Hidden has become a staple in the Manchester clubbing scene and the premier destination for electronic fans.”
You can grab tickets HERE.
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