A local dog trainer has launched a campaign to ban so-called "puppy yoga" and "puppy therapy" sessions in Leamington Spa, Warwick and beyond, warning they could cause long-term harm to the young puppies involved.

The campaign, which includes a public petition, has already gained traction locally and is now aiming to raise awareness across the UK.

Behind the campaign is Nicky Brunt and the Warwickshire-based dog training group Sound Hounds.

Speaking to Nub News, Nicky explained how the campaign to ban puppy yoga and therapy sessions, first began.

She said: "It looks cute, but the reality is very different."

Nicky, who specialises in puppy training and behaviour, said she became concerned after discovering events taking place locally, including sessions previously advertised at a location on Bedford Street in Leamington.

While such events are often marketed as relaxing and enjoyable, featuring participants doing yoga or cuddling puppies, Nicky highlighted that the reality for the animals can is far from relaxing.

"These puppies are often only around eight weeks old," she said.

"That's the age they should be settling into stable home environments and beginning early development, not being passed around by groups of strangers in busy, overwhelming settings."

She warned that excessive handling, noise and unfamiliar surroundings at such a young age could negatively affect a puppy's emotional development and behaviour later in life.

In researching the issue, Nicky has contacted major UK animal charities including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

She said all expressed concerns about the welfare implications of such events.

"The problem is that these sessions are marketed as fun and harmless," she explained.

"But, people buying tickets don't realise the potential impact on the animals."

The campaign has also raised questions about whether some events are properly licensed.

Under current regulations, activities involving animals for profit may require a licence, with conditions covering welfare, safety and appropriate handling.

But, concerningly, after she contacted several venues hosting these events Nikcy was "disappointed" by responses, claiming many relied on welfare statements provided by event organisers that were not independently verified.

She then approached the local council, which has since begun investigating whether certain events require licensing.

One planned event on Bedford Street was cancelled after licensing concerns were raised.

The question of where the puppies used in these sessions are sourced from, has also been raised.

Nicky suggested there may be links to unlicensed breeding and pointed to the frequent use of popular "designer breeds" such as dachshunds, cockapoos and cocker spaniels.

"There's a risk of breeding to meet demand for these events. Licensed breeders I've spoken to are equally concerned" noted Nicky.

She went on to express particular concern over the use of the term "therapy" used to advertise some sessions.

Nicky shared this term can be very misleading to the public, as genuine therapy dogs undergo extensive training and are typically over a year old before beginning such work.

She shared: "There is no therapy happening here, these are very young puppies being used for profit."

Petition aims for national debate

The petition, launched less than two weeks ago, is approaching several thousand signatures already.

If it reaches 10,000 signatures, it will receive a formal response from the Government; at 100,000, it could be debated in Parliament.

Going forward, Nicky hopes to expand the movement nationwide by encouraging others to contact local councils and raise awareness.

Nicky believes education is central to the campaign's success, noting that many people change their views once they understand the potential harm.

"When people see the advertising, it looks lovely, puppies sleeping on yoga mats," she said. "But when you explain what's actually happening, they're often quite shocked."

She added that without greater awareness, demand for such events will continue.

"These puppies are at a critical stage in their development. We need to be giving them the best possible start, not putting them in stressful environments for entertainment."

To find out more about Sound Hounds visit here and to sign the petition see here.