Nearly two years ago, in December 2016, we constructed two 27ft wide x 66ft long animal house polytunnels over the dog kennels at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, in Edenfield, near Ramsbottom. These polytunnels acted as temporary cover for the animals during the wet winter months.
With the construction of new kennels now underway, Premier Polytunnels was asked to relocate one of the tunnels at the sanctuary.
This summer, our construction team dismantled, moved, refurbished, rebuilt and re-covered the structure, now measuring 27ft wide x 42ft long. We are excited about the polytunnel’s new purpose as a dog training arena at the sanctuary.
Dog Training Arena
A dog training area at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary was officially opened in April 2016 by actress Gemma Atkinson, who is vice president of the sanctuary. Gemma, who herself owns two dogs, helped to raise funds for the dog training area by taking part on the TV game show, The Chase.
The 300 metres square enclosed space is ideal for dogs to be trained in and to run around in.
Mr Stuart Murray, Operations Manager at Bleakholt, said the training area allows dogs to interact with their handlers without distraction and to be trained by their owners or volunteers.
Now, with the freshly constructed dog training polytunnel, the dogs can enjoy their very own space, whatever the weather.
The polytunnel is a great space for puppies and dogs to take part in obedience, socialisation and behaviour training sessions, and general training classes. Dog agility equipment can be set out in the polytunnel, ensuring the dogs can still get lots of mental stimulation and keep active in all weather.
The person in charge of the training is dog behaviour trainer, Mr Gordon Salmon. He said the training area, now with its under cover facility too, helps to make a more all-rounded dog when they are adopted and helps the dogs with their agility, obedience and socialising.
Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary is a charity which cares for dogs, cats, small pets, equine and farm animals. The aim is to find happy homes for the dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals. Animals which cannot be re-homed spend the rest of their days in the care of the sanctuary, along with the equine and farm animals.