A DOG training school that has run in and around Thornbury for more than 40 years could face closure unless more willing owners come forward.

Thornbury Dog Training, which has worked with dogs and their owners for the past four decades, has said it needs more dogs in its classes following months of relative inactivity.

The volunteer-run group currently runs out of Turnberrie’s Community Centre, having relocated from Olveston Jubilee Hall just over a year ago.

In the past, dogs come from Thornbury as well as from as far as Dursley, Wotton, Bristol and even Chepstow to undergo the three levels of training, with next to none having failed to earn qualifications.

“In reality dogs like to be trained because it brings a certain level of stability in their lives,” said the group’s treasurer Karen Jones.

“And we don’t just train the dogs, we train the owners as well, which helps to bring that stability to both sides, helps with socialising and teaches how to react around certain situations.

As well as its longstanding team of dedicated volunteers, the Kennel Club certified organisation also has a qualified trainer in Michaela Jones, who has worked with the group for many years, seeing generations of dogs and a multitude of classes earn their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

“With the group having been going for so many years, it would be a massive shame if it had to close. It has given so much to both dogs and their owners of the years.

“Turnberrie’s is a nice place and they have been very accommodating to us but even still they charge us and it won’t be long until we run out of money to cover our costs.

“Unless we have an influx of doggies coming to our classes over the coming months, it seems very likely that we will have to shut.”

To find out more about Thornbury Dog Training, session times and how to enrol a dog, call Michaela Jones on 07530254870, Veronica Fawkes on 01454 416706 or visit the Turnberrie’s website turnberries.co.uk.