XL Bullies, Battles & Dogs: Adam Spivey from Southend Dog Training Exclusive Interview

[@louisefisher6805]

We rescued a puppy from the RSPCA we were told was a staffy/lab cross. Not so much. As he grew and grew, we realised we had a DOG. He is a pressa mix and already 45kg at 12 months, not fully grown. He is also a guarding breed, suspicious of new people etc. So rather than surrender him; we got a trainer and have worked with him throughout his teens learning to get him to neutral, and happier to meet other dogs and new people. He will never be like our friendly staffy who lives with the belief that everyone lives her. We will always have to carefully supervise meeting new people etc. Costly to train, but needed and really helpful. Our other dogs have been staffys and lab/pointer crosses and bull lurchers. Totally different temperaments. So chilled. Nothing chilled about a pressa on guard. You need to educate yourself and adapt your expectations to your dog breed. Our Pressa may not have been the dog we would have chosen if given the correct information. We have had to change how we exercise and introduce the dog to people and other dogs. But he came to us, so became our responsibility.

[@dennylhunt]

Great attitude. Wish there were more people like you!

[@adamohalloran6458]

Every owner, potential owner and rescue needs to see this interview. Absolutely brilliant interview for anyone who has an interest or passion for dogs

[@rikkepetersen6190]

My first dog was a Rottweiler, the best dog, NEVER done anything!! My next was a Presa, great dog NEVER done anything!! My 3rd dog was a Cane Corso NEVER done anything!! Now I have an American Bully 13 weeks, the best mind, like his mother. And he doesn't get to do anything to anyone either. THE DOG BECOMES AS THE OWNER MAKES IT!!!!

[@likejunestars]

The idea about tiered levels of licenses for dog ownership is gold! I’m in the U.S. and we could certainly use it here.

[@maxbleazard]

I will always rescue dogs and bully breeds at that. We lost our staffy shortly before Adam lost Sammie. The pain was unreal. I have done my research on bully breeds and spent thousands on training for me and my current rescue. She’s a staffy x boxer. She’s reactive to dogs that react to her ( We’ve learned that after almost 12 months of training). I love bully breeds and I will always advocate for them as they get a bad rep. We don’t have kids so we can rescue dogs that can’t live with kids. It’s very rewarding but so so tough. I train her every single day and she’s a work in progress. It’s hard some days but I wouldn’t have it any different. Xx

[@Jai-uk]

Passionate, open and shooting straight from the hip as always. Happy to say you’ve not changed and are still the best advocate a dog could have. Wishing you continued, much deserved success.

[@gilliansesay4091]

As an XL bully owner this man speaks soo much sense. Blame the other end of the lead. the amount of irresponsible owners i have seen is shocking. Brilliant PODCAST!

[@craig0101]

Excellent podcast this one. So glad he broke away from the grip of addiction. Ex addict here and the crack is as bad as he says. Ruined my life it did or, I ruined my life with it. Nothing will compare to the high you get off a pipe but it'll never be near the feeling I have now being clean 3 plus years. Hope anyone in the grip can help they deserve 💙🙏

[@Spidermonkey6587]

Mad respect and much love to Adam. Been an almost day 1 fan and have an amazing (nearly 2 year old) dog because of being an SDT member and following his puppy routine advice. The realness of this man is so refreshing. Thank you for being YOU, Adam 😃

[@GavinDuncan391]

Can’t believe only just found this episode! Adam’s training stuff is spot on, have taken loads of knowledge from what he’s put out. Knew nothing about his life but only have more respect for him now 🙏🏻

[@OBSummer2]

So much common sense in one place !! How refreshing!!

[@sarasteele9650]

Such a brave and inspirational interview. Been there myself and can relate in so many ways. Adam's videos have been a gamechanger for me and my nervous, reactive dog. She's so much happier and more relaxed as a result of me following his training advice. Can't rate him highly enough.

[@woozadotcom]

So much sense in what Adam says. Have followed him since I saw him at The Dog Centre MK when I first got my CC. Brilliant podcast thanks for interviewing him.

[@deborahlamert57]

This guy says it as it is...fabulous interview. Prob one of my favourites

[@joycesayers670]

Wow so brave and insprational! Your videos have been total gamechangers for me. Very real, no bullshit dog trainer. Huge fan here!!!!!

[@jamieclark6562]

i rescued a Presa Canario 4 years ago she is the life of the family she is so protective of the kids

[@Fire_Animates_]

Dogs are our babies regardless of their age ❤ I absolutely adore my 2 pugs I love every animal but especially dogs most people don't deserve them 😢❤

[@Charlesgraydogtraining]

Thanks for sharing your story Adam, inspirational.

[@codeyyleo]

So refreshing to hear you be so honest about your struggles your so brave my lovely look at how far you have come think we are all so so proud of you ❤

[@cypherknot]

You can observe a lot of avoidance, and don't touch me behaviors in the King's Guard horses when being fondled by tourists. The people are completely tone deaf to the message the horses are communicating. And even worse, the mounted guards do nothing about it. They allow the horses to be tormented. Why?

[@vickygillman1119]

Absolutely fantastic podcast I love that guy he’s amazing at what he does xx

[@collyfree9504]

Loving the pod Geeza!!! The consistency is a1!!

[@rikkepetersen6190]

Respect!!! Because you are honest about your life.👍You are a great inspiration in relation to dog training...❣

[@donnasexton5825]

loved watching this adam trained murphy and met liam a few time so refreshing to watch ❤

[@carlflannaghan3879]

That’s one of the best podcasts I have seen I used to watch towie when it first started what a nice guy all the best Kirk !!

[@angiejay3694]

great chat, thank you

[@butchstar1]

i understand some rescue centres make it hard to adopt but these two rescues are amazing -senior staffy club and DOTSlondon (dogs on the street ) yes they help homeless but they also have dogs that need adopting and they have all ages i adopted a 12 week old pup last january

[@CalmWithTheWorldAtLast]

Lot of respect for this guy, and a lot of his techniques I have used with my WCS from the very moment we got him! His voice reminds me of Tom Hardy’s Ron Kray character in Legend😂❤

[@marksharpley3331]

I am loving this Liam!

[@Fire_Animates_]

100% facts on his licence, level, training restrictions 👏

[@stephlock3126]

Loved this. Great interview.❤

[@PaulThorpeOfficial]

Watching from Spain big thumbs up 👍

[@borrowerdw]

Fantastic podcast again Liam. Not only interesting in relation to his story but so so so interesting in relation to man's best friends. Very educational and that's exactly what us public needs with these podcasts. A bit of education with a lot of entertainment. I found this one to have more education than entertainment but it right up my street mate. Keep up the good work

[@Bristolk9s]

Sounds like Tom hardy in peaky blinders lol fair play for the honesty fella should be super proud of what you achieved.

[@Calvin2362]

Love these interviews mate keep smashing it brother❤

[@freakygoblin3068]

It may be interesting to hear that Lower Saxony in Germany has a "Dog ownership examination" you need to complete before owning a dog. Lower Saxony is one of the few states in Germany which does not support breed bans preferring breed neutral legislation.

[@kaymatthew3478]

Love him he's a real one epic with dogs 🐕 ❤

[@EVOlution-EVo19]

So nice to hear common sense 👌🏻 I used to breed American bulldogs (Johnson ) and I stopped breeding due to so many bad people trying to buy them , I used to turn down so so many .. still own bull breeds .. totally agree with all you’ve said , I hope the government listens to this and take you on board 👌🏻👍🏻

[@EnnisGroup]

Dogs for life. ☘️

[@codeyyleo]

👏👏👏👏👏 been sober a year you are an inspiration 👏👏

[@traceymariner5050]

Soon as you decide to bring in a puppy rescue dog, any sort of background on a dog since you bring it to your home it’s part of your family and when they do go it hurts, I still miss my Springer and my two Belgian shepherds I had I lost my Belgian Shepherd on Christmas Day, 2022 couple weeks later i’ve got another Belgium Shepard never places the ones you’ve lost because every want you bring into your family is part of your family and they’re always in your heart. You have good memories and some bad memories, but most of all just think of the good memories and it’ll help you get through. I t I did my Belgian Shepherd, I’ve got now she is 14 months old and believe me when I got her. She was 10 weeks old 😊

[@Fire_Animates_]

Pet loss is no joke, the grief is very real like losing a child

[@Rachel-qc2ci]

Wow this is a fabulous insight into a guy iv thought was a doggie legend for a long time ….& now I see he’s a legend dogs aside Hats off to anyone who beats addiction and it takes massive bollox to tell their story to the world 👏 👏👏

[@jbow07]

Great interview 😊

[@GODEYE270115]

I had a Saint Bernard rescue 1 year old female, writhin the first year she got in dog fights and chased off a couple of burglars and almost bit my friend. I quickly learned I needed to keep her clear of other dogs and people. Walked her only at night and in secluded areas You can’t mess around with certain dogs, cause they mean business

[@AethelwulfOfNordHymbraLand2333]

There should be licencing for guard dogs, but any other dog bred for aggression, such as the bull and terrier type, should be banned.

[@danieltaylor5928]

I used to have a german stephard and i loved him like my younger brother and he was the most soft thing ever he didn't even brake at people in my house and he was very clever

[@nicgreen2446]

Loved this! I knew there was a back story with this guy but proud of his success and all he continues to achieve. Great podcast 🙌 also big shout out to his Wife, not sure I could have put up with that behaviour. ❤

[@OBSummer2]

Love you Adam! Wish you were in the US!

[@codeyyleo]

Your wife is also an inspiration ❤❤❤❤

[@Mandy-nw6dv]

Brilliant podcast. Love watching you guys. Thank you 😊 i sat like a trouper lol my ADHD normally messes me up 😅

[@SensibleNutter]

Refreshing sensible insights

[@kevinwilliams7012]

Great content as usual! Is there any dog training/behaviour training that’s free? I find myself googling info and getting conflicting info regularly. I’m fortunate enough to be able to afford training etc but wondering what those that can’t afford it can do? Not to say they have always been in a bad financial place.

[@beccieh]

I had two staffies Kai and Kobi (god rest there souls) 🌈 and they were the best pair. Fabulous with everyone well socialised and great with my kids I had them before I had my first son and I desensitised them to baby cries months before my son was born and when born they were taught to keep a distance when having tummy time ect and my children were taught from a very early age to give them there space and not to grab them ect never had one grumble no issues at all. And as for being rubbish guard dogs soooo true totally not there thing at all 😂. God I miss them 🫶🏼 I love all dogs but a massive load of love for the bully breeds ❤❤

[@traceymariner5050]

Do you research on the background of the dog you’re getting always I started off with her Cavalier spaniel and I had my Springer then after my Springer I had a Belgian Shepherd but I did my research on the Belgian Shepherd. I did not know much about the breed until I read about it, I was lucky to find a good breeder and she said any time you get stuck or you think you cannot cope I’ll have it back. You must have a good background checks on the dog you’re getting thank you very much for putting this up. It’s a shame you’re not down where I live rightly have classes with you. I’ve got a few issues with my Belgian Shepherd, but we seem to be getting their trouble is a lot of the trainers I’ve had don’t realise that she’s Belgium, Mel 😊

[@divscuba7096]

love the idea of a License

[@ccovnottz]

What a straight talking nice guy!!

[@JMEcooper]

His views on dog ownership and breeders couldn’t be any closer to what I’ve been saying for years if he tried, it’s as if he’s read my mind

[@kathybadham7029]

Clive is 1 great man ❤

[@dougbrett9218]

The licence is a good idea but the stages wasn't explained enough, so basically you start off with certain breeds and once you passed all your training you can move up to a bigger and stronger dog ..my question is will this make people surrender their dogs to shelters just so they can get a bigger dog as some people would probably do that

[@simonjones4941]

While I agree with most of the sentiments throughout the interview, my only question on the ethics of choosing an XL Bully, would be that if you’re breeding responsibly, for temperament and discipline, unless it’s for protection purposes, why would you chose a Bully? You can have all of those traits in other breeds, but while massively reducing the risk to the public.

[@susannadimartino8311]

Years ago we had dog licences but there's no one to man these. I totally agree with you both however it comes down to enforcement

[@jlear8]

Problem is, XL bullies aren't a breed, they have characteristics. A few months ago when they announced the van, we set up a meet with all XL bully owners - we had the top dog behaviourists, one of which was a former K9 police sergeant. Not one person turned up; left it to the last minute and now people are panicking, realising they're left in a situation where they could've did the right things: six foot fencing around their garden, got permission from their landlords or council, (which is a hard ask as I know a few which have had their dogs taken away,) mussled when they have guests over. But then I know a few other people who've done absolutely no research on the XL bully, saw money signs, didn't do any research on it's bloodline and now they're not only out of picket, but in a situation where the dog suffers. I'm totally against the ban, it's 1991 all over again with the pit bulls; all that achieved is the breeding going underground and unregulated which is one of the reasons why we now have the XL bully

[@AethelwulfOfNordHymbraLand2333]

So let's continue having these ugly beasts roaming around chewing up toddlers? Nobody has a pit bull nowadays. The 1991 ban worked and so will the XL Bully ban.

[@marcfuller2240]

I got 12 year old whippet and 2 nine month old cane corso 😂.loads of fun

[@Debsdeuhmah]

Nice one ❤

[@TheDogbeak]

Increasing the Nanny State mentality will only breed more irresponsible dog management/ ownership. I’d suggest that this is exactly why dog bites have been increasing. If education is mandatory than it needs to start with Primary School students where young minds can be taught just what it takes to raise a sound minded dog/ pet/ human being

[@JMEcooper]

My dream dog is a kangal but I’m nowhere near ready for one. I think sometimes it’s best not to even mention these flock guards because idiots then learn what they are and go out getting one and these people have no business owning a dog like that

[@deborahlamert57]

Great guy......

[@katherinecollins4685]

Very interesting

[@AlfredJohnson-s7o]

It's the handbag hounds are the worse ones always giving small dog syndrome or identifies as pitt bull

[@darrenkemp7022]

In Australia German sheperads bite the most people every year ,I've owned pitbulls all my life and atm the moment I got pitbull x rotweller there the best dogs u just have to show them u are the leader of the pack because dogs a pack animals I've never had any of my dogs try to bite my kids there the best guard dogs they know how to look after there family

[@Kalus_Saxon]

27:52 if you took it from its pack then dumped it into the kennels…. I think that deserves a prison sentence until the dog is rehomed… You sit in the cell as long as the dog does.. My mum wanted me to get rid of my last gsd because he had some issues but I told her bollocks he’s my dog.. Wasn’t a bad dog just had moments of snarling and tensing up like he was ready to attack but I could put my hand in his mouth and he never struck once… he was a goof too use to spin around on his side in the garden and had brilliant recall with just a whistle but definitely thought he was jeckle n hyde 😂

[@cypherknot]

Were the Bennards of Tennessee irresponsible dog owners?

[@paulaallen6649]

Correct ...ultimately the BREED OF THE OWNERS ay question here...

[@dawnknight123]

My 2 dogs are my babies ❤ and I’m there voice. Dog owners get to decide what dogs we want !! Unlike our current pm! We never got a choice !!no one got to vote !!! Us in uk are dog lovers!! There’s nothing more infuriating than walking my dog !! Someone who unlike my dog wasn’t even born here tells me to stay away with my dogs errrrgh!!! I need a lottery win! Buy out a pontins, Chuck out the illegals ! Open up a xl ! Luxury re housing and looking after , spoiling , site !! With tRainer’s walkers , vets ❤❤everything !!! If only eh !❤️❤️

[@georgienield2955]

Its not rocket science to train a dog, people are lazy because they don't want to put the work it. I said all this shit months ago before he spoke 40yrs I've had bullies in my life.

[@codeyyleo]

Clive is beautiful ❤

[@chrisbell4799]

12:00 💯

[@0poIE]

*Did youtube remove my comment? About seeing dogs savage people...*

[@skillz0729]

The problem with the XL Bully is that they took the lethal working breeds like pits, bulldogs, terriers and mastiffs and put that all in a new breed and called it a “companion” breed. Unfortunately that’s not how genetics work. You’re crossing wires that contradict each other. Pits have dog aggression and mastiffs have a wariness of humans. Not to mention..everyone that has any of those foundation breeds and it’s well bred..they won’t cross them. So you’re getting bottom of the barrel poorly bred foundation breeds being crossed to make the XL Bully.

[@lubymcsplurgeboy9361]

Missed out all the best bits lad 😂

[@dennylhunt]

Sadly all Adam’s recommendations would never happen as the government loves an easy life, and wouldn’t step up to the mark to put them in place, let alone enforce them.

[@Chickenbonetony]

I don’t get the trolls what were they doing to him was it death threats????????

[@ianwhite5799]

The dog licensing idea as outlined here is imo unworkable. According to this template to get a licence you need basic canine nutrition , even vets differ on canine nutrition some advocating for raw others kibble so on which one do you base the licence? Training , dog training in the UK is a free for all with no recognized standard so will it be force free/ positive only , so called balanced or compulsion based ? Who is going to police all this the RSPCA , Dogs Trust or The Kennel Club , non of these organisations could teach a goldfish to swim let alone train a dog and all push force free/positive only. Finally who wants to spend 10 to 14 years owning a breed of dog that you didnt really want just to get on the licensing ladder ?

[@Drainingtheswamp2022]

Ask him how he treats his staff

[@Wob-rt1sc]

Enlighten please?

[@dennylhunt]

Why don’t you tell us, as you’re clearly in the know.

[@Drainingtheswamp2022]

@@dennylhunt yep, I am.

[@gliffics1]

This guy is a wally, if you want a proper dog trainer then speak to the likes of Jamie Penrith (Take the lead dog training) and Danny Wells (Unleashed K9), now they are REAL dog trainers

[@infinitypestsolutions3129]

In your opinion of course

[@gliffics1]

@infinitypestsolutions3129 of course. Youd be surprised how many others have the same opinion though 👌 You can't train a dog using tools without being infront of the dog in real time 👍 Theres plenty of people.who have been to him and had shit results, then gone elsewhere and gotbthe results needed 🙄👌

[@lindsay9678-l8l]

To be fair Jamie and Danny are good but that doesn't mean Adam is a "wally". The points he is making are valid.

[@gliffics1]

@lindsay9678-l8l no, Danny and Jamie being good doesnt mean Adam is a wally. His actions make him a wally 💪

[@AethelwulfOfNordHymbraLand2333]

The guy talks about the ban 'punishing' responsible dog keepers, but responsible dog keepers don't keep the XL Bully that's bred for violence.

[@jayh5446]

I've got a 9yr old Patterjack and I doubt he would be able to train him. If you can train my dog then I'll believe he can train any dog. dog. Challenge sent from Dublin Ireland 🇮🇪

[@dennylhunt]

Bring your dog to Essex and he’ll definitely have a go.

[@tashawithatea294]

I’d put my life savings on the fact he could train your dog! He’s an exceptional dog trainer!

[@AethelwulfOfNordHymbraLand2333]

This guest is discredited. He says that the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act didn't work--even though there's no pit bulls in England nowadays, yet he thinks licencing will work even though it was tried in the 70s and was a resounding failure as nobody was applying for the licences and still kept dogs. Only the enforcement of restrictions on the keeping of undesirable dogs works.

[@mjones9708]

There are still plenty of pitbulls about if you look for them

[@AethelwulfOfNordHymbraLand2333]

​@@mjones9708There's not.

[@mcbain14zero]

Yes there are, they get smuggled in all the time from Europe and through Ireland, they slip through because they can be titled under staffie or staffie cross.

[@infinitypestsolutions3129]

Discredited by whom?

[@lindsay9678-l8l]

The fact is banning doesn't work so there needs to be a compromise somewhere that's the governments responsibility because it's about public safety. If they're not going to police backyard breeders then licensing with realistic expectations is the next best thing. Idiots will continue to cross breed powerful dogs regardless of what happens.

[@fizzypop5315]

I turned this off as soon as he was introduced as Britains number 1 dog trainer. Brown tonguing is one thing, talking complete rubbish is another though

[@dennylhunt]

I’d be interested to know who IS the UK’s number one dog trainer, in your opinion.

[@MyFluXx]

I would put Danny Wells above him any day as an example. South End is the most popular because of his social media presence but “Britains number 1” will be subjective

[@maxine4898]

I think you are very knowledgeable and good at what you do but on this subject you are absolutely wrong, I could contradict everything that you have said , but I’m so tired of explaining to people (who say the same 💩as you) why they too are so wrong

[@negroperez1013]

What are the books he wrote called ?