A DOG re-homing charity at Harefield says there is a worrying trend of parents handing in dogs to rescue centres as soon as their children go back to school.

In a recent example, a family bought Gus, a puppy, to entertain the children over the summer, but he was abruptly handed in as the holidays were coming to an end.

But the nine-month old was not the only victim of this new trend. The charity were asked to take in 220 dogs last September at the start of the new school year.

Richard Moore, re-homing centre manager at the Dogs Trust in Harvil Road, explained that parents were using dogs as ‘four-legged nannies’.

He said: “In extreme cases, we’re finding people even buy dogs simply to keep their children occupied during the holidays.

“Gus was handed into us because his owners bought him to entertain the children and then passed him to us for re-homing when the kids weren’t around during the day any more.

 “We hope people will remember that a dog is for life and will carefully consider this lifetime commitment before purchasing a dog.”

Dog Trust Harefield is encouraging owners to bring their dogs to training classes instead of handing them into re-homing centres.

The charity wants parents to know dogs are not always equipped to deal with the change of environment and might develop behaviour issues.

Maria Wickes, head of dog school said: “We hope anyone struggling to control their dog’s behaviour after the summer holidays will consider giving them up as a last resort and, instead, sign up for training classes.”

There are classes in Uxbridge available throughout the year. To find out more, including how to register, visit www.dogstrustdogschoo.org.uk/dog-school/london