See Rome the South Shields Great Dane star in a new TV show

South Shields Great Dane Rome is set to star in a new TV show.
Karli Weir with Great Dane Rome.Karli Weir with Great Dane Rome.
Karli Weir with Great Dane Rome.

Karli Weir and Michael Ahmed, from Clifton Avenue, Harton, will appear on Channel 4 show, ‘Dogs Behaving Badly’ this month.

The one-off documentary sees owners receive help with their mischievous mutts from expert Graeme Hall, known as ‘The Dogfather.’

Karli Weir with Great Dane Rome.Karli Weir with Great Dane Rome.
Karli Weir with Great Dane Rome.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Karli, a personal trainer, and her partner Michael, 31, a builder, are both fit but - ever since their beloved Rome was attacked at just eight months old, his behaviour has ‘spiralled out of their control’.

Combined with his strength and weight - 80 kilos - that can make the placid but powerful pooch a real handful.

Karli, 32, said: “Every time we went for a walk he would end up pulling us off of our feet.

“He had issues anyway. He was attacked when he was a puppy by a Labrador and, ever since then, he had gone into protective mode.
“That was one of the main reasons we contacted the show. No matter how big or small another dog was, he would go off it because he was frightened.”

Karli Weir with Great Dane Rome.Karli Weir with Great Dane Rome.
Karli Weir with Great Dane Rome.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The couple have two other Great Danes but they needed professional help with Rome.

The 19-month-old beauty was named after the couple’s dream honeymoon destination, which they were unable to visit because his behaviour meant they couldn’t leave him with anyone.

“We didn’t want to take the risk,” Karli added.
“But since the show there has been a massive improvement.

“Grame came out to visit us for two day-long sessions where we did lead work and I learnt how to hold myself when walking him.
“He is so big and strong, that every time I was walking him before I was bracing myself, thinking; ‘when is the next dog going to come around the corner,’ which made him more alert, so it was just a vicious circle.

Michael Ahmed with 'The Dogfather', Graeme Hall.Michael Ahmed with 'The Dogfather', Graeme Hall.
Michael Ahmed with 'The Dogfather', Graeme Hall.

“But he is more dog-selective now.

“He is still nervous, but he has walked past loads of dogs on his lead no problem now.

“It is a massive improvement.”

Dogs Behaving Badly, will air Saturday, March 11, at 6.05pm on Channel 4.