Gemma Atkinson has spoken out after being labelled "irresponsible" by a dog trainer who used a video of her daughter with her pet as an example of what not to do. The former Hollyoaks actress, 38, shared the throwback clip on Instagram showing her daughter Mia, three, as a baby sitting beside the family's black dog Norman.
In the footage, Mia is seen crying before becoming distracted by the tag on Norman's collar. She reaches out and gently tugs it, smiling, while the dog remains placid. The child's father, Gorka Marquez, 32, also appears and ensures both are comfortable. Gemma later wrote that the video highlighted "the calming effect of dogs" and praised the dog's patience.
A dog trainer subsequently shared the video as an example of what not to let children do with dogs, prompting criticism of Gemma. Responding on Instagram Stories, Gemma said she had reached out to the trainer and the video was removed. She said she has the utmost respect for animal professionals but found it disheartening to be described as irresponsible, adding that she knows her dogs, her child, and is a responsible owner.
Gemma also shared other images showing Norman sitting beside Mia during feeding times, stating the dog has done so since day one. She insisted she "won't stay quiet" when judged on her parenting. Many followers defended her, praising both her parenting and the dog's behaviour, though one commenter noted the dog "did also look quite uncomfortable" in the interaction.
