Weigela florida var. venusta

Advice please from #ambassador This weigela has been attacked by my dogs on and off. It has not flowered/produced leaves well this year. Should I cut it back to ground level where there is some growth?

@ukjohnny Hi Johnny, I understand the general pruning after flowering rule for shrubs however if you notice there are no leaves and no growth at all this year anyway - maybe the odd few. I won't get flowers next year even if I do nothing. It all appears to be dead wood from the stems/beaches I've checked

Thank you @ukjohnny You have far more experience than me and if you think it may work I'll give it a go. I haven't got anything to lose as it may be on its way out anyway. I'll try protecting it with chicken wire mesh as well to stop the naughty beagles getting at it

Definitely worth chopping it down. Weigela's are tough, I have one and it survived really harsh treatment a few years ago and now it's thriving. Just have to be cruel to be kind - and patient! Xx

Thank you @clipperty I’ve actually cut it right back today. The wood was dead and rotting in places. Hopefully the dogs will not eat the new growth

Sorry if this is the wrong species name.