Legal duties of dog owner

Mrs G Pattern - Priorslee

A: If you've already introduced a puppy collar that's great, says Star vet Howard Jones. If not, a cat collar is usually better with small sensitive dogs initially, these are usually softer and allow the puppy to get familiar with this new sensation sooner.

Leave the lead on the floor with treats tossed amongst and around the lead, allowing the pup to get confident exploring around the lead. Do not make an issue of anything at this stage.

Play with your puppy whilst draping the lead around your own neck and carry or hold the lead whilst playing. Developing his confidence will take a few days. Only place the lead onto him when quiet and relaxed and then immediately prepare one of his daily meals.

The lead now predicts meal times and creates a positive association. You can repeat this with each meal, and then begin slowly walking the dog towards the dish each mealtime. When progressing to outdoors, the dog must be comfortable with the sensation of the lead trailing behind initially.

I do this by playing with the puppy out in the garden and have all family members crouched on the floor, sat in a circle and call the puppy to them one at a time, when the puppy comes, it receives a reward or play with a toy. Using a thin house line, which is a lightweight lead especially designed for use at home helps with the introduction of a lead.

All associations with the lead are positive until the puppy is sound and confident indoors with the lead attached, before progressing to the big world outside!

Q: A public footpath runs through my field. I have two dogs that run and bark occasionally at people, especially men. They'll come when called but I have heard about spray collars to control them. Will these help?

Mrs Faith Ambleton - Much Wenlock

A: You describe your dogs as being territorial, which is of course a natural instinct with dogs. However, without becoming too serious and hoping to keep both you, others and your dogs safe, you must be aware about the legal responsibilities placed upon dog owners nowadays.

A dog causing worry, concern, danger or nuisance to others is a serious matter, so you need to adopt a proactive approach to ensure the best possible control measures are applied.

Yes, there are various types of spray collars available. These emit a jet of compressed air beneath the dog's muzzle when the owner presses a remote control. A wire aerial buried along the perimeter of a garden or property can operate similar units.

These collars are used to interrupt an unwanted behaviour, but do not teach the required behaviour, which would ideally be to teach and develop your dog's social skills, manners, adopting a quiet approach and becoming tolerant of others.

You could possibly increase a dog's negative association towards other people with a spray collar, if he learns that he experiences discomfort every time a stranger arrives.

Therefore as well as looking at how you can stop one behaviour, you must also consider how you can teach them what it is you do want. Invariably, area management and supervision are your most sensible options keeping yourself, your dogs and others safe at all times.