CHRISTINE EMERSON continues her series of features about dog behaviour by looking at some surprisingly common problems.

  • When my dog is off the lead, he very rarely comes back when he's called. Any advice?

I love teaching a good recall as it's great fun and the results can be seen very quickly. When you call for your dog to come to you, every dog (even mine) will ask: "What's it worth?"

You need to offer something that is not easily available in the home.

If you are offering the usual biscuit, he might think "Nah it's all right. I had two of them yesterday. I'll just chase this cat and have a biscuit later."

If you are offering his favourite toy, he might think: "No thanks. That toy is always available on the floor at home. I'll check out this smell and then have that toy later."

If you are offering a game of your best baby talk' and the silly side of you (reserved only for when no-one else is about) he might raise an eyebrow but then think "Nah... it's all right. I can have your attention any time I want it at home. I only have to lean on you to get my chest rubbed."

So, save that favourite toy just for when you say "Come", and let him have it for 30 seconds and put it back in your pocket (leave him wanting more).

Treats should be good enough to rock his world and the best is saved for the word "Come".

Your attention should be given when you choose, not him - that way he will not take you for granted and take the opportunity of a muck-around when you are offering it, without thinking twice about it.

  • I have a two-year-old black labrador and would like to get another dog. Is this a good idea?

If your labrador will be a good example to the new dog, it is a great idea.

Always choose dogs of different sex, size and age if you want them to get on well together.

If they are too similar they may fall out, as it will be difficult for them to agree on who, between them, is the more dominant and who is the subordinate.

I often get called to sort out two dogs who don't enjoy living together. They are nearly always too similar and are constantly competing (females are the worst).

So if you get an adult dog, ensure it is at least four years old and of the opposite sex - rescue centres are full of great, fit dogs that are passed by, simply because they are middle-aged.

If you get a puppy, invest in a good puppy socialisation class like ours at Drove Veterinary Hospital, even though you have a dog at home.

Whatever you do, avoid puppy farm outlets that disguise themselves as just another household' in the countryside, who advertise in free-ads papers, never have the mum for you to see, are spotlessly clean but excel in emotional neglect.

Get help through the Kennel Club or the breed club and whatever dog you choose, have fun!

  • When I'm out walking, my dog barks at random people, on and off the lead. We have tried to pinpoint it to something like hoods, hats, etc, but it is never consistent or frequent. As soon as he does it, we put him on the lead and take him straight home, so he knows that his walk is over and he has done wrong - but this doesn't seem to work.

Creating a detailed diary will help.

Write down what time of day the incident occurred and where and who it happened with, along with what exactly took place.

Also note what age the person was, how they stood, what they were wearing, plus any changes to the home environment or you, your response, and so on. You will need at least four incidents to see a pattern.

Barking is used to alarm, so he is probably spooked by the people and wants to create a distance between them and him.

Associating his behaviour quickly with a negative consequence like losing his freedom is a good idea but remember, they have a 10-15 second concentration span, so taking him home may be a waste of time.

Just keep him on lead for 30 seconds and give him another opportunity.

Even though barking dogs are usually not confident enough to bite, most people will be concerned by your dog's behaviour and, of course, we need to keep our dogs under control.

If your current method is not working, get a good dog trainer (if not me, another member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers) to teach you how to teach Leave' in order for you to use this cue at the first sign of a repeat of this behaviour.

Avoid getting cross as he will associate your change of mood with the strangers and may resent them even more.

Don't forget, you can often claim on your pet insurance for behaviour counselling.

This is a surprisingly common problem and one that can easily be improved on.