Adding up

Dear Dogs Today,

I am seeking information about adders as I understand a bite from an adder could potentially kill a dog.

Please advise how I can avoid adders when walking my collie and what I must do in case of an adder bite. A friend mentioned I could carry Piriton on dog walks just in case. Is this a good idea?

Kind regards,

Mr M. Thompson, Surrey

A polite word

Hi,

I am hoping for some advice from fellow Dogs Today readers.

I have a Cocker Spaniel, Mandy, who is 11 years but still very active. We walk the same route every morning and very often come across a chap and his terrier type. The terrier type is a bit bigger than my Mandy, and is quite boisterous. He is friendly and not aggressive, but he does play roughly and does bowl Mandy over on occasion.

His owner is very pleasant and chatty, but doesn’t seem to understand that his dog’s boisterous play can be a bit much for my old girl. I have tried to say things like, “Oh, you’re a bit old for young dogs now, Mandy, aren’t you?”, before walking on quickly, in an attempt to help the terrier’s owner to call his dog away, but it doesn’t seem to be working. How can I politely ask him to jump in and stop when his dog has a bit too tight a hold on Mandy’s ears?

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Yours,

Sheila, by email

Mac for life

Hello Dogs Today team,

I’m after suggestions from other doggie people! Although its still the wettest the weather has ever been, I’ve found the air is quite warm and I’m getting hot on walks. I’m now on the hunt for a lightweight waterproof coat that can cope with dog walks across sodden ground, but doesn’t leave me sweating like mad.

Can any of your readers recommend their favourite macs?

Thank you very much.

Sue Butcher, by email

Walk on

Hi

I have been researching courses to attend to train to become a Professional Dog Walker. There are a number of different ones and I am not sure which one is best. I am hoping some Dogs Today readers might be dog walkers and can advise me?

Thank you

Zoe Pinhey, by email

Throw in the towel

I’m on the hunt for the most efficient, highly absorbent towels for drying a dog after walks/swimming etc. Can anyone recommend a good one?

Claire, by email

Sociability

Hi,

I am 13 and own a one-year-old black lab. Even though there is tonnes of dogs in our village (proven by a fun dog show) I normally only see a couple of dogs on my walks. I was thinking about putting up a poster for a group dog walk, maybe weekly or more depending on people's flexibility. It wouldn't be a commitment and no one would be obliged to turn up but I thought it might be a nice idea for dogs and dog owners alike.

What is your opinion? Would you be interested if something like this was advertised where you live?

Thank you,

Emily Mitchell, by email