Is your pet pooch driving you barking mad?

HE may be man's best friend but that relationship can become more than a little strained when a dog's behaviour causes problems for its owners.

But even the most loving of dog owners often don't realise that it can be the way they deal with their dog that is at the root of its behavioural problems which can be resolved by simply readjusting the way they relate to their pet - by thinking dog.

Stuart Brace, of the West Mercian Dog Training Centre, at Dinmore Hill, has come up with these top 10 tips which are a must-read for any dog owner - or anyone thinking of getting a puppy or homing a dog.

When it comes to thinking dog, you couldn't accuse Stuart, who runs the centre at Allwoodley, Dinmore Hill, of barking up the wrong tree.

He trained and worked with police dogs for 15 years while, in his spare time, running a dog club and demonstration team.

He teaches with "kind methods" which have led him in to the realms of dog behaviour techniques and, after 30 years' service with the police, retired and now assess and/or trains dogs full time.

He established the training centre 22 years ago and gives individual obedience lessons, obedience classes and advises on behavioural problems including sheep chasing and aggression.

"I am pro-dog and very keen to advise and educate dog owners, particularly in view of the upsetting dog incidents highlighted by the media in the past," he says.

Stuart can be contacted on 01568 797016, e-mail stuart.brace1@btinternet.com