Now I know Border Collies are different from many other breeds, and need occupying, but I'm really not sure this is the way to go about it. Here you can read an article about Kirin who has been taught to do squat type exercises on command. All very well and good, except I'm not sure how good it is for her back legs. I always worry about dogs who are required to even walk upright on their back legs a lot, but standing on them and raising and lowering herself must be putting a ton of unnecessary strain on Kirin's legs.

She wags her tail as she's doing it, and do like the clever way she tries to find a handy wall or piece of agility equipment to lean on for balance.

Is it clever training? - yes it is. Is it good for the dog? - I wouldn't have thought so, but if any vets or other health experts reading can shed light on the subject, please do.

Take care,

Julie x

Dogs Trust do an incredible job in the UK rehoming dogs and making those in their shelters as happy as possible. At my local shelter there are a mother and son looking for a new home together. They look lovely and I hope they are soon happily settled with a new owner. Bless 'em.

MUMS THE WORD AT DOGS TRUST RODEN

Mother and Son, Duke and Sheba, desperate for a home together

Believe it or not there are people in my life who don't like my dogs.

What do you do when you want to eat out with your dogs? We are often out and about with Buddy and Star when we want to grab a bite to eat. Far too often the cafe or shop we buy from will not allow dogs. I was surprised to discover that, in the UK at least, there is no law banning dogs from venues that serve food. There is legislation banning dogs from food preparation areas, that's all. So why do so many places ban dogs? It's annoying to say the least.

The few places we have found that welcome our dogs we return to again and again, and recommend them to other dog owners.