We have found that our small dog is much better when travelling if she has a light meal three to four hours before we leave and then a gingernut biscuit once in the car. The ginger in a biscuit is obviously enough to settle a wee dog’s tummy. Lesley Burns

When to plant your roses Now — spring to early summer. Because most roses bloom most magnificently in spring, so you can see them in bloom to choose which one you want to buy. Winter is the time to buy bare root roses, ones that have been dug out of the ground when they are […]

Shade Roses won’t bloom in dense shade. Check they haven’t been overgrown by a tree or shrub. Roses grown against the house wall may be shaded by the eaves as they grow taller. Prune them lower or cut away vegetation around them. Starvation If the flowers are small or lose their petals after a day […]

Question: I have a four-year-old German Shepherd and every time she hears someone bouncing a ball she freaks out; she tries to find places to hide just to get away from the noise. Why is this? Vanessa Thornton Answer: Your poor little pooch obviously has a bit of a ball (or general noise) phobia. Maybe […]

By Lucy Hine There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your dog running in the opposite direction when they’re called. Not having the “come here” command under wraps is not only frustrating but dangerous too. A dog who has been taught to come on command makes walking easier and more enjoyable and gives you the confidence […]

Question: My dog Elly-May is a miniature poodle and has lived with us ever since she was a puppy. Whenever we take her to see other dogs she snaps at them when they come close to her. She is five years old now and I was wondering is there any way we can get her […]

Chuckie, our shih tzu/border collie cross (yes, it is possible) has many anxiety problems and had a couple of biting incidents. After contacting a behaviouralist, Chuckie was placed on anxiety medication, which continued for approximately 10 months. It helped a lot, together with some heavy retraining, but we decided that it was time to come […]

By Lucy Hine A quick learner, eager to please, gentle and non-aggressive ? the Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and a great family pet. The Labrador is a well-adjusted and adaptable dog that can just as easily be the devoted companion of an elderly person as a children’s […]

Question: How do I stop my cockatiel from biting me or anyone that comes near him? He is eight months old and beautiful. Mary Nelson Answer: Biting birds are certainly not unusual. They usually do it if they feel a little frightened or out of control. They also do it for play reasons, so it […]

Question: My cat has been losing hair from her stomach and thighs. The hair loss started 16 months ago when my son was born and is steadily getting worse. I assume she is stressed. How do I calm her and stop her over-grooming? Suzanne Casson Answer: I think you are right on the money thinking […]