WITH regard to the furore over "dangerous dogs", it may be time to reflect on the responsibilities of the would-be prospective dog owner.

Dogs by nature are pack animals and subject to a leader. A dog does not understand our standards of right and wrong. Any groundwork in obedience training includes perseverance and patience.

Dogs are subject to human traits, being territorial, attention-seeking and jealous. Their responses can be affected by certain circumstances, such as being off colour or locked up for long periods.

Prospective dog owners must be prepared for vet bills, for providing plenty of exercise, going on holiday, and they must be ready to evaluate changes of mood, at any given moment.

When choosing a dog as a family pet, remember that various breeds are not always suitable for a home environment.

They say a dog is not just for Christmas; but they can give lifelong friendship in the right hands.

I have in the past trained bloodhounds and German shepherd dogs, and at the present time I have acquired a crossbred Labrador, 14 years old, named Sophie. She is just as soft but just as demanding as a child might be, and a rescue dog to boot.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walker, Huntington, York.