Problem: Jayda is a female staffy who just loves to go swimming in the river, but she refuses to come back when she is called.

Shark attack is a definite possibility, as is being run over by one of the many large boats that use the river. On land, she is a good dog. She answers all the basic 'sit', 'stay' and 'come' instructions. But in the water, forget it.

Solution: We must teach her to 'come' using that word and the long lead technique. This is simply a large fishing spool with around 30 metres of braided nylon cord wound around it. Attach one end to the spool and the other to the dog's collar. Once the dog is swimming and near the full length of the cord, give the command 'come' and start winding. With time, the dog will respond to your voice without the cord. It is an excellent technique for training any dog that won't come, and a means of walking those few that you just cannot train!