I quite like dogs, but they have been a problem to us in that we have an autistic son, and, like many autistic people he is scared of dogs, possibly because of their unpredictable behaviour.

Most dog owners realise this when they see us approaching and will hold their dogs close while we pass, but you get the occasional one who thinks that the dogs on a lead bit doesn't apply to them.

I agree it's the owners rather than the dogs. Man and dog have been in a symbiotic relationship for centuries but maybe we need to rethink the whole pets thing. Many dogs are just a lifestyle accessory to go in the Range Rover.