There are bunches of good dog training videos like this one on YouTube - but training for a loose leash is probably the most challenging thing. For me, anyway. Had a shocking row with my puppy yesterday when he was dragging me along…

Here's Barbara Woodhouse - there's a story about her saying "SIT!" and a roomful of journalists immediately landing down on to their chairs.

I find training a dog to sit and wait for food is the easiest thing. After all, you have a great bargaining chip in your hand! Fill the dish, then tell the dog to sit, about a metre away, or more. Lower the dish slowly. If the dog jumps up, the dish goes up. If the dog keeps sitting, the dish keeps coming down. It won't be perfect the first time, but will get quickly better.

I've also found it easy to teach the pup and his predecessor dog and cats, not to beg at table; I throw the odd treat if he's sitting, then if he's lying down, so lying quietly near me is the most rewarding place to be.