LITTLEJOHN

GUY FAWKES Night looms and with it the problem of what to do about pets frightened by the loud bangs from fireworks. Classic FM believes it has the answer and has prepared a playlist of soothing music designed to keep anxious dogs calm. Apparently, animals are especially responsive to Mozart and Bach. This comes in the wake of a report, from Glasgow University, which claims playing reggae by the likes of Bob Marley and UB40 to dogs will have the same effect. That sounds more likely to me. My daughter volunteers at a dog rescue centre in London and tells me that they often play reggae in the kennels. (You Gotta Walk And) Don’t Look Back, by Peter Tosh, with Mick Jagger, is a particular favourite. Our old labrador Ossie was a big fan of The Guns Of Brixton, by the Clash, which features a thumping dub bass line. So if you have a dog and want to be on the safe side this week, try tracking down a reggae version of the Brandenburg Concertos. If all else fails, a juicy bone should do the trick. It always worked with Ossie.