Canine comedy

SIR – The only accidents I have seen caused by extendable dog leads (Letters, March 10) have involved a dog doubling back around me quickly.

The nylon lead has created perfectly symmetrical burn marks on my legs (I tend to wear shorts while dog walking), which have lasted several weeks.

My wife – in charge of the lead and the dog – reminds me (between bursts of laughter) to be more careful and move a bit quicker to avoid injury. Paul Thornton

Horsham, West Sussex

SIR – Extended leads should be used in green spaces to allow poorly behaved dogs to exercise without running off.

However, even dogs on extended leads don’t stray on to roads, where cyclists should be (Letters, March 9). Cyclists usually meet dogs when they are on pavements or public footpaths – which is becoming the norm, sadly. Dave Alsop

Gloucester

SIR – Perhaps an enterprising broadcaster could show a repeat of Barbara Woodhouse’s excellent series on dog handling. It could be accompanied, for nostalgia’s sake, by a series on Mary Whitehouse. What a combination.

Dr Chris Topping

Pilling, Lancashire