Dogs are such clever animals. What I can't understand is why they can't be potty-trained to climb on to the toilet, do their business and then flush the loo.

Dogs may not have quite the strength to pull or press the loo-flush but there are now loo-flushes that work by heat sensor - one simply puts one's palm close to a built-in wall-panel and the loo immediately flushes. I have seen these either at Gatwick or Heathrow - I can't remember which. Dogs could manage easily with a well-aimed paw (assuming their paws are warm).

At any rate, I am sure dog-owners would rather help with the flushing than pick up the poo.

These are the kind of thoughts that cross my mind every time I see dogs perform amazing tricks or feats on TV or hear about them on the radio.

-Pat Summerfield, Brighton