LAST week's edition of Channel 4's It's Me or The Dog programme has caused a significant amount of concern from pet owners and professionals.

It is possible that the full story may not have been told due to time constraints of the show. However, members of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors who saw the programme reported that the televised version of the treatment of the dog in question raised a number of issues which could have a serious impact on the health and welfare of other dogs.

There has been an ongoing interest by the media and public regarding the behaviour of pet animals. Many articles and television programmes reflect this interest, sometimes using the opinions of untrained people with no knowledge of the science behind understanding and changing an animal's behaviour.

Analysis of each individual pet's behavioural problem is absolutely essential. However, the pet-owning public may try to apply what they have seen on these programmes either inappropriately or incorrectly with regard to their own pet, potentially with detrimental or dangerous consequences.

It is always distressing when decisions must be made regarding the life of any pet. Such decisions should be confined to qualified experts. This qualification should include both an appropriate academic background, for a firm scientific grounding, and the knowledge gained by practical experience together with experience shared with other experts.

The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors promotes the highest standards of behavioural appraisal. This is required for reasons of animal welfare and to make certain that the correct behavioural treatment is applied for the individual pet. The APBC would particularly like to address the sensationalising of pet behavioural problems. These programmes trivialise what may be a traumatic experience for both the pet and the people involved.

TRUDI ATKINSON DipAS(CABC),VN,CCAB, Full member of the APBC covering Wiltshire and surrounding areas Tory, Bradford on Avon