Seems a bit hard core

Quite right, I should have put the two things in quotes, to make it absolutely clear that they did not reflect my own opinions - but those of dour Yorkshire farmers, who perhaps don't have our sensitivities. Jasper came from Boxer rescue to whom we subscribe each year and my business does all the promotion work for the local RSPCA, so I wouldn't go having dogs put down in any circumstance.

Thanks everybody, whilst I'm posting, for the time spent and the wealth of well thought out suggestions. We're going the Dog Listener route first, because she's Yorkshire based and if we can't sort it ourselves, we can call her in for a consultation.