Our panel of experts at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home answer some of the most common questions about cats and dogs.

• • When I walk him my dog won't come back to me, What can I do?

  • Start in a controlled environment where there are no distractions, like your garden.
    
    Always use the same recall command such as 'here' or 'come' and never sound angry. Try calling your dog's name to get him to come to you. When he does come to you give him a treat or play a game but if he does not come to you then he doesn't get the reward.
    
    When your dog has learnt to come to you when you call his name you can then add the recall command. Again, if he does not come then do not reward him.
    
    When you are confident that your dog has learnt recall, go to the park and let your dog off the lead. 
    

• • I have an old dog, is there any advice that you can give me?

  • Knowing how much exercise to give an older dog does vary depending on how active they are for their age. Therefore it is best that you take your dog on several shorter walks in a day rather than one or two long ones to avoid risk of injury. Lack of exercise in older dogs can lead to obesity. If you have a cat older dogs may still have the capability to chase and harass them, so be careful.
    

• • I have just got my first cat. What is the best way to settle her into my home?

  • Once you have got your new cat home she will need to get used to all the new sounds and smells in her own time. Let her build her confidence up in one room at first, rather than letting her roam and hide around your whole house or flat. Put her food and water in the room and place a litter box nearby. Quietly enter the room on regular intervals, sit across the room and wait and be patient.