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First, change from a standard neck collar to a head collar such as a Halti or a Gentle Leader. These pull the dog's muzzle around so that you can make eye contact, whereas with a neck collar, he can keep his eyes fixed on the fun on the horizon while he continues to try to get away from you. Second, you need to be painstakingly patient until he learns not to rush ahead. Praise him when he doesn't pull. Keep stopping every time he pulls until he gets the message: it might take half-an-hour to cover 100 yards, but if you continue this without ever letting him forge ahead, within a couple of weeks, he will be walking properly on the leash. It will also help to have tasty treats to reward him regularly when he is walking calmly and quietly beside you.

One of my cats – Casper – is a normal weight while the other – Coke – is obese at more than 7kg. Both have been on a reduced diet of dry food for at least three years on the advice of my vet. They also share some moist food each day. Coke constantly demands food when he is awake. I just don't know what to do to get his weight down.

MF, East Sussex

The key to helping a pet lose weight is to give a calculated, measured amount of food every day with regular weigh-ins at your vet to monitor progress. You need to learn to ignore Coke's demands for extra food. The deal should be that he gets adequate nutrition, and that's it: no more. It sounds as if Coke could be stealing some of Casper's food, and unless you address this, he's never going to lose weight. Feed the cats in separate rooms at different times. Another option is a special food bowl with an electronic trapdoor that only opens after scanning the designated cat's microchip. This would allow only Coke to eat Coke's food, and only Casper to eat Casper's. Visit microchipfoodbowl.com to find out more.

On our early morning walks, my 10-month-old puppy, Toller, delights in scoffing field mushrooms. Is she likely to eat other types which might be poisonous to her?

JLM, Somerset

Dogs are even more clueless than humans in determining whether a mushroom is toxic. Smell or taste does not help: highly toxic mushrooms can taste pleasant enough and, in any case, there have been cases of dogs being poisoned after stealing their owners' hallucinogenic mushrooms – which are known to taste bitter. Mushroom poisoning of dogs is more common in parts of the world where toxic mushrooms are more plentiful (such as the west coast of the United States). If there is a chance of poisonous mushrooms being in the area where your dog walks, then there is a risk of poisoning. You should do a fungus survey of your locality to identify what's out there, and if there are any dodgy ones, keep your dog well away from those areas.

Cats or dogswhich do you prefer?

New research among British pet owners has shown that cats are more popular than ever. Four out of 10 cat owners say that they treat their new cat like a baby, 74 per cent of owners admit that they trust their cat more than their partner, best friend or family, and a third of owners say their partner has expressed jealousy over their relationship with their cat. The research has been released to celebrate the launch of a new website which aims to settle the age-long debate of "cats vs dogs" by asking which species is "the best". Visit catsvdogs.co.uk to place your vote.

Recue pet of the week

This week's rescue pet is Dylan, a lively dog who needs an experienced home. Contact the Labrador Lifeline Trust on 01923 446785, or go to Labrador Lifeline

To find out the outcomes of the rescued pets featured in this column, see Pet Subjects Rescue

Send pet problems to pete.wedderburn@telegraph.co.uk. All sick animals should, of course, be taken to a vet.