I have got a puppy and am trying to potty train him.

What is the best way to do this?

THE best method of training is called reward-based training, which means giving your puppy rewards like a game or a cuddle when he behaves correctly so he will want to behave that way again.

To toilet train him, keep taking him outside and give him lots of praise when he goes to the toilet in the right place. Keep repeating this, then introduce a signal to make him understand you want him to go to the toilet. Always use the same words, like 'Go now' and accompany that with a hand signal.

He will soon start associating the signals with the praise, which will make him want to 'go' when you indicate that is what you want.

Ignore any mistakes and don't punish your puppy for them as this is causes anxiety. For more info, see: www.pdsa.org.uk/dogbehaviour

Gerbils bite

My two gerbils always bite when they are being held and my husband and I have to wear gloves when petting them. Can I tame them?

Gerbils usually bite because of fear and this is often because they were not handled from a young age. The best way to tame them is by gaining their trust through patience and being very gentle.

When they are wide awake, place some food they like in front of you. Do this until they are confident to approach you to take the food. Next, place your open hand next to the food and let them take the food with your hand nearby. When they are happy to do this, place the food on your open hand. By building up in small stages like this (and each stage may take days or weeks), you should eventually be able to gently lift them in your cupped palms.

Can I take cat?

My job will take me to Denmark for a year and I want to take my cat with me. How do I arrange this?

CHECK with the relevant authorities in Denmark. A good place to start is the UK's Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Try its website (https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad) or contact its pets helpline on 0870 241 1710 or pettravel@ahvla.gsi.gov.uk

You should also call the airline or ferry company you are considering.