Desperate dogs collared

Dog owners driven desperate by howling and whining on car journeys are being sought for a project aimed at calming down agitated pets.

A team led by Daniel Mills, director of the animal behaviour clinic at Lincoln University, has devised a collar that emits a reassuring smell to the animals. However, it doesn't work for every car-crazy canine and Dr Mills wants to discover why.

If you have a dog that consistently tries to run around, jump about, snuggle up to you, vomit, bark, whine or howl while in the car, then Dr Mills would like to hear from you. Owners must feel it is safe to take their dog out in the car for five minutes once a week for six weeks during the study.

Details: dmills@lincoln.ac.uk