Apropos of my last blog, I must tell you about a session I had yesterday with a flat coat.  The two year dog was brought to me because he was somewhat unruly and undisciplined - lovely temperament, just a little head-strong!  On the way back to the car, the owner suddenly grabbed hold of the dog.  When I asked why, she explained that she didn't want him to go into the lake.  She told me she never ever allowed him to swim because she didn't like wet dogs.  I was horrified!  Flat coats adore the water - my own two are always first in and last out.  As tactfully as I could, I explained to the owner that denying a flat coat the opportunity to play in the water was a form of cruelty, in my opinion.  She looked a little taken aback but after a few minutes' hesitation she unclipped the dog - who promptly headed for the water and leapt in!  Slowly her obvious aversion turned to a smile - in fact it was difficult not to smile as her dog was so clearly having the time of his life.  This is a classic example of what I was saying before: dogs need to be dogs and allowed to indulge instinctive behaviour.  So if you don't like wet dogs, don't buy a flat coat; if rabbiting fills you with disgust give Jack Russels a miss; and if you don't want anything and everything in the way of rubbish and rotting body parts brought to you with pride, don't fall for a retriever!