20 APRIL 1985, Page 19

Dog Training

Sir: Colin Welch's observations (Centre- piece, 30 March) on the inherent pre- judices of dogs did not make the point that such prejudices are tolerated only if they are amusing or coincident with our own. This is commonplace. What is rarer is for a dog to be used as an active vehicle for its owner's prejudice. An example here is provided by the 16th-century botanist, physician and Dissenter, William Turner. Before being relieved of the deanery of Wells (for 'nonconformity of vestments') Turner had, on occasion, to entertain bishops — a species he heartily loathed. His dog was trained so that, on a given signal, it would 'snatch away the bishop's cap'.

Tony Chambers

13 Gribben Close, St Austell, Cornwall