The Lord Eldon on Canute Square was the one watering hole that came up to scratch for the meticulous muts.

When their owners say "I'm taking the dog for a walk" the playful pooches take the lead knowing it will mean doggy biscuits a stretch by the fire.

Manageress Laura Sheridan said about 20 regulars usually have their favourite places in their favourite rooms.

"They usually come in with their owners after work and make themselves at home either messing around with the locals or wandering off into the beer garden," she said.

And Winston, a Staffordshire bull terrier, comes in by himself.

"He normally comes in for a biscuit or two but he's not very well trained and we've been known to put him up after last orders," she said.

But Laura says the dogs were on good terms with all the staff.

"They know who's serving immediately and will do what it takes to get what they want," she said.

Millie, a Yorkshire terrier, runs round and round, Honey, a mix, lies on her back with her paws on her nose while Goldie, a Labrador, goes straight behind the bar for the goodies.

But after a hard day and feeling dog tired, the muts are refused a mug of beer and get an ashtray of water instead.

And despite the numbers frequenting the Lord Eldon there are no dog fights.

"Half the time the dogs behave better than their owners," said Laura.

Now the hairy hounds are thinking of changing the pub's name to something more meaningful - top of the list is Rover's Return.

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