A DOG has confirmed he is ready to begin negotiations for letting go of a stick.

Larry, a four year-old labrador said he was happy to begin talks but stressed there was no guarantee the stick would be given back straight away.

He added: “Initially, I would be willing to let the stick go a little loose whilst still keeping it clenched in my teeth. I will also no longer be growling at the prospect at giving the stick up.

“In the long run, I’ll obviously be looking for the stick to be thrown again so I can catch it, bring it back to you and let you look at me with it in my mouth.

“I think this is a step in the right direction.”

Larry’s owner Emma Bradford said, “I’m happy to claim he’s a good boy six or seven times if it’ll move things along.

“My only fear is that he’ll give me the stick just so I can throw it again and then we’ll be right back at square one.”