A CLASSICAL singer says her pet dog that doesn't bark has found its voice - by performing opera.

Eight-year-old Jasper rarely makes a noise - unless owner Louise Geller, 27, is practising nearby.

The Shetland Sheepdog regularly joins her practice sessions and has even been known to come in at the right time to create a harmony.

Trained vocalist Louise takes her talents around the nation, dazzling crowds with her soprano voice.

But she knows that when she comes home she'll always have her work cut out - because Jasper is trying to steal the show.

She said: "He's quite good! Sometimes he'll come in on the right note. He hasn't got a huge range - he tends to sing high.

"I said before that he hits about 60 per cent of the notes but I think that's a bit generous, really.

"I'd say he's a countertenor. He has a lovely vibrato.

"It started when he was a little tiny puppy, about ten weeks old. I was just getting into singing.

"I was sitting around the table singing quietly. Jasper came over, put his head back and did an 'awwwww'.

"After that he would join in quite often!

"One person said once that he looked distressed - he's clearly not. If I'm in a different room he comes and joins me."

Louise said Jasper would bark infrequently as a puppy but almost never raises his voice as an adult - except to sing.

She said: "He's never really barked. When he was little he did a little bit, but he's quite quiet now.

"If he wants to go outside he just gently scratches on the door. He's a very calm dog."

Louise originally qualified as a doctor before gaining a place at the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama to study a postgraduate degree.

She has also performed at festivals including the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe.

But she has to practice her singing at home to maintain her training - where Jasper can hear her and join in.

She said that a particular favourite of his is 'The Doll's Song' from 'The Tales of Hoffman' by Jacques Offenbach.

But he's also partial to some more contemporary tunes, such as numbers from musicals.

Louise, from Bath, Somerset, said: "'The Doll's Song' was my first opera part. Jasper recognises it now, when it comes on - but only when I sing it."