When the going gets tough, President Vladimir Putin turns to his labrador Connie and 11th-century Persian Poet Omar Khayyam for advice, the Russian leader said at his annual press conference yesterday.

"As far as bad moods go, of course I have them like any other person, but in those cases I try to consult with my dog Connie. She gives me good advice," Putin said, referring to the black labrador retriever who frequently appears with him at meetings with journalists and foreign leaders.

The remark drew laughter from the crowd of over 1,200 Russian and foreign journalists gathered for the president's annual press conference, which was televised live.

"My wife recently gave me a good book, the poems of Omar Khayyam," Putin added. "There are many interesting things there that can help in such cases. I recommend it."