26th January is Australia Day and my first time in the place itself to sample the atmosphere and I'm casting a Dog Listeners eye over the proceedings! Its amusing to note that the 'pack animal' in us all is proudly on display.

Guess the morning started in the traditional way for the average Aussie, waking up first thing to find a Huntsman spider about the size of my head (maybe a slight exaggeration) had decided to bunk up with me. He ran off without paying his share but I let him off as he said he could help my business – apparently he’s a very good web designer…

Talking of websites, today’s phone-in with my Dog Listener Website Members was full of good questions and even better feedback, and it is fantastic to hear how much progress people are making with their dogs, and also how much they are getting from my support. Hats off to them and may they keep up the good work.

The subject of flags has come up a few times today, from the sight of Australian flags decorated homes, cars and people (the group of teenagers draped in their flags singing “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, Oi, Oi!” at a main square in a quiet mountain town was a highlight) to discussions on the radio about the time being right for a new national flag without the Union Jack on. The argument is by some that they are mature enough now to cut the apron strings of Great Britain. I should add here that I also received a few odd looks as I chose today of all days to wear my England T-shirt (the others were dirty – honest). Good job it was soccer and not cricket – they are still a little touchy on that subject…

Why does a country put so much emphasis on what is basically a piece of cloth? It symbolises their identity, their tribe, and in some cases the abuse of said cloth by others can almost constitute an act of war. Worse can happen if somebody who used to be in your tribe starts to sport the colours of the number one enemy (see Carlos Tevez… from a distance, bless him).

Man is an animal, and just like an awful lot of our fellow beasts we are loyal to our pack, and see others as a potential threat. This is something we should think about when considering taking dogs to socialisation classes, something I will be covering soon on the website, so don’t forget to check out all the new information here on my blog or at www.dog-listener.com if you're a member. Until next time, cheers cobbers…

P.S. There will be an update on Cerberus, the dog saved from Death Row in South Africa, very soon.