People have said to me in the past, "As a Dog Listener, don't you sometimes get sick of talking about dogs?"

I think I know what they mean - you hear the old chestnut about doctors at dinner parties being asked for their opinion of the the host's haemorrhoids, for example. And I always like the joke about the gynaecologist who can't form a relationship, "If I see one more...".

Well, in a little down time between filming for Channel 7 and returning to Europe (next stop Sweden in mid February, which after being in the Australian summer will be a SEVERE shock), I have, among other things, been reading Russell Brand's autobiography (which may explain the rather risque comments above. He's such a bad influence, don't you know).

Intrigued by the description of some of the TV shows he has done in the past, I have looked for them on Youtube, and as you know, yours truly has a penchant for adding a clip from said website in an attempt to entertain as well as inform.

Sometimes though, I have found a good clip, only to be put off by the barmy comments that some people feel they need to leave underneath the film, not only for or against the clip itself, but sometimes verbally attacking each other, using some right naughty language (I am sounding like Russell again).

Anyway, what does this have to do with dogs? Well, there was one rather nasty exchange between an American and a Brit, culminating with the former going on about the British and their "gross teeth".

I have heard this before from our cousins across the Pond, and speaking as someone whose teeth have "character" (in fact, I think their imperfections rpart of my charm), I wonder why it is such a big deal to them. After all, if they were to criticise someone's appearance on gender or colour of skin, they would be rightfully labelled as sexist or racist (and I am sure that "dentist" does not also mean a tooth bigot... or am I?).

The reason for such an attitude is that fundamentally we are disturbed by difference. Whether race, sex or religion, we feel threatened by something that does not fit in with our world. This is a natural reaction based upon our natural instinct to survive. Just as the biggest threat to a wolf pack is the nearest pack to it, we feel our actual lives at risk from "others". I am not condoning this kind of behaviour, as our society means there is no need for it, but it needs to be understood before we can successfully manage it.

Which brings me back to why I very rarely get tired of talking about Dog Listening, or dogs - there is something of relevance in nearly everything around us, once you are aware. In any case, if ever I don't want to talk about what I do, I pretend I'm a lawyer, which usually results in social isolation! Cheers, Tony Knight

P.S. I was going to add a clip about British teeth, but for some reason there are lots of disparaging comments at the bottom between Brits and Americans. Who would have thought?

As the guest of Kent Dog Listeners and Every Chance Rescue I spent this weekend at the Paws in the Park event at Hop Farm. Thousands of dog owners brought their pooches of every size, shape and colour (including purple).

It was a little disheartening to see so many dogs strapped up in harnesses (and still pulling), however we got through to a lot of people. It still amazes me that for the moment dog listening is not the first place owners turn to, but then again these days if somebody has a bit of a bad day they can be prescribed anti-depressants in an instant - a so-called immediate cure - rather than get coaching.

Yet the power of the dog listener process can literally save lives, and rescue dogs that everyone else has given up on, as can be seen in an amazing Youtube film by a young woman who went to South Africa for a holiday and ended up.... well watch the clip and you will see. Its a heartwrenching story.

No drugs, no gadgets, no force, just time and patience.   This is why I do what I do... please make sure all your friends get to see it too.

A quick hello from deepest Ukraine, and once more I see that no matter what part of the world I find myself in, there are still the same issues with dogs.

The relaxed attitude of the stray dogs, asleep in the shade while we tourists puff and pant sightseeing, shows their intelligence.

Contrast that with a conversation I had with a girl in a bar on the first night whose Yorkshire terrier was peeing everywhere in the house and was terrified of the outside world. She told me her vet had recommended castration as a cure.

It seems my work as a dog listener is cut out here too... Now I just have to learn the language!   Tony

Let me ask you a question.  As temperatures soar this summer, can you imagine going barefoot on hot concrete wearing a fur coat? No?  Then perhaps you should think twice before making your dog do it!

This week has so far seen a heatwave in England, and I have forgotten to bring my shorts! I'm here in the UK to teach the latest group of people wishing to become Dog Listeners. Humidity is high and energy is low - a perfect time for those dog owners who are enlightened - and have taken on board Amichien Bonding Methods - to be thankful that they do not have to take their dogs out for a walk in this heat.

For me, it's not only the sight of poor dog owners (and their dogs) out in rain, hail and thunderstorms with the mistaken belief that they must walk their dogs. If anything  it is worse when the temperature is so high. As I have said before, if we humans find ourselves sweating profusely, imagine if we had to go barefoot on the concrete while wearing a fur coat!

A late evening stroll, being happy and in control, can be very enjoyable. But most owners out there don't consider walking the dog a joy, rather a chore that can cause anxiety, fear and misery. Yet they still go out there because they think they have to.

I remember seeing an old lady in France, zimmer frame grasped firmly in hand, slowly making her way down the road in scorching conditions, followed by her three-legged dog. As anyone who has ever had a personal trainer will testify, there is a fine line between exercise and torture......

So if you are feeling the heat right now, think of your four-legged friend too and find some shade. Maybe grab an iced tea while you're at it and don't forget to fill the dog's water bowl.... enjoy the British summer while it lasts!

PS For those of you in the Southern Hemisphere, I will post this blog again in 6 months!

P.P.S  After hearing about the tragic story about the two police dogs that died from heat in the back of their handlers car, I just wanted to add this warning that was made by The Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, "the charity would like to remind dog owners that leaving your dog locked in a car can prove fatal, particularly during a heatwave. It can take just 20 minutes for a dog to die and temperatures reach over 40 degrees in some vehicles.   Stay Cool - Tony Knight