Unfortunately, many of us make the same mistake by assuming dogs think like we do.

With a sense of taste five times inferior to ours it means some expensive dog foods might be a waste of money. Focus on the nutrient and fat content, not on taste.

Keep an eye on your dog’s body language. If you don’t know for certain a dog wants a hug, don’t hug it. It might like a pat on its ribcage, a stroke, and praise.

Most dogs don’t enjoy a pat on the head. If you must touch a dog’s head, let it sniff your hand first and then give its head a stroke. Or scratch under its chin.

When you see a dog you don’t know look at you and wag its tail, don’t assume  it’s glad to see you. Remain cautious.

If dog owners made sure their dog was socialised, and if dog owners became familiar with dogs’ body language, they and their dog would experience far fewer problems.

In Australia your dog (and cat) can give blood. There are 13 blood groups. Your dog will receive a snack or a packet of dog food. If you think you dog wouldn’t mind, ask your vet about it.

We humans like to know the rules so that we know where we stand; it’s the same for dogs. Just make sure the rules are fair and consistently enforced. Don’t make exceptions.

Canines are meant to walk and explore. Give them the opportunity to do that at least twice a day.

It’s a costly, fiddly matter. According to journalist Emma Wynne, a listener’s return journey for two cats and a dog cost more than $20,000 for the flights alone.