Intrepid Post pet reporter, Sniffer, gets to the bottom of the street dog scene with this in-depth interview with former house pet, Copernicus.

SNIFFER: Copernicus, some of our readers have been scribbling in to ask how you became such a street-savvy dog, and why you don�t have a home.

COPERNICUS: It�s a sad story Sniffs, and one that, unfortunately, is far too common these days. To make a long story short, once I grew out of puppyhood my owners decided I really wasn�t as cute as they initially thought. A few days later I found myself abandoned in a temple. Yeah, I was depressed at first � it was a bit of a culture shock, but I decided to turn my attention to helping my fellow dogs get the best out of life � by helping humans come to understand us canines.

S: You mean in terms of dog training?

C: No. I mean in terms of Human Training. You see, people often think "I know, I�ll send my dog to a training class". Well, that�s just the wrong attitude � you gotta remember, it�s not the dog; it�s the human who needs training in how to communicate with their dog.

S: That�s fascinating. I�d never looked at it that way before.

C: Why would you? You�re a human. Generally speaking, you guys don�t have a clue. For example, how often do you see dogs patting other dogs on the head?

S: Excuse me? I don�t think I�ve ever�

C: Of course not � because in the dog world, it�s down right rude. The head and neck of a dog is an INCREDIBLY sensitive area. Now most of my dog pals don�t mind their heads being scratched by their owners � coz they know them, and they trust them. But if it�s someone we don�t know; that�s a whole different story.

S: So let me get this straight, patting a stray dog on the head is not a good way to say hello and be friendly?

C: No, you muppet � it isn�t. If you want to gain the trust of a strange dog� you approach from the front, so we can see you, and slowly lower your hand so we can sniff you first. If we like the smell of you, then you may be allowed to stroke us. Stop all this nonsense with waving your hand around, and making sudden movements � we�re more likely to think you want to play and run after you. Just stand still, lower your hand and let us have a sniff. And don�t worry about where our nose has been � you don�t see us worrying about where your hands have been.

S: So is running away from a dog likely to make him attack?

C: Nope. But it�s likely to make the dog run faster to find out who you are before you leave. That�s the bit people find scary, so they start screaming and waving their arms trying to "shoo" the dog away. At this stage, the dog is thinking "right, does this human want to play? Or is he trying to hit me?" You can see where that could lead. Look at it another way, dogs are very territorial � but then so are you humans. Someone jumps your fence, makes his way into your kitchen and puts the kettle on � you�re going to have the hump. If you start plodding all over a dogs territory, he may not be too happy with you either. It�s about mutual respect.

S: That�s fair, I suppose � but what about scary, barking dogs that are running towards us looking menacing?

C: Bit like an average night in Patong, if you ask me (bloody Australians). Look at it this way: you have two legs, dogs have four � even my three-legged companions can outrun you fools. However, us dogs never pick a fight with humans, so if a dog is running up to you, he just wants to find out if you are quicker than most. But the same rules apply. Just stand their calmly, don�t make eye contact and put your hands by your sides. The dog will come up to you, have a sniff and then toddle off� without even trying to sell you a suit.

More of our Phuket Post exclusive interview with Copernicus in the next issue. If you have any questions or queries for Copernicus, or any other of our interviewees, then please email Sniffer at: sniffer@phuket-animal-welfare.com