We’ve all watched in bemusement as our dog greets one of its fellows by sticking its nose up the other’s nether regions or embarrassment when it places its head firmly in the crotch of your house guest. “Sorry”, you say, “he’s only being friendly”. Well, is he?

Evidently the latest dating craze is something called Pheromone Dating whereby singles attempt to find love based on smell. Of course, scientists and lovers alike have long talked of the necessity of there being the right chemistry between successful couples and of a chemical reaction taking place when you meet Mr or Mrs Right.

Online dating is huge business worldwide and the UK market alone is worth £2 billion a year so there is clearly plenty of demand for any new system designed to find you the love of your life.

Pheromone Dating involves you putting a piece of worn clothing in a numbered bag and inviting others present to have a sniff to see if it appeals. I understand that the item is normally from the upper body (thank goodness for that!) and is preferably a T shirt that you have slept in for three nights as opposed to something you may have worn at the gym for the last two to three weeks.

If a person likes what he/she smells then he/she will be photographed holding your numbered bag and his/her image displayed on a large screen so you can then decide whether or not to take matters further. This is a good idea and clearly removes the potential for any embarrassment concerning lack of physical attraction or gender preference.

So, Pheromone Dating, the future of love? I always suspected that old Rover was on to something!