Your responsibilities
as a dog owner....
As a dog owner you have a number of obligations. The "Dog & Cat Management Act 1995", states that all dog owners must:
- register the dog with the local council
- ensure the dog is unable to escape from your yard.
- take responsibility for any damage the dog may cause.
- ensure their dog is under effective control in public places.
Some councils have set aside special areas for unleashed dogs. Check with your local council.
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Responsible dog owners
should also...
- excercise the dog daily
- have the dog desexed if it is not intended for breeding
- ensure all vaccinations & worming schedules are adhered to.
Avoid dog bites by...
- teaching children how to behave towards dogs (as explained on this page)
- ensuring your dog is properly trained to sit, stay, drop & come
- always supervising young children near dogs
- choosing a breed that is suited to your lifestyle & environment
- ensuring your dog has the opportunity to socialise safely with children
- teaching children to interact with dogs by modelling the desired behaviour
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Teach your child to...
- never approach a strange dog without permission from the owner
- approach a dog slowly with the back of the hand extended
- curl your fingers & allow the dog to sniff
- stroke the dog gently on the chest, or shoulder, or under the chin
- avoid approaching dogs that are sleeping or eating
- stand still like a fence post if approached by a strange dog & not squeal or jump
- avoid eye contact with the dog
Teach children that a dog
should be left alone if it...
- lifts its lips
- growls
- backs away
- raises the hair on its back
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