Responsible Dog Ownership - Getting it Right

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From 1 July 2009, the Department of Local Government and Regional Development became the Department of Local Government and the Department of Regional Development and Lands.

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Responsible Dog Ownership - Getting it Right - Right from the Start!

Responsible Dog Ownership

Getting it Right - Right from the Start!
Most dog owners do not neglect or abuse their dogs and consider themselves to be responsible if they feed and exercise their dogs and take them to a veterinarian regularly. However, dog owners should also be aware of their dog’s socialisation and behavioural management needs.

Problem behaviours - such as nuisance barking - are easier to prevent than cure. Dogs with behavioural problems may require assessment by a behavioural consultant.

The following are essential considerations in helping determine dog behaviour:

Socialisation - Socialisation of puppies, especially within the first 16 weeks of age, is essential for dogs to get on with people and other animals.
Leadership - Dogs are pack animals with a hierarchy of leadership. It is essential that owners demonstrate they are the “top dog” with firm, gentle leadership aimed at providing security, certainty and trust.
Training - Reliable dog obedience training can provide you with the safety and security of having better control of your dog at all times.
Activities - Dogs become acutely bored and more difficult to manage if they do not have stimulating things to do, people to interact with, and interesting places to live and play in.
Inclusion - Because dogs are highly social animals, they can become stressed if not included in household activities.

Puppy socialisation and obedience training programs
The Canine Association of WA, the RSPCA, some veterinarians, and many others provide socialisation and dog obedience training classes.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) also has an education program for primary school children called PetPEP that teaches children how to behave around dogs.

To assist you, guidelines on [how to choose your dog trainer] have been developed by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia. You may also go to Your Community Contacts for further assistance.

For further assistance, contact Ranger Services at your local government.