"Don't worry, my dog is friendly…"
Even the best-trained dog can be unpredictable or reactive when confronted with an unexpected situation.
Your dog may indeed be well-behaved under most circumstances, but other dogs and people don't know that.
Some dogs are in training or simply not comfortable with unexpected approaches. And some people have legitimate fears about dogs that deserve to be respected.
Even the best-trained dog can be unpredictable or reactive when confronted with an unexpected situation. Suddenly your "always obedient" pet becomes a creature of instinct. No amount of training can fully override a dog's natural responses in every situation.
Your unleashed dog also sets a precedent. When others see you walking your dog unleashed, it can become acceptable behaviour, including for potentially less-trained pets.
Council has seen a significant increase in unleashed dogs and in dog attacks. This has an impact on everyone in your community. For those attacked, it can be profound.
The solution isn't complicated: use a leash in public spaces unless you're in designated off-leash areas.
Ensuring your dog is under effective control in public isn’t just about being a responsible and considerate pet owner, it’s the law. Currently on-the-spot fines of up to $806 can be issued for not keeping a dog under effective control when in a public place.
The minor inconvenience of a leash is nothing compared to the potential consequences of an unfortunate incident. Everybody’s exercise should be safe and relaxed.
Let's shift from "my dog is friendly" to "my dog is safe" - because being a responsible owner means doing what's best, not just for me or my pets but for everyone around us.
To find out more about your obligations as a pet owner, visit: