Dog Owners

The most important thing you can do for your yourself and your pooch is train your dog. Check out our links for dog training in, and around, Glen Eira.

Inform yourself about off-lead park dynamics, read this informative article from the Companion Dog Club of Canberra.

The term "socialisation" is often taken to mean the process of your dog learning to interact nicely with other dogs - howver there is more to it than that. Socialisation involves training your dog to be familiar and accept common human activity.

Non-Dog Owners

Consideration and common-sense are key aspects of harmonious park sharing - you would not race a remote controlled car through a busy playground as it would be a danger to children, equally the activity is a danger to dogs, so why do it in a leash-free area?

As dog owners should understand that a leash-free area is not a licence for their dog to do anything it wants, non-dog owners should also understand that they too do not have a licence to do anything they want. Non-dog owners should be aware of actions that could startle dogs - they are remarkably similar to the things that startle people. This from the Victorian Government's Responsible Pet Program.

  • loud noises,
  • being approached without being seen,
  • large sudden movements,
  • being approached by someone they do not know,
  • having someone run at you,
  • someone angry with you,
  • threatening you with an object.

Other human behaviour that can startle dogs is dressing or acting in a way that gives a strange outline. For instance, hats and sunglasses obscure your face and instead of recognising you as a person, the dog might think you are a strange scary alien creature. The simple act of taking off your hat and/or glasses can often quickly difuse a situation.

Children

If you don't own a dog yourself, make sure you give your child opportunities to meet and pat them. Most owners walking their dogs on leash through play areas are happy to stop and give children a chance to interact with their dog. Teach children that they should always ask an owner first before approaching a dog to pat it. The Responsible Pet Program website is a great resource with information pitched at both junior and senior primary levels - go to the appropriate age area and click on the link titled "Dealing with Dogs".

Many dogs are family pets and love kiddies, but some can be too exuberant. In leash free areas keep your children close as an overly friendly pooch may accidently knock them down.

Cyclists and Joggers

1) Be mindful about how you enter the leash-free area of the park.  Try to not suddenly appear out of bushes, but enter in an area where you will be clearly visible.

2) Jog or ride at a steady pace. Someone moving at a fast speed (running) may attract attention and speeding cyclists are a danger to dogs and walkers.

3) Give walkers and their dogs plenty of space - do not whiz through them or narrowly past them.

What to do if confronted by an unfriendly dog

(From the Responsible Pet Program website)

  • Stand completely still
  • Keep your arms by your side, don't wave them around
  • Avoid all eye contact, keep your eyes down and do not look at the dog
  • Don't kick, jump or squeal

If the dog owners is not already trying to get their dog under control, calmly ask them to do so. Yelling and screaming at the owner will only exacerbate the situation and distract the owner from getting the dog under control. In situations where there is no owner (eg. a dog at large on the street) stay quiet and calm (as above) and wait until the dog loses interest (after all, you are being very boring) and then slowly and carefully back away.

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