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Dunedin City Council – Kaunihera-a-rohe o Otepoti

Best Friend, Best Behaviour: Tips for Dog Owners

Last updated: 20 Feb 2024 10:52am

The Dunedin City Council wants to educate dog owners and help them manage challenging behaviour related to separation anxiety.

Many people are heading back to work and study from February, meaning it is an opportune time to remind dog owners of issues that can arise as a result of dogs being separated from their owners/humans.

Tips for Aggressive Behaviour

Is your dog showing signs of aggression towards people, dogs or other animals?

Aggression is the most common behavioural problem in dogs.  If you know your dog can be difficult or hostile, it’s important for you to take steps to keep everyone safe - at home and in the community.

Here are some simple tips to help keep your dog under control:

  • Keep them on a lead and use a muzzle when you take them out for a walk.
  • Take treats to distract them from other animals or triggering situations.
  • Keep your dog moving, and maintain a safe distance from other dogs if you encounter them. You may also need to ask people to move away.
  • You can use a colour-coded harness, bandanna, or jacket to let people know your dog needs space.
  • Don’t leave your dog tied up unattended outside shops or cafes.
  • If your dog is showing aggression towards visitors at home, try distracting them with a favourite toy, or putting them away if you are expecting people over. If someone turns up unexpectedly, make sure your dog is secure before opening the door.
  • It can also be a good idea to put up a ‘beware of the dog’ or warning sign to let visitors know you have a dog on the property. You can also arrange a safe place for packages and other deliveries to be left out of harm’s way of your dog. You need to have free access to your front door and letterbox.

If you encounter specific behavioural challenges or need additional support, it’s best to get expert advice to help deal with these behaviours. A professional dog trainer or animal behaviourist can provide personalised guidance to help address any issues specific to your dog's training needs. You can also get in touch with a DCC Animal Services Officer for advice.

Tips for Socialising

Is your dog having trouble meeting new people or other dogs? Do they have difficulty interacting with others?

It’s important to socialise your dog early to avoid issues later.

  • The best time to start is when they are young. Take them to puppy classes or obedience training to learn good habits.
  • Think about all the different types of experiences you dog will be exposed to during their life and how you can get them used to these over time.
  • Introduce them to different experiences slowly. Start with small walks around the block to check out new sights and smells and build up to larger ones as they grow.
  • We also have some great local dog parks to let them have a run around in. Remember, you still need to have control of your dog even if it is inside the park.
  • Dogs can get scared when faced with new experiences and may show fight or flight behaviour. Make sure you keep your dog on a lead until it is well trained and has good recall. This means it will return to you when commanded.
  • Take time to desensitise them to being touched, brushed, and examined by yourself and strangers. Make these interactions positive and rewarding. This will ensure your dog feels comfortable during routine grooming and vet visits.
  • Talk to your vet about having your dog neutered. The DCC offers a free neutering scheme for community service card holders. This is based on availability so make sure you check with us to see if we can help.
  • It’s important to keep socialising your dog throughout its life. Despite the saying, even old dogs can learn new tricks!

Tips for Escaping and Wandering

Does your dog keep escaping your backyard? Are the neighbours calling you about your dog coming to visit?

Dogs wander for lots of reasons, and not just because you left the gate open. There are lot of things you can do to keep your dog from wandering away when you aren’t home.

Tips for Barking

Does your dog bark when you leave it at home? Or are they consistently making loud noises even when you’re home?

Loud and persistent barking can be a nuisance for your neighbours, and it is not very fun for your dog either. This could be because your dog is bored, it could be missing you, or it needs more exercise. What can you do?

  • Help your dog adjust to being alone by gradually increasing the amount of time spent apart from you and your family. Start with short periods and gradually extend the duration. Ensure they feel comfortable and secure when they’re separated from you.
  • If they are left alone inside, leave your television or radio on when you’re away.
  • Make sure your dog has adequate shelter and water.
  • Take your dog out for some exercise before work. A tired dog is a quiet dog.
  • Provide interactive toys such as treat balls and rope toys for them to play with and keep them busy while you are away.
  • Consider dog walking services or leaving them at a doggy day care.
  • If you are keeping your dog outside, it is best to put them in the back yard where there are fewer distractions. If they must be out the front, put up screens or a protective fence where there is foot traffic.
  • Ask a friend or family member to stop by and take your dog out for an extra walk.

If you want to know more about dog behaviour, check out your local library for dog training and behaviour books. You can also call DCC Animal Services for more tips and advice. Get in touch with a professional dog trainer or animal behaviouralist who can help address any issues specific to your dog's needs.

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