Calls for dog behaviour signs at off leash parks to prevent attacks

With more than 550 reported dog attacks across Brisbane in 2017-2018, a leading dog trainer is calling on Council to follow an innovative South Australian idea by putting up specific signage at all off-leash parks.

A LEADING Brisbane dog trainer says a large number of dog owners were putting their pets and others at risk by having no real idea about dog attack warning signs.

A Furever Life canine trainer Shannon Ratahi said a “roll out of dog behaviour signage across all of our off-leash parks” would be a first step in educating park users.

“I am regularly dealing with the rehabilitation of dogs and the behaviours that result after a fearful experience or attack in a public space,” Ms Ratahi said.

“Owners are always shocked and in many cases tell me they did not see the altercation between their pets coming.

One South Australian council has installed special signs to help dog owners better understand their pet's behaviour. Now a leading Brisbane trainer wants Brisbane to do the same. Image: www.doggiedrawings.net

Rude greeting behaviours, over excitement, and resource guarding are often triggers for fights between dogs in off leash parks, with many owners un aware of the warning signs that precede the event.”

Brisbane City Council recorded more than 550 reports of dog attacks between March 2017 and March 2018

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Ms Ratahi has called on councils to erect billboards similar to ones used in the South Australian City of Charles Stuart.

“That in conjunction with regular patrols of high traffic parks by rangers to ensure owners are keeping their dogs under control and pick up after their dogs is important,” Ms Ratahi said.

“Having access to dog off leash areas is so important for pet owners especially with the increase of dogs living in high rise buildings with little space to exercise,” she said.

“The challenges we are facing with dog parks is they are becoming more and more popular and our understanding of what dog socialisation is has become skewed somewhat.”

Victoria Aley with Molly, trainer Shannon Ratahi and Courteney Newton with Hadley all know the benefits of dog training.

One South Australian council has installed special signs to help dog owners better understand their pet's behaviour. Image: www.doggiedrawings.net

Ms Ratahi said many dog owners believed taking their dog to the park and letting them run was adequate socialisation.

“This “socialisation” time is often under monitored with many owners on their mobiles phones or busy chatting to a friend rather than supervising and engaging with their dog,” she said.

“In truth when socialising our dogs we should be focusing on exposing our dogs, in a positive way, too many other every day things such as busy cafes, motorbikes, children and unfamiliar people for example.”

One South Australian council has installed special signs to help dog owners better understand their pet's behaviour. Now a leading Brisbane trainer wants Brisbane to do the same.

Ms Ratahi said more extensive investment by owners in certified training would also help prevent problem behaviours or address them before they reached the extreme.

Owners Victoria Aley (Teneriffe) and Courteney Newton (Chermside) both agreed training had successfully addressed behaviour issues for their pets Molly and Hadley.

“Molly was pulling on the lead, it was difficult to walk with her whereas now through what Shannon has taught me it is a lot more enjoyable,” Ms Aley said.

“Molly also had a problem with resource guarding — she would growl at other dogs who came near her ball in the park.”

“Now she has consistency in recall. I can run and she runs beside me and she doesn’t growl at other dogs. Aside from having a dog that is safe it’s so much more enjoyable.

For 13 week old border collie Hadley, learning not to attack household items like brooms and mops as well as becoming comfortable with scooters, buses and loud noises had been a challenge that with training has already been overcome.

Signage images courtesy of www.doggiedrawings.net

More information about dog behaviour at www.afureverlife.com

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Victoria Aley and Molly (left), A Furever Life Canine Trainer Shannon Ratahi and Courteney Newton with 13 week old Hadley.