Responsible Dog Care The aim of this booklet is to provide basic information regarding the care needed to keep a dog healthy, happy and an asset to the community.
Contents The right dog for you... 1 Popular breeds of dogs... 2 Shelter... 3 Exercise... 3 Food... 3 Attention... 3 Taking care of your dog... 3 Vaccinations... 4 Worming... 4 Hydatids Control Programme... 4 Your dog s health... 4 Never feed raw offal* from any animal to your dog.... 5 Always cook offal if you want to feed it to a dog.... 5 Always freeze or cook sheep or goat meat.... 5 Don t let your dog eat anything unless you know what it is.... 5 Safe feeding for your dog... 5 Be a responsible dog owner... 6 Response to complaints involving:... 7 Education programmes:... 7 De-sexing programme:... 7 What your dog registration fee pays for... 7 Impounding and pound facilities:... 8 Registrations:... 8 Reducing Dog Bites... 9 De-sexing your Dog... 10 Keeping your dog at home... 11 How to train your dog to stop barking... 12 Obedience Clubs... 13 Obedience training for your dog... 13 Decide who will look after your dog... 14 Taking your dog on holiday... 14 Taking a holiday?... 14 Records... 15 Registration:... 15 Vaccinations... 15 Worming... 15 Contacts... 16
The right dog for you Many breeds are fashionable, but these may not suit your environment or lifestyle. Answering the questions below might help you to determine which dog is right for you. 1. Why do you want a dog? a. Companion / Pet b. Gun dog c. Showing or Working 2. Are you? a. Active b. Away from home regularly c. Someone that is at home often 3. How much time do you have for? a. Exercising b. Grooming c. Dog training 4. How much outdoor space is available at your premises for the dog to exercise? 5. Have you budgeted for the associated expenses of owning a dog? 6. What will you be doing for the next 15 years? 1
Popular breeds of dogs Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and not all breeds are the same. Some dogs need more exercise than others, and some breeds may need more grooming. So before you make the decision to bring home a new best friend, have a look at the list of popular breeds below and try and find a match to your lifestyle. BREED SIZE GROOMING EXERCISE FEEDING Beagle Medium * ** ** Border Collie Medium ** *** ** Boxer Med / Large * *** *** Bull Terrier Medium * ** ** Bulldog Small / Med * ** ** Chihuahua Small * * * Corgi Small / Med * ** * German Shepherd Large * ** *** King Charles Spaniel Small *** * * Labrador Med / Large * ** ** Poodle Small ** ** * Retriever Med / Large * *** ** Rottweiler Large ** *** *** Springer Spaniel Medium ** *** ** St Bernard Large ** *** *** * Requires minimal attention in this area or small amount of feed ** Requires regular attention in this area or more feed *** Requires a great deal of attention in this area or a large amount of feed 2
Taking care of your dog Dogs Need: Shelter If the dog is kept outside it will require a kennel that is warm, dry and the right size. Exercise Dogs need regular exercise. A dog should be on a leash in public areas. Be prepared to clean up after your dog in public places. Food A dog needs to be fed every day with appropriate food. Check your supply of food is hydatid*- free. Attention A dog needs to feel that it is part of the family, not just a piece of furniture. Your dog needs care, attention and socialisation. *A hydatid is tapeworm larva which can be found in uncooked food. Hydatids is also the name of a disease that can seriously affect the organ health of humans, sheep and other animals. 3
Your dog s health Vaccinations Dogs need annual vaccinations against: Distemper Hepatitis Kennel Cough Leptospirosis Parvovirus Any of these conditions can be fatal. All of these vaccinations can be given in one injection. See your vet for more information. Worming Worms can affect any dog. Puppies are more susceptible than adult dogs. People can be infected with tapeworm and round worm larvae. Remember to always wash your hands after handling a dog. See your vet or dog control officer for more information. Hydatids Control Programme Hydatids is a disease that can seriously affect the organ health of humans, sheep and other animals. It can be contracted from dogs if the hydatid tapeworm is present in a dog s intestine. The disease use to be prevalent in New Zealand but New Zealand was declared free of the disease in 1999. The hydatids control component of the previous legislation (Dog Control and Hydatids Act 1982) was removed by the Dog Control Act 1996. It is however still important to keep dogs safe from hydatids because if left untreated hydatid infestation can be fatal to humans. 4
Safe feeding for your dog There are a few simple rules you should follow to keep a dog safe from hydatids. Never feed raw offal* from any animal to your dog. Offal from domestic animals can carry the cysts of hydatids. People can carry the cysts as well. Sheep measles cysts can be in sheep and goats heads. Always cook offal if you want to feed it to a dog. Boil it until it is cooked right through. You can feed the gravy to the dog as well. Always freeze or cook sheep or goat meat. Sheep or goat meat must be frozen for a minimum of 7 days at a minimum of -10 C to ensure it is safe to feed to your dog. Don t let your dog eat anything unless you know what it is. Don t let your dog wander or scavenge. He may pick up disease or even be poisoned. If you think your dog has eaten offal or untreated sheep or goat meat, please ask your veterinarian to dose your dog. *Offal in relation to any sheep, deer, goat or swine, means the whole or any part of the contents of the head, chest, abdominal cavity or pelvic cavity. In relation to any horse or cattle offal means the lungs, liver or heart. 5
Be a responsible dog owner Owning a dog brings with it certain responsibilities unless you want to become unpopular with your friends and neighbours. You need to ensure that you register your dog before they turn three months old or when you first get them. They must be re-registered by 1 July each year. In addition you must ensure the following: Don t allow your dog to foul the streets. Don t let them bark continuously night or day. Don t let them scavenge rubbish bags. They may be impounded. Don t allow them to wander from home by themselves. They may be lost, run over or impounded. This is likely to led to you being issued an infringement fine. Don t allow them to chase people, cars, trucks or bicycles. You are responsible for any damage they cause. Don t let them bite or scare people. They may have to be destroyed. Do not allow them to enter any shop or shopping mall (unless they are a trained Guide Dog). All dogs being registered for the first time (excluding working dogs) are required to be microchipped. Dogs should be securely fenced so as to allow entry to at least one door of the residence without coming into contact with the dog. Only two dogs are to be kept on an urban property without dispensation (consent) from the Council. If you have any queries please contact your local dog control officer. 6
What your dog registration fee pays for Response to complaints involving: Barking dogs Wandering dogs Attacks made by dogs on people Attacks made by dogs on stock and other animals Animal welfare problems 24 hour on-call service (where applicable) Education programmes: In schools In relevant community groups By providing information and pamphlets By initiating education of owners of problem dogs De-sexing programme: To educate owners of the benefits of owning de-sexed dogs To encourage owners to de-sex their dogs A reduction of registration fees if your dog has been desexed 7
Impounding and pound facilities: Maintenance of a pound register Notifying known dog owners if their dog is impounded Impounding wandering dogs Re-homing suitable dogs after checking the possible home Destruction of unwanted dogs. Registrations: Keeping an up-to-date record of dogs within the District Sighting unregistered dogs in preparation for Council to prosecute offending owners Carrying out property inspections for Responsible Owner Licence (ROL) status House checks for dogs when necessary National Dog Database Note: a current registration can be transferred to any other local authority at no charge if you are moving into another district. Remember to advise the Council of the district you are moving to, and the Council of the district you are moving from. 8
Reducing Dog Bites While bites can be triggered by a person s actions or caused by a dog s environment, dog owners are legally responsible for any attack by their dog on a person or other animal. By following these tips you can reduce the likelihood of a dog biting someone. 1. Approach the dog correctly: Don t touch the dog on the back of the neck. This is a threat. Don t stand or lean over the dog. This is seen as a threat. Without leaning over, present your fist for the dog to sniff. Bring it up from below - this is neutral (non-threatening). Without leaning over, stroke the dog on its chin then chest. This is neutral. Allow the dog to come to you rather than you going into its space. Squat down with small dogs to avoid leaning over them. 2. Treat your dog kindly. 3. Where possible keep your dog inside. S/he will be better socialised to people and unusual situations. 84% of bites are caused by outside dogs. If your dog is used for guarding it can guard you better from inside the home. 4. If your dog must be outside, s/he will feel more secure in a good kennel with a run or a chain. 5. Neuter your dog. This reduces aggressive behaviour, but has no effect on protective behaviour. Most bites are caused by dogs that have not been neutered (entire dogs). 6. Teach your children to be gentle with all animals. 7. Obedience train your dog. This will make both of you happier in unfamiliar situations. 9
De-sexing your Dog Each year a number of dogs are impounded by the Council. Many are litters of unwanted pups that are left to wander the streets. Only a small percentage of owners have a dog for breeding purposes yet often dogs are left entire (not de-sexed). Advantages of de-sexing your dog: 1. Male dogs are less aggressive and less territorial. 2. Male dogs are less likely to be injured through fighting. 3. Female dogs are cleaner as they do not come on heat or have litters of pups. 4. All dogs are healthier with less chance of cancers. 5. All dogs are less likely to wander the streets. 10
Keeping your dog at home Wandering dogs can have a short life. They may be lost, stolen, hit by cars or even shot. There are several ways to keep your dog at home. Here are some recommendations: Fencing 1. Jumping dogs Install a lean-to section or outrigger atop the fence which will stop most dogs from jumping over the fence. 2. Digging out - A concrete strip under the fence with a wire an inch or two above the ground will stop this habit. 3. Avoid picket fences which can cause major injuries if a dog catches its leg between the pickets. Running leads Install a strong wire 2 metres above the ground with the dog s chain attached to a swivel on the wire. A limiting device on the wire is needed to stop the dog being tangled at the ends. Pens and runs Securing the dog in a kennel and run will prevent him wandering while you are out. Training This takes time and patience. Shout No before the dog jumps the fence, then call him to you in a quiet voice and reward him when he does so. If your dog has gone missing check with your local dog control officer to ensure your dog has not been impounded. 11
How to train your dog to stop barking There are many reasons why dogs bark. They may be seeking attention, cold, hungry or lonely. If a dog is hungry, cold or lonely, the cure is simple. Change the environment to make your dog more content. Feed the dog, give it a warm dry place to sleep, keep it close to you or put a loud clock in its bed if it is a puppy. Attention seeking is a harder to fix. If you scold the dog each time it barks, it gets the attention it wants. Unpleasant results could increase the dog s anxiety and result in the dog seeking more attention. First observe the dogs behaviour, say No, bad dog as it is about to bark. This will break its attention. Call the dog to you, say Sit. Stay, and reward the dog for the good behaviour. Denning principle If the dog barks when you are out - give it a small den such as the bathroom or laundry. Feed the dog in there so it always feels positive about the room. Train the dog by locking it in the den for about 15 minutes at feeding time. Give the dog a bone or biscuits when you lock them in the den, when leaving the house. They will then associate the den with happy feelings. We encourage you to contact one of our local dog control officers if you need further advice to help with your training. 12
Obedience training for your dog Dogs that have been trained make much better pets. This is because: dogs learn they have a place in the family pack dogs do not learn unacceptable behaviour dogs become socialised to other people and dogs training can break your dogs bad habits Obedience Clubs Check the yellow pages for details of the obedience clubs in your area. Obedient Dog = Happy Owner Knowledgeable Owner = Happy Dog 13
Taking a holiday? When going on holiday think about where your dog will go well in advance. Decide who will look after your dog Boarding Kennels - There are many reputable kennels, but bookings need to be made early. Decide on a suitable option by visiting the kennel/s. Your dog will need to be vaccinated so ensure you budget for this. Dog control officers are happy to advise owners of reputable boarding kennels. Friends and Neighbours - Dogs can get lonely so it is better to have someone in the house if your dog is remaining at your premises, or arrange for your dog to stay at a friend s place. Taking your dog on holiday Check that your holiday accommodation/destination will allow you to have your dog there. Some motels are pet-friendly and do cater for this. If you take your dog in the car during summer make sure you park in a shady area, that the windows are partly open and there is water for your dog. Make sure your dog is under control at all times or you will not be welcome next year. For any further information on any subject regarding your dog please contact your local Dog Control Officer. We are here to help. 14
Records Registration: Year Name of dog: TAG No: Vaccinations Date Type Worming Date Type Date Type 15
Contacts Your Vet: Phone No: Other contacts: SPCA Thames Ph: 07 868 6830 SPCA Waihi Ph: 07 2128128 Council s Dog Control Officer phone 0800 734 834 (freephone within the district or phone 07 862 8609 16
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Hauraki District Council PAEROA OFFICE PO Box 17, William Street, Paeroa Phone: (07) 862 8609 Fax: (07) 862 8607 www.hauraki-dc.govt.nz # 18